The best terraces in Cascais to enjoy the cold months

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 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.

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.

From the street, the terrace immediately catches the eye – and for good reason. The balcony of the Villa Cascais hotel, home to Corleone, is simply beautiful. The colours are sober yet vibrant, drawing in passers-by. Inside, the palette of summery yellows and blues continues, reminiscent of both Cascais and southern Italy, which inspired Miguel Garcia to create an Italian restaurant unlike any other in the town. In winter, with the help of heaters, the terrace is perfectly cosy – and at Christmas, it’s hard to beat the view of the tree and twinkling lights across the bay.

Clams, cockles, oysters, winkles, prawns, scarlet prawns, crab, whelks – and, of course, the indispensable pregos. This restaurant, set within the fish market at Mercado da Vila, works almost like a shopping trip: first you choose the seafood, the quantity, and how you want it cooked. Then you decide whether to take it home or enjoy it on the terrace, where even on rainy days you can savour the very best the sea has to offer.

Souldough, which won over many appetites during its long stay at Aldeia da Praia in Colares, Sintra, has moved to Legasea in Cascais – bringing everything with it, including its impressive wood‑fired oven. Starters include bruschettas and arancini, while the Neapolitan pizzas are slow-fermented for full flavour. Outside, the patio is a little oasis in any season.

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.

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.

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.

Healthy, beautifully presented food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, local products from responsible and sustainable sources, and options for a variety of diets – that’s what you’ll find at Local – Your Healthy Kitchen. The menu includes plenty of vegetarian dishes, such as organic tofu and vegetable Thai red curry or a black bean, quinoa and guacamole burger, but there are also recipes featuring animal protein – from various fish and prawns to octopus and free-range poultry. The terrace, while not overlooking the sea, is always sheltered from rain and wind.