Although Mexican cuisine is increasingly popular in Portugal, Cascais doesn't have many Mexican restaurants. The good news is that there is now one more: Azteca opened its doors at Mercado da Vila on March 11, taking the place of the former Gulli.
This is a project by entrepreneur Ricardo Bernardo, the man behind the nightclub and bar Oficina das Artes, who, according to manager Gonçalo Fernandes, is "crazy about Mexican food" and didn't think twice when this opportunity arose. The idea was to create a differentiated Mexican restaurant that offered alternative options to the classics. They ended up designing a series of fusion dishes, created by chef Edgar Mendes de Almeida, which include Portuguese ingredients or those from other regions.
Check out the taco pulpito (€6.50), a white corn tortilla with low-temperature confit octopus, crispy chorizo, salad, pico de gallo, balsamic vinaigrette, and cilantro sprouts; or the taco tataki (€6), featuring sesame oil-fried tuna, papaya, salad, homemade teriyaki sauce, and cilantro sprouts.
In the taco section, you'll also find options like the Nopalitos (€6), beer-battered Malquerida (a creation by the famous chef Ferran Adriá, served on tap at the restaurant) with guacamole, salad, pico de gallo, and fresh cheese; or the Al Pastor (€5.50), with pork marinated in spices, cheese, salad, guacamole, homemade pineapple chutney, and cilantro sprouts.
There are also plenty of quesadillas, such as the shrimp with garlic and spices, avocado, red onion, and mozzarella cheese (€14); the Huitlacoche, with mushrooms of the same name and button mushrooms, along with red onion, Mexican oregano, and mozzarella cheese (€13); or the Birria, with beef stewed in chili adobo, red onion, and mozzarella cheese (€15).
Additionally, there are a variety of alambres and starters — highlights include the classic white and blue corn totopos with guacamole and cheddar cheese sauce (€13); the Camarões do Inferno (€16.50), sautéed in chili paste, garlic, and lime, served with tortillas and white rice; the padrón peppers (€12), here stuffed with cheese and wrapped in ham; and breaded jalapeño peppers with cream cheese and served with sweet and sour or barbecue sauce (€10).
As for the more substantial dishes, here referred to as "strong" dishes — which are harder to find on the menus of Mexican restaurants in Portugal — you can order a portion of grilled Uruguayan maminha steak seasoned with spices, flambeed in mescal, and served with fried banana chips (€17.50); Azteca Chilli, made with beef in tomato sauce, chilis, and beans, with rice, fresh cheese, and coriander sprouts (€15); shakshuka enchiladas, with scrambled egg, fried onion, and coriander sprouts (€14); or San Pedro a la Veracruz, a triggerfish in a tomato-based sauce with peppers, garlic, spices, and black olive powder, served with boiled potatoes (€16).
Don't dare leave the market without trying the churros, crepes, or Maria Maria (€4.50), a dessert made with avocado, yogurt, condensed milk, and lime with cookie crumble. And accompany everything with the many margaritas, tequilas, and mezcal served at the bar in colorful glasses.
With 36 seats in the dining room, plus 28 on the terrace (which is sheltered as it overlooks the interior of the market), they are already considering adding new dishes to the menu starting in May. However, for now, these are the Mexican offerings they aim to win over the clientele in Cascais.
Rua Padre Moisés da Silva, 53, Cascais