Kappo
Arlei Lima
Arlei Lima

10 romantic restaurants in Cascais

To celebrate a special date, to impress the (future) soul mate or just to try a new restaurant, a list of good spaces for dinner for two

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In a land bathed by the Atlantic, fulfilling the cliché of a romantic meal by the sea is easily achieved. This list, compiling the best restaurants for a dinner for two, features excellent examples of the genre—whether in a glass-enclosed dining room, a private balcony, or a terrace almost perched on the rocks. But that's not all: picturesque tables, private rooms, high-cuisine menus, restaurants with dimly lit atmospheres, live music, and even one with a dessert trolley brought to the customer's table. Not forgetting good wine cellars, because a dinner for two calls for toasts – and plenty of them.

Recommended: The best hotels in Cascais

Love is served

  • Cascais

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.

  • Cascais
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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.

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  • Seafood

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.

  • Snack bars

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.

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  • Global

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.

  • Global

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.

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  • Pizza
  • Cascais
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

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.

  • Haute cuisine

No roundup of romantic restaurants would be complete without a Michelin-starred venue. Fortaleza do Guincho, long-standing holder of a Michelin star in Cascais, offers an unforgettable and special dining experience. Known for its resilience against changing chefs and its unbeatable view of the wild Guincho sea, the menu is a deep dive into the Atlantic. The wine cellar boasts an impressive selection to pair with your meal. Note: The restaurant and hotel are closed until March 18 for well-deserved renovations.

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  • Japanese

Nestled among the narrow alleys of the old town, with a quaint terrace and numerous candles, Confraria has been one of the most romantic restaurants in Cascais for years. Don't be misled by its colorful interior; the ambiance is always right for sushi for two.

  • Mediterranean
  • Cascais

Fulfilling the long-time dream of actor Lourenço Ortigão, Villa Sabóia in Monte Estoril is a "sushi & gin bar" spread over two floors and three rooms, offering complete privacy. It serves "Mediterranean cuisine" with a variety of fish and meat dishes, along with sushi.

More restaurants in Cascais

The most important thing when it comes to eating fish is its freshness. But the art of behind its preparation, to ensure the ingredients are not damaged, is also important to the true connoisseur. And, finally, good service also helps a good meal taste even better. Cascais, home of seafarers, combines all three conditions in its many restaurants. In a town in which fish is king and master, with species such as sole, stone bass, octopus and white seabream caught offshore - and don't even get us started on the shellfish - it is important to know the best places in Cascais to dine on fish. Here we offer you seven good options – one for each day of the week.

In Cascais there are a number of restaurants and cafes that have surrendered to the great late breakfast - most have a sea view for photos with idyllic scenery and a plentiful table. From hotel breakfasts where you are entitled to everything and more showcooking show to the smallest cafes with minimalist or Nordic options, as well as healthy cuisine and spaces for kids to run and play, in this list you will find many options for brunches in Cascais and different weekend programs. At the end of the meal, go to the seaside meals and finish off with a dip in one of these beaches.

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Three sweet treats to try in Cascais
Three sweet treats to try in Cascais

"Cascaenses" have been conquering the hearts of their visitors through their food. And we don't just mean the hottest tables in town, but also some of the incredible and mouth-watering desserts you can have while you are there. Moreover, Cascais is home to the most famous ice-cream shop in Portugal that has now spread out to Lisbon and even Porto. If you are craving some sugar, or are just in the mood for some dessert, look no further. 

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