Savour the Flavours: Why Cascais is a Must-Visit for Food Lovers

When it comes to food, Portugal is often hailed as one of the best countries in Europe, and even the world for its gastronomic excellence. From fresh fish and chicken peri-peri to delectable custard tarts, there’s endless delicious experiences to explore. Those seeking a lesser-known culinary adventure need look no further than the town of Cascais. Located just 30 minutes from Lisbon on the Portuguese Riviera, Cascais is a veritable paradise for food lovers. Find out more on some of the best foodie offerings in the area below. 

Best for casual dining 

Led by chef Vítor Sobral, considered to be the pioneer of modern Portuguese cuisine, Lota da Esquina can be found in the heart of Cascais bay in a former auction building. Only seasonal ingredients from certified origins and local origins are used here, with fruit and vegetables from the Quinta do Pisão vegetable garden incorporated in the dishes. The restaurant is based upon three key concepts; fish (Mar), meat Terra) and a bar for dancing afterwards. 

Best for fine dining 

Located just outside of Cascais, Fortaleza do Guincho is a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the ocean and Cabo da Rocha, the most westerly point of Europe. Since 2018, the restaurant has been overseen by Portuguese chef, Gil Fernandes, who specialises in the freshest fish and seafood, drawing inspiration from the restaurant’s aquatic backdrop. The restaurant recently underwent an extensive refurbishment and reopened in March, making now the perfect time to pay a visit to this local institution. 

Best for seafood 

Spearheaded by one of the most renowned Portuguese chefs and restaurateurs, José Avillez, Maré is the place to eat at for the most exquisite seafood. Housed in a formerly abandoned building by the sea, the restaurant pays tribute to Cascais, being Avillez’s birthplace. Menu highlights are the marinated corvina with red onion and avocado, traditional Bulhão Pato clams or fresh Sea Bass, highlighting the restaurant’s commitment to offering a contemporary twist on traditional Portuguese fish and seafood. 

Best for a sweet tooth 

Whilst it is of course essential to sample some of the famous Portuguese Pastéis de Nata, a trip to Cascais would not be complete without a visit to ice cream shop, Santini. Widely considered to be Portugal’s best ice cream parlour, Santini first opened in Tamariz beach in Estoril back in 1949 by Attilio Santini, an Italian that moved to the area. There are now two shops in Cascais open all-year round, with changing flavours every day. It’s the fruit flavours that are the real highlight here, with Portuguese fruit used, apart from the tropical flavours. There are more than 200 recipes being safely guarded by Santini, only known by their ice cream experts. 

Best for hands-on cooking 

Looking to make some Portuguese delicacies firsthand? The Cascais Food Lab offers a range of cooking classes, workshops and tastings. Located in the heart of Mercado da Vila where a weekly fresh produce market takes place every week, the lab utilises the freshest and most special ingredients. Visitors can take part in introductory cooking classes if they are complete kitchen novices, or learn how to make some of Cascais’ traditional dishes that are influenced by the mountains and the sea. There are also wine tasting experiences for those wishing to learn more about Carcavelos Wine.  

Best for celebrating food 

From Friday 20th until Sunday 22nd September, the food and music festival, Chefs on Fire, will return to Cascais for its sixth edition. The event will see a number of renowned national and international chefs showcasing their artistry over open flames by cooking exclusively with fire, smoke and firewood, around the fire pit, turning the simplest of ingredients into masterpieces of flavour. Festival goers are invited to sample the top-quality food around large communal tables whilst listening to live performances from some of the most promising Portuguese musicians. 

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Editors notes

Historically a refuge for Portuguese nobility during WWII, and now an elegant blend of 19th-century architecture and traditional Portuguese charm, Cascais is a veritable paradise for those seeking endless culture, sun and sand. The historic wealth of Cascais’ royal past is still visible on every winding cobbled street, with grand palaces and extravagant villas dotted in between boutiques and classic eateries. A yet undiscovered region of Portugal that is just 20 minutes by train from Portugal’s capital of Lisbon, the charming cultural town of Cascais and neighbouring palatial Sintra offer a welcome escape for a more refined, relaxed escape.