The 9th edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World is on its way, this year spotlighting the theme "Mediterranean Diet and Rooted Cuisine: Health and Tradition". In Portugal, the event is spearheaded by the Italian Embassy in Lisbon, aiming to celebrate and highlight Italy's rich culinary traditions — long intertwined with Portuguese culture — while promoting Italian entrepreneurship in the national food and wine sector.
From north to south, including the islands, all 57 participants — ranging from restaurants and bars to pizzerias, gelaterias, importers, and distributors—have created an exclusive dish unavailable on their regular menu, only available during the event. To help navigate through the many options, the interactive digital map "Italy at the Table: A Guide to Italian Cuisine in Portugal" has been launched. With just a few clicks, you can find the perfect spot and its unique offering.
Zoom in on Cascais, and you’ll discover plenty of tempting options to explore over the next few days. Kickstart the week at Mana Cascais, where you can indulge in a pinsa topped with mortadella, pistachio pesto cream, burrata, and crushed pistachios. Feeling uninspired to cook at home? Let Taberna Clandestina wow you with their fresh spaghetti alla chitarra with squid ink sauce and prawns. And for a standout fish dish, head to Don Alfonso 1890 to try their rombo alla puttanesca, steamed turbot wrapped in savoy cabbage with puttanesca sauce and mixed greens. You can also indulge in Belvedere's tribute menu to the White Truffle of Alba and savour dishes like risotto allo spumante or linguine mantecate with the "queen of the peak" and 30-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
This ninth edition beautifully blends pleasure with purpose. Restaurants showcase their specialties, while diners may discover new favourites and places they'll undoubtedly return to, eager to explore the rest of the menu. Buon appetito.