The best terraces in Cascais to enjoy the cold months

Ah, with this cold, nothing would beat being in Brazil. If that’s not an option, Bossa is a restaurant with a slice of Brazil, while also offering dishes from around the world. Open all day, from morning till night, it’s also renowned for its brunch. Occupying a large area at Cascais Marina, it boasts a fully sheltered and beautifully inviting terrace. Things heat up on Sundays, with its feijoada bean stew.

Whatever the plan, EMMA is sure to fit like a glove. This restaurant is located on Praia da Conceição beach in Cascais and is perfect for beachside snacks. It is also a great option for lunch or dinner with a sea view, without having to step out onto the sand. It is ideal for families with children, romantic dates, or as a starting point for a winter stroll along the promenade.

The outdoor area of Maré, the restaurant that José Avillez opened in Guincho in 2023, resembles a summer terrace and it only closes on days of truly inclement weather. The terrace is roofed —so there’s no risk of getting caught in the rain. It also features heaters for added comfort. The menu focuses heavily on anything from the sea, blending contemporary flair with traditional favourites. For drinks, there are signature cocktails and a well-curated wine list.

It’s difficult to find anyone in Cascais who hasn’t heard of Casa da Pérgola, a beautiful century-old mansion surrounded by a garden on Avenida Valbom road. People have always taken photos of the facade, from outside its gates, notable for its elegant hand-painted azulejo tiles. Then the Bougain Restaurant & Garden Bar opened in 2023, offering a terrace that is discreetly nestled in the grounds and is very comfortable even in winter, thanks to its heaters and comfortable blankets. The menu features classic dishes, and the table service is attentive.

We couldn’t possibly talk about terraces without mentioning Rua Amarela street. This little gastronomic hub in the heart of the town, home to Malacopa and neighbouring spots such as Chutnify, La Contessa, Moules & Gin, or Taberna Clandestina, operates year-round—and you only need to move from the street indoors when there’s a downpour.

Situated in Jardim Carlos Anjos park, affectionately known among locals as Jardim dos Passarinhos (Little Birds Park), this café/terrace/meeting point has been a social hub of Monte Estoril for decades. The cafe has recently been renovated, and it offers options for all times of the day, along with a conservatory for when the cold or rain sets in. They serve brunch, pokes, bruschettas, cheese and charcuterie boards, juices, wines, sangrias, and cocktails—always providing a view of the playground, so the kids can play while the adults have fun.

The Mix, located in the Farol Hotel, stands out for its location, perched on the rocks with the sea gently lapping nearby. Creative cuisine reigns supreme, with a focus on coastal fish prepared according to Mediterranean recipes. The roofed terrace is a welcoming (and sheltered) spot for a hearty winter lunch.

The view from Furnas do Guincho is always incredible regardless of the season and whether the sea is calm or choppy. And the wonders they serve come from the sea, whether fresh or cooked seafood—in paella, for example—or fish. The secret is to choose the simplest dish and order the salted fish, a house specialty. Other must-try options for the roofed terrace include lobster açorda bread stew, fish fillets, or octopus cataplana stew.

The beachside terraces aren't exclusive to the warm season. This one operates year-round and serves all the classics: burgers, toasts, hot dogs, salads, and pizzas. The bestseller is called São Pedro (€11.50) and includes mushrooms, chicken, banana, and pineapple. With a direct view of the sandy shore and the sea, it's a laid-back destination for a light meal and to enjoy a good sangria without getting wet or dirtying your feet. If it's windy or rainy, the terrace is enclosed with glass, as nobody wants to disrupt the scenery.

Portuguese are great fans of snacks, which are never limited to a specific time of day. The Cascais locals behind this traditional restaurant are masters of the art of snacking. They know this better than anyone and use this fact to attract people of all ages to their restaurant, at any time of the day. Almost everyone prefers sitting on the terrace (it’s best to reserve in advance). There, you can get stuck into potato skins, peixinhos da horta (breaded, deep-fried green beans that resemble little fish, hence the name), and eggs with asparagus, among other treats. The tables are close enough together to make it appear that you are with one big group of friends.

You can nestle on this roofed terrace with a tranquil atmosphere inside the classic Palácio Estoril Hotel, facing the garden and the pool. The menu, designed for all-day dining, offers salads as well as burgers and sandwiches. Don't miss out on the Ria Formosa estuary oysters (€12), a generous portion of pica-pau (sautéed beef with pickles and spices) (€26), Bulhão Pato clams (€26), or sautéed shrimp (€20).

Sharing a balcony with The Mix, Sushi Design is the Japanese gem of Farol Design. High-quality fish, five-star hotel service, a menu that ventures into fusion, such as tacos or pokes, but also stays true to tradition. Toro sashimi (tuna belly) is one of the stars of the menu.