The best pastry shops in Cascais

Away from the bustle of central Cascais, Melt was created to serve artisan sourdough bread. But that’s not all: it also makes French viennoiserie and signature pastries with less sugar. Founded by Vanda Vavercakova and inspired by the modern bakeries of northern Europe, it combines speciality coffee and gluten-free options in a calm setting designed for the local community. When you visit, don’t forget to order the caramel cruffin – a cross between a muffin and a croissant. You can thank us later.

When Carolina Sales arrived in Portugal, she brought a decade of experience and a loyal following from across the Atlantic. It didn’t take long for her fine patisserie to start turning heads – and not only because of the brigadeiros that started it all, but also thanks to her homemade cakes, tarts, cookies and even a healthier fit range. The Estoril shop has a romantic charm and welcomes customers from early morning until the end of the day. Breakfast and brunch options include pancakes and waffles, croissants, bagels, yoghurt, açaí and, of course, cake. For lighter meals throughout the day – because there’s more to this place than sweets – there are quiches and daily specials, also available as part of a lunch menu.

Ask anyone from the Cascais coast about Pastelaria Ribeiro and they’re bound to have something to say about its homemade cakes – which, truth be told, do your waistline no favours – whether eaten at the counter or ordered for a birthday party. With more than a century of history, it is run by the Nunes family and has served several generations of customers. Some praise the pastéis de nata and Hungarian biscuits, others wait for the right occasion to order a birthday cake, while some count down the days until Christmas to pick up a bolo-rei. It is apparently Miguel Esteves Cardoso’s favourite: writing in Público in 2017, he described it as ‘sumptuously traditional’, ‘tall and fluffy, a cloud of perfectly soaked raisins, without the coarse patches of white sugar people now use to save a few cents’.

Known for its cheeses and cured meats, Cantinho da Luísa has locations at Mercado da Vila in Cascais and Vale de Santa Rita in Estoril. Sandwiches, toasties, buttered toast, savoury snacks and assorted pastries are its speciality, and plenty of customers make the most of the wide selection for a quick or lighter meal. Cantinho da Luísa also stocks a sizeable range of regional products to take home.

Only the quality of what they serve can explain the success of Pastelaria Girassol, which has locations in São João do Estoril, São Pedro do Estoril, Parede, and Carcavelos. They sell cakes, pastries, croissants, and homemade biscuits. They are particularly renowned for their pastéis de nata, birthday cakes, and the special editions they offer during festive seasons such as Christmas and Easter.

French brand Paul arrived in Cascais in 2017, taking over one of the town’s prime locations opposite the town hall and its famous bay. As you’d expect from a French bakery and pastry shop, it’s a good place to try a baguette, croissant or one of the house’s delicious viennoiseries. Burgers and salads are also available if you’re after something more substantial.