Cascais is a gorgeous coastal town located on the central western coast of Portugal, only 19 miles away from Lisbon. Steeped in history, the area is brimming with breathtaking architecture, beautiful nature, and plenty of adventures, including great culinary haunts. Due to its location, there is fresh seafood aplenty, however, you’ll also find other delicious options, so read on to discover some of the best restaurants, cafes and more in Cascais.
Earning its first Michelin star in 2001, Fortaleza Do Guincho is a must-visit for anyone with a refined palate looking to savor some of the best cuisine in the city. A recipient of many other awards, including an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, this restaurant and bar, located inside the hotel of the same name, is an experience like no other, complete with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and Cabo da Roca. The menu often changes to reflect the freshest ingredients, which includes succulent seafood such as crab served with fermented cabbage and beetroot and monkfish with green peas, traditional sausages and ‘Cozido’ sauce. Be sure to visit Fortaleza Do Guincho for lunch or dinner any day of the week.
If you need a break from all the seafood and fish you’ll find in Cascais, then be sure to try Os Bordallos where you can feast on a variety of big, juicy burgers. With over a dozen varieties of burgers on the menu, including meat, vegetarian and fish varieties, everyone in the family is sure to find something to whet their appetite. Meat lovers should try the O Portugués with a beef patty, garlic, Serrano ham, fried egg, parsley and Portuguese sauce, while the vegetarians will be happy with the A Paródia, a patty made with green beans, corn, carrots and zucchini with lime mayonnaise. Os Bordallos is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Os Bordallos, 430 Rua Marques Leal Pancada, 28C, Cascais, Portugal, +351 21 825 9911
Restaurante Armazém 22 is the perfect place to go for a succulent steak. The cozy interior adorned with dark wood and warm, deep colors makes it an excellent choice whether you’re looking to splurge a bit with family and friends or to enjoy a romantic night out with a loved one. Begin your meal with an appetizer such as fried squid with tomato sauce or a fresh Caprese salad, followed by the main event, with something like the prime rib or the Angus aged rib eye steak, both of which are served with a green salad and French fries. If you have room left over for something sweet, be sure to try the papaya with vanilla ice cream and cassis liqueur. This fine-dining gem is open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.
Restaurante Armazém 22, Rua dos Navegantes 22, Cascais, Portugal, +351 21 482 2340
Sometimes you just need to cool off, especially after walking around all day seeing the sights that beautiful Cascais has to offer. Santini offers the perfect little retreat with its heavenly ice cream. Over 60 years ago, Attilio Santini opened the eponymous Santini to offer visitors creamy and delicious ice cream. Today, this growing regional chain features sleek white and red interiors where guests can relax while sampling tasty options such as abacaxi com hortelã, or pineapple sorbet with fresh mint, acai with banana, hazelnut, and fig, to name but a few. You’ll also find drinks, including those with alcohol, and candies. Open daily from 11 AM, this spot is a sweet lover’s paradise.
Santini, Avenida Valbom, 28 F, Cascais, Portugal, +351 21 483 3709