The most romantic restaurants in Cascais

In 2024, Grande Real Villa Itália in Cascais was named Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards. So, what better way to embrace la dolce vita than through the flavours of Belvedere restaurant? The space was renovated just last year with a new concept—one that honours the history of the palace, originally built as the residence of Italy’s last king, Umberto II, while also embracing the traditional service of an Italian ristorante. That doesn’t mean it’s stuck in the past, though: the dishes come with contemporary twists, and the space has been redesigned to feel brighter and airier, with white and blue tones and an abundance of greenery that enhances the dining experience. The goal is to maintain the elegance that naturally defines the building, but with a more relaxed approach.

Dine in the beautiful private garden of a century-old mansion, with classic menu and service—a beautiful plan for two. The Bougain Restaurant & Garden Bar, located on the lower floor of the Casa da Pérgola boutique hotel, exudes romance from every perspective, even in the cozy interior decorated with velvets, plants, and warm light. Share the carabineiro rice with your better half and finish with profiteroles with hot chocolate.

With its low red-toned lighting, discreet service, surprising dishes, and the counter – oh, the romance of eating side by side instead of face to face – Kappo is one of the most special places in Cascais. In Tiago Penão's high-end Japanese cuisine restaurant, it's best to enjoy the romantic ambiance without worrying about what to order: go for the omakase menu (€110) and see that you're in good hands.

The secret is to study the sun’s movements and get to the restaurant early before the sun sets and turns the sea golden (awww!). Of course, the restaurant also has its charms at night, but those tables above the rocks and the sea, where boats once fished for lobster, are more charming when there is still some natural light. The trick is to book tables near the windows or, on hot days, a table on the terrace.

Hífen wins the prize for the most romantic balcony in town. Or we should say balconies. There are three, with small tables for two and rounded ceilings that make them even more picturesque. The view of Cascais Bay, the outline of the coast to infinity (and beyond) and a menu designed with dishes to be shared help make this the perfect meal for two. And don’t forget to order one of the house cocktails, either as an aperitif or as a digestif, as you watch the sea and whisper cheesy things to each other.

Sophisticated and with attentive service, Aires offers an elegant and immersive journey to Argentina without leaving Monte Estoril. It features the traditional (and highly acclaimed) Argentinian cuts of meat, as well as local wines, but also serves regional specialities that are rarely found elsewhere. From empanadas to desserts with dulce de leche, it promises a delightful dinner for two.

The romantic nature of this restaurant begins with the accent used in the choice of main course: moules et frites (mussels and chips, but remember to order in French, thank you very much), and then the menu itself, which is mostly mussels served in different ways – and we’re not quite sure why, but there’s something romantic about shellfish. And then the drink that gives the restaurant the other half of its name: gin. There are many different labels to choose from, all served in balloon glasses. And it continues on the terrace, which is full of tables for two and small candles to complete the atmosphere.

It already existed in Rio de Janeiro and opened in March 2024 right in the center of Cascais. Designed by Brazilian chef Nelson Soares, it focuses on Italian cuisine, mainly inspired by transalpine influences, but with a concept influenced by Nordic minimalism, where each dish has, at most, five basic ingredients. In Rio de Janeiro, the kitchen is completely open. There, as they couldn't tear down the structural wall separating the kitchen from the dining area, they opted for a differentiating solution: they have a triangular table at the kitchen's entrance where they finish preparing and plating all dishes, in full view of the customers. Sult also offers an extensive wine list, with many references from small producers.

If your soul mate is a history buff, then this is the restaurant for them. It was a meeting place for spies, royals, famous writers and politicians, all of whom were faithful followers of the Galician and French specialties prepared by the Cimas family. It’s also the right place to share one of those old-school romantic dishes, like clam gratin, or grouper in a clay pot (cherne na canoa), which can be finished off with crepes suzette made on a cart in front of the diners. The fireplace helps make the whole experience more welcoming.

Who says romance only aligns with sophisticated food, luxury service, dim lights, and three-digit bills? Sometimes, all a relationship needs is an honest, welcoming, and comfortable place with friendly service and top-quality ingredients. Lambrettazzurra offers all this, along with the best Neapolitan pizzas in town, perfectly complemented by fine red wine or draft Italian beer.