Sonae Sierra launched River Deck with a €9 million investment to address a clear market demand: transforming the traditional Shopping Centre food court into a modern lifestyle destination. Located on a 1,162 sqm renovated terrace of Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, River Deck was originally conceived for 3 restaurants but quickly expanded to 15 operators, many making their debut in a Shopping Centre environment.
This bold expansion reflects not only strong demand but also Sierra’s vision of creating a dining experience that goes far beyond convenience.
River Deck’s design draws inspiration from luxury yachts and contemporary, trendy food halls.
The space integrates modern architecture, abundant natural light, and panoramic river views, complemented by covered seating areas that ensure comfort throughout the year. Its flexible layout supports a variety of uses, from quick lunches to long social gatherings, as well as co-working and co-study sessions, facilitated by communal tables, sockets, and wireless charging stations. The result is an atmosphere that blends functionality with a welcoming and vibrant mood.
The curated gastronomic offer is both diverse and innovative, spanning Portuguese, Brazilian, Asian, European and international cuisines. This mix ensures that River Deck appeals equally to executives, families, students, and tourists, while modern amenities such as wireless charging and communal seating elevate the overall experience.
River Deck has already demonstrated outstanding performance. Upon launch, it achieved 100% occupancy, a clear indicator of its attractiveness to operators. Between November 2024 and January 2025, space recorded traffic growth, 12% higher than the overall centre average, highlighting its role as a key visitor magnet. During the same period, the Turnover Ratio (ToR) reached 8% of revenue over net base rent, reinforcing its strong revenue-generating potential.
More than just a food court, River Deck represents a new benchmark in dining within retail environments. By combining innovative design, a curated gastronomic mix, and a customer-centric atmosphere, the project redefines the role of food courts, positioning Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre as a pioneering hub for gastronomy, leisure, and lifestyle in Lisbon.