Best Places to Eat in Cascais, Portugal: A Foodie’s Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Imagine stepping off a sun-drenched promenade in Cascais, the salty sea breeze carrying the scent of freshly grilled sardines. Around you, locals gather at pastelarias for their afternoon espresso and pastel de nata, while travelers pore over menus featuring cataplana, tuna tartare, and decadent pastries.

Cascais is more than just a postcard-perfect coastal town near Lisbon-it’s also a rising star in Portugal’s culinary map. With its blend of authentic Portuguese flavors, creative chefs reimagining classics, and a surprising amount of international options, Cascais offers something for every kind of traveler.

This guide dives into the best places to eat in Cascais, Portugal, from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual taverns where the daily catch goes straight from the fisherman’s net to your plate. Along the way, you’ll learn about must-try dishes, insider dining tips, and how to eat like a local in this charming seaside destination.

1. Why Cascais is a Culinary Hotspot

Cascais wasn’t always the chic, cosmopolitan town it is today. Historically, it was a humble fishing village that gained fame in the late 19th century when Portuguese royalty began summering along its shores. With royal attention came prosperity, and soon the town transformed into a destination that attracted Lisbon elites, international travelers, and eventually global food lovers.

What makes Cascais special for foodies?

The ocean’s pantry: Situated on the Atlantic, Cascais is synonymous with fresh seafood. Sardines grilled on open flames, buttery clams cooked in garlic and white wine, and octopus stewed until tender are all staples.
Portuguese traditions with a twist: While rooted in classics like bacalhau and caldo verde, many chefs in Cascais reinterpret these dishes with contemporary flair.
A cosmopolitan edge: The town’s growing expat community has fueled an explosion of international restaurants-from Japanese sushi bars to Italian trattorias.
Food festivals: Events like Peixe em Lisboa (Lisbon Fish Festival) and summer street food fairs spill into Cascais, offering seasonal delicacies and vibrant energy.

For food lovers, Cascais provides a perfect balance: authentic local experiences with the excitement of international variety.

2. Best Seafood Restaurants in Cascais

If you only eat one type of cuisine in Cascais, let it be seafood. This is the heart of the town’s culinary identity, and the options range from upscale to casual, but always fresh.

Mar do Inferno

Perched near the famous Boca do Inferno cliffs, Mar do Inferno is almost a pilgrimage site for seafood enthusiasts. Portions are famously generous, and the menu is a parade of Atlantic delights: lobster, tiger prawns, and clams that taste like the ocean itself.

Don’t miss: The mixed seafood grill-perfect for sharing.
Atmosphere: Bustling, family-friendly, and full of energy.

Baía do Peixe

Baía do Peixe is beloved for its “rodízio de peixe,” or fish all-you-can-eat concept. Waiters circulate with trays of different fish-sardines, swordfish, salmon-ensuring your plate never stays empty.

Pro tip: Go hungry. The portions are endless.
Pair with: A crisp glass of Vinho Verde, the slightly sparkling green wine of northern Portugal.

Hifen

Trendy and modern, Hifen caters to those who love seafood but crave innovation. Think tuna tataki with sesame, ceviche with tropical flavors, and craft cocktails that complement the menu perfectly.

Best for: Young travelers, couples, and digital nomads looking for a stylish evening.
Insider vibe: Minimalist interiors, casual yet chic.

3. Traditional Portuguese Restaurants in Cascais

Seafood aside, Cascais is also a place to savor hearty Portuguese classics. Family-owned taverns, known locally as tascas, are where you’ll find comfort food recipes passed down through generations.

A Nova Estrela

Tucked away on a side street, A Nova Estrela is the kind of restaurant you’d miss if you weren’t looking for it. But those in the know flock here for dishes like bacalhau à brás (cod mixed with potatoes and eggs) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).

Why go: Friendly service, hearty portions, and a truly local feel.

O Pescador

A slightly more refined take on traditional dining, O Pescador blends elegance with authenticity. Cataplana, a seafood stew cooked in a distinctive copper pot, is a highlight.

Best paired with: A glass of robust Portuguese red wine.

Must-Try Classics in Cascais

Grilled sardines: Typically enjoyed outdoors during June festivals.
Caldo verde: A comforting kale soup with chouriço.
Petiscos: Portuguese-style tapas, perfect for sharing.

4. Fine Dining and Michelin-Recommended Restaurants

For those willing to splurge, Cascais delivers world-class dining experiences.

Fortaleza do Guincho

Set inside a 17th-century fortress overlooking the Atlantic, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers more than a meal-it’s a culinary journey. The menu merges French technique with Portuguese ingredients.

Experience: Tasting menus with expertly curated wine pairings.
Highlight: Dining as waves crash against the cliffs below.

Porto Santa Maria

A haven for seafood lovers with sophisticated palates. Porto Santa Maria is renowned for its refined take on the classics, complemented by one of the most impressive wine cellars in Portugal.

Fine dining here isn’t just about indulgence; it’s about celebrating the artistry of Portuguese gastronomy in unforgettable settings.

5. International Cuisine in Cascais

Cascais may be deeply Portuguese, but it’s also international at heart. Thanks to its popularity with tourists and expats, the global dining scene is thriving.

Confraria: A sushi bar that’s consistently ranked among the best in the Lisbon region. Expect fusion rolls, sashimi, and creative cocktails.
Lambrettazzurra Pizzeria: Family-friendly Italian with wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta.
Armazém 22: A stylish Mediterranean spot offering everything from risotto to tapas with a global twist.

Whether you’re craving sushi, pizza, or a Mediterranean feast, Cascais delivers variety without compromising on quality.

6. Budget-Friendly & Casual Eats

Not every meal has to be Michelin-starred, and sometimes the best experiences come from casual, inexpensive bites.

Local Gems for Cheap Eats

Pastelarias: Start your morning with a coffee and pastel de nata for under €2.
Santini Gelati: Founded in 1949, Santini is iconic-some even say it’s the best ice cream in Portugal.
House of Wonders: A vegetarian café with a rooftop terrace, colorful décor, and healthy, hearty meals.

Insider tip: Walk a few blocks away from the main square. Prices drop, and you’ll stumble upon tiny taverns where locals gather for affordable set menus.

7. Best Cafés & Brunch Spots in Cascais

Cascais has embraced café culture, making it ideal for both digital nomads and leisurely travelers.

Fauna & Flora Cascais: Trendy and Instagram-ready, with dishes like shakshuka, açai bowls, and fluffy pancakes.
Furnas do Guincho Café: Coffee with a view doesn’t get better than this-perched above the waves, it’s perfect for a quiet moment.
Boca do Inferno Cafés: Small but scenic cafés near the famous cliffs, perfect for a snack break during sightseeing.

8. Sweet Treats & Desserts in Cascais

Portugal’s dessert culture is legendary, and Cascais has its share of delights.

Garrett Bakery: Specializes in queijadas (cheese tarts) and travesseiros (almond-filled pastries).
Pastelarias everywhere: Each one has its own twist on classics, so don’t hesitate to sample.
Seasonal Sweets: Try bolo-rei (King’s Cake) at Christmas or filhós (fried pastries) during festivals.

For many visitors, the challenge isn’t finding dessert-it’s resisting the urge to eat it after every meal.

9. Insider Tips for Dining in Cascais

To truly eat like a local, keep these tips in mind:

Timing matters: Lunch is usually from 12:30–3:00 pm, dinner from 7:30–10:30 pm. Don’t expect restaurants to serve early dinners.
Make reservations: Especially in summer when crowds peak.
Try petiscos: Think Portuguese tapas-perfect for variety and sharing.
Budget smartly:
Local café breakfast: €5 or less.
Casual lunch: €10–15.
Mid-range dinner: €20–30.
Fine dining experience: €80+.
Bread, olives, cheese: These often appear at the start of a meal. They’re not free, but they’re worth it.

Conclusion

Cascais isn’t just a beach escape-it’s a destination where every meal tells a story. From bustling seafood restaurants like Mar do Inferno to the elegance of Fortaleza do Guincho, from pastelarias offering buttery pastries to vibrant brunch cafés, the town caters to all tastes and budgets.

Food here isn’t just about flavor-it’s about community, tradition, and the experience of savoring life by the sea.

So whether you’re planning a day trip from Lisbon or a week-long stay, make sure to leave room in your itinerary (and stomach) for Cascais’ culinary treasures. You’ll walk away with not only beautiful memories but also a newfound appreciation for Portugal’s rich food culture.

Have you dined in Cascais? Share your favorite spots in the comments-we’d love to hear your foodie stories!