Between dives... The best beach terraces on the coast

Before the summer of 2022, it was just an ordinary beach bar, with plastic chairs and beer brand umbrellas. Since then, La Plage has established itself as one of the most pleasant and elegant spots on Carcavelos Beach, with careful decoration matching the beach tones, and a menu that sets it apart. They have maintained their focus on traditional Portuguese food, but they cook their accompaniments mainly in a French style — no wonder, given the owner and manager are from that country. Grilled fish is always in demand, but they also serve a surprising octopus with chimichurri sauce (21€), with sweet potato purée and a hint of orange; or a shrimp moqueca with coconut rice and crunchy farofa (18€).

On the rooftop, they have their own menu and host bands for relaxed sunset music sessions — closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except between June and August when it's available every day. "Carcavelos deserved this, our mission was to build a restaurant where we would want to go," explains the manager, Benoît Delachaux.

Whatever your plan, EMMA is likely to fit perfectly. The restaurant at Praia da Conceição in Cascais is ideal for a snack on beach days, but it’s also a great option for lunch or dinner with a sea view, without stepping onto the sand. It’s suitable for family outings as well as for a romantic dinner for two. And it’s no coincidence: everything has been designed to meet the needs of this popular area, right on the beach with a view of Cascais Bay.

You can enjoy dishes like octopus salad, crispy garden vegetables, fried cuttlefish with coriander mayonnaise, garlic prawns, a fried veal steak with demi-glace sauce and Port wine, sautéed mushrooms and gratin potatoes, or duck breast with celeriac purée, glazed green vegetables, and rosemary-flavoured jus. The American-style red berry cheesecake is the perfect ending to a warm day.

A classic is a classic, and Bar do Guincho was trendy even before sunset parties became a lifestyle. Located on Praia do Guincho, on the Abano side, this restaurant is a must-visit in town, welcoming everyone with the same relaxed vibe: whether you’re there for a proper grilled fish lunch with knife and fork or just want to snack between dips in the sea. The menu features essential dishes like Guincho-style clams, Padrón peppers, octopus salad, ham and cheese toast with a fried egg, or cones of French fries. To drink, there are natural juices, sparkling sangria, wine, and beer (including a few craft options).

During the high season, a small satellite location is set up on the dunes so beachgoers don’t even have to climb the stairs to the restaurant. Long live Bar do Guincho.

It’s everything you want from a beachside terrace: simple, relaxed, and right on the sand. The specialty at Esplanada de São Pedro is pizza, with the bestseller being the São Pedro (11,50€), which includes mushrooms, chicken, banana, and pineapple. You can also try the burgers (served in a bun or on a plate), hot dogs, salads, sandwiches, toasties, some steaks, and ice creams. It’s the perfect spot for a light meal by the sea, and to enjoy a good sangria.

Five years ago, Adamastor from the Alfama viewpoint decided to spend the summer at Praia da Parede and set up shop there, bringing along their own craft beer and world cuisine – from the Portuguese-speaking African countries to Germany, including Vietnamese specialties. Ultimately, any meal pairs well with the view and proximity to the beach. On Fridays, they host DJ sets at sunset, and on Saturdays and Sundays, they usually have live concerts.

A beach restaurant doesn’t have to serve only grilled fish and seafood. Opíparo proves this, having served reinvented traditional Portuguese cuisine since 2010. Dishes include seared fresh cod with sweet potato, turnip greens, and tomato chutney (13,85€), and duck puff pastry with caramelised apple in Madeira wine (13,30€). Naturally, there are also sandwiches, toasties, and snacks to share.

If there's one thing the Capricciosas along the coast can’t complain about, it’s their locations: the one in Carcavelos is right on the beach (at the end closest to Lisbon); the one in Cascais has a balcony with a view of Duquesa Beach. But it’s the Carcavelos location that fits best on this list, with its own beach lounge. With beds, umbrellas, and loungers that will make you want to stay all day, it almost feels like a private beach. The cocktail menu at this seaside pizzeria is also refreshing, from the Forest Mojito to the Sunset, with various sizes, from the smallest glass to the XXL jug, holding 3 litres, perfect for sharing.

Glória was born on the site of the former Azimut, one of the oldest beach restaurants on the promenade linking Estoril to Cascais, just opposite Praia das Moitas. The restaurant has a revamped image and menu, which focuses on Portuguese cuisine but with a series of contemporary twists and international ingredients.

This snack bar at Avencas serves as a beachside café. It has a terrace overlooking the beach, perfect for the hottest hours or for enjoying the sea breeze in the late afternoon. They serve chicken or banana toasties to stave off hunger between swims, along with natural juices, all without breaking the bank. On warm summer nights, it also functions as a bar.

On Cascais Paredão (esplanade), between Tamariz and Poça beaches, you will find this basic restaurant that serves up good freshly-grilled fish. With its English menu it could look like a tourist trap, but the locals who visit are a guarantee you'll be in good company here - and that also goes for the food that arrives on your plate.