In April 2022, Vítor Sobral unveiled Lota da Esquina, one of his most ambitious projects yet, set within the Docapesca building by Cascais Bay. Spanning around 2,000 square metres and accommodating up to 200 guests, the space was divided into three concepts: a fish restaurant, a meat restaurant, and a bar with room for dancing. Just over two years later, it’s time to rethink and redefine its direction. Lota da Esquina is now closed for renovations and a concept overhaul.
"We’re readjusting the spaces to what we believe will work best in Cascais", the chef tells Time Out, predicting a reopening around "April/May" with a brand-new concept. "The new project will feature several concepts in a different format", he adds, keeping things under wraps for now. "The new purpose of Lota lies in its central location and the diversity of what it should offer. Previously, we had two products on offer – the new project will feature anywhere from five to eight options."
On the reasons behind the change, Vítor Sobral doesn’t shy away from mentioning the size of the space, acknowledging the challenge it presents. However, he goes further, pointing out some of the difficulties encountered over time, such as the lack of proper lighting outside the venue. "It’s a combination of factors that created challenges for our project."
In this redefinition, the chef explains he’s not alone, working as part of a team shaping the new direction. He also issues a small reminder: "Our ambition requires collaboration from Cascais Town Hall". "The key message to remember is that Lota isn’t closing – Lota will reopen with new concepts that are better suited to the space."