Eat, shop and stroll: the best things to do in Estoril

It is one of the most famous beaches on the Cascais coastline and is located in the most popular area of Estoril. Next to Avenida Marginaln and the train station, it's very busy, which often makes it difficult to find a place to lay down your towel. Right next door is the ocean swimming pool, built in 1953.

It might sound like a joke, but it isn’t: Italian-born Romina, who opened an Italian restaurant in Estoril, really does have the last name Lamassa. “It was a funny coincidence”, she laughs. She’s been in Portugal since 2012, is married to a Portuguese man, and although she’s a trained veterinarian, her passion for pasta is boundless. Every morning, she makes fresh pasta for her restaurant and sells it for takeout, too. The menu is simple yet effective, featuring a short list of tagliatelle carbonara or Bolognese, paccheri alla Genovese, and ravioli with salmon, spinach and ricotta, or cod (between €12 and €15). To wrap up the meal, there’s the must-have tiramisu and a refreshing lime and basil pannacotta (both €6).

With a stunning view of the sea, Evolution Cascais-Estoril is located in the building of the classic Hotel Paris, in Estoril, just a few steps from Poça beach. The lively bar right at the entrance, with live music and DJs every weekend; The Kitchen restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; and the space to relax, work or watch sports The Patio welcomes guests and non-guests. Then there are 133 functional, minimalist, comfortable rooms with lots of natural light (five are suites measuring 70 square meters and 24 are family rooms, connecting and perfect for those with children) spread over five floors. But what is most impressive are the top two floors: on the sixth there is the Wellness by Sayanna spa, with four treatment rooms and a heated indoor pool overlooking the ocean; in the seventh and last, with a 180º view that goes from the bay of Cascais to the beach of Cascavelos, there is the infinity pool and the future restaurant The Upper Deck.

A curious paradise curated by Gracinha Viterbo. Part of the charm lies in its maze of small rooms, each forming a kind of wonderland where you'll find everything imaginable—but always unique pieces that aren’t just around any corner. From furniture, cushions, and lamps to paintings and rugs—everything here has style. Scattered throughout this “Cabinet of Curiosities” are also fashion and flowers, fitting together in a perfectly arranged puzzle.

Brunch menus, burgers, bowls, pancakes or toast, among many other options. This is what you can find at Miami Mami Estoril, an American-style brunch restaurant, with dishes close to the American diner, but also many twists linked to Latin cuisine, such is the influence that Central and South American countries have on the city of Miami, which serves as a great inspiration. It is right in front of Praia da Poça, on Avenida Marginal, and aims to be the beginning of a successful chain.

More than a trip to the glorious past of the Cascais Line, this classic has managed to survive with charm to this day. The gardens, the romantic rooms, the imposing common areas, decorated with framed photographs of royalty, chandeliers and even a grand piano, continue to dazzle even those who have already converted to the Nordic minimalism so in vogue in the new luxury hotels. Breakfast is a worthy rival to what is served just a few steps away, at the famous Pastelaria Garrett (some even guarantee that the hotel's custard tarts beat those in Belém) and the swimming pool, where the cast of the film 007 - At the Service of His Majesty, staying here, a temptation even for those who thought they would spend their days on the sands of Estoril.

The former crown jewellers Leitão & Irmão hadn’t opened a new store since 2005, but at the end of 2016, they decided to modernise. They chose the Arcadas do Parque in Estoril to add a fresh space to their portfolio, complete with a distinctive look: bright yellow walls that contrast beautifully with the gleaming silver. 

This is one of the most authentic Chinese restaurants in greater Lisbon, serving the true flavours of the Kuong Tong region. Now it has a new look, complete with a glazed terrace. However, the menu remains the same, with more than 100 specialties. At lunch the mythical dim sums are the jewel in the crown and are always flying out of the kitchen, while at dinner the options are still hard to list, but let’s make it easier for you: the Peking duck and shark’s fin soup are something special.

Tamariz, which only opens during the summer months, is a three-in-one venue: restaurant, lounge, and nightclub. At the bar, you’ll find classic and signature cocktails, along with refreshing drinks to keep your feet in the sand. The restaurant offers a stunning view of the beach (with the added bonus of being away from the hustle and bustle) and serves sushi and other Japanese delicacies, such as gyozas and sashimi, along with fresh seafood, bowls, and pizzas. As for the nightclub, which night owls have been eagerly anticipating all year, it has yet to announce its return for 2024.

It’s the venue that hosts the Estoril Handicraft Fair every summer, but it also welcomes many other events throughout the year, including the popular Stylista markets and the lively Bossa Market, as well as Chefs on Fire.

In the Estoril store, as in the others in the group, you can find 26 types of naturally fermented bread made with grains sourced from small farmers. They’re all delicious, but the most popular options are the Alentejo wheat bread, the ancient wheat bread, and the corn broa. There are also panettoni — both the classic and a special version for each month — as well as traditional broas castelares for those with a sweet tooth.

In addition to bread, you can purchase the brand’s flours, milled daily in stone mills, as well as their granolas and nut spreads (including pistachio, hazelnut, hazelnut and cocoa, and coconut and almond). You'll also find products from other national brands with which Gleba has partnered, such as olive oils from Herdade do Esporão, chocolates from Feitoria do Cacao, and beers from Musa.

A classic spot for locals, Jackpot is an old-fashioned restaurant known for its excellent service and simple yet sophisticated décor, with tables dressed in crisp white tablecloths. Located just across from the Estoril Casino, it boasts a charming terrace for sunny days. Seafood is the house specialty, but the menu also features a great variety of meat dishes — try the bifinhos à Jackpot (€18.50) or the chateaubriand for two (€40), accompanied by delicious esparregado (€5) and freshly made fries (€3.50). To finish off your meal, indulge in traditional Portuguese desserts like arroz doce (€4.50), pudim flan (€4.50), or chocolate mousse (€4.50).

It's the epicentre of the area, where everything happens. The famous Casino Estoril opened its doors in 1931 and, in addition to gaming, it boasts a regular cultural programme featuring shows, theatre performances, and concerts every week. Its beautiful garden, with grassy areas, trees, benches, shade, fountains, and lakes overlooking the sea, attracts families year-round and hosts events such as the Estoril Classics and the Inflatable Festival.

From Blumarine to Alberta Ferretti, Christophe Sauvat to Isabel Marant, Espace Canelle deserves at least a leisurely browse of its window displays. A classic on Avenida Clotilde, this hyper-elegant multi-brand concept has been a staple since 1989. In 2024, it welcomed a younger sibling at the Marina de Cascais.

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.

The famous nightclub at Casino Estoril is one of the most iconic nightlife spots along the Cascais coastline. It is only open during the colder months—switching with Tamariz during the warmer months of the year—and is a must-visit venue in Cascais for a night of dancing and a drink or two.

Clotilde restaurant embraces the motto “traditional food with a twist.” This neighbourhood eatery offers a sophisticated touch, from its modern decor to a menu that features familiar dishes presented with unexpected flair. For starters, you can try the peixinhos da horta served with tomato cream (€5) or the crab meat (€9). The main courses showcase traditional Portuguese cuisine, including pork alentejana (€12.50) or octopus fillets with bean rice (€13.50). To finish off your meal, indulge in the classic pão de ló de Ovar (€4) or a rich chocolate cake (€4). There's also a daily special available every day.

The first Nevada Bob’s Golf store in Portugal opened in Estoril in 2000. Spanning nearly 500 square metres over two floors, it offers everything you need to stand out on the green. Alongside a wide selection of golf gear from various brands, they also provide club repairs, grip replacements, and shaft fittings.

An Italian restaurant with an extensive menu located right by Estoril train station, offering classic pizzas and fresh pasta dishes like gnocchi al quattro formaggi (€15), tagliatelle bolognese (€13.50), and spinach tortellini (€15). The generous portions are both satisfying and comforting. However, it’s perhaps most famous for its Brazilian-style picanha, served with black beans, cassava flour, roasted potatoes, rice, and salad. Don’t miss the entrada gordini, a rolled pizza dough filled with garlic, mozzarella, spinach, and chorizo (€7); and for dessert, doce da mama (€3.50), a layered condensed milk mousse with crushed biscuits.

Villa Tamariz Utopia is a beautiful seaside restaurant with a menu centred around one of Portugal’s most beloved ingredients: rice. At the helm is chef Mário Cruz, who has crafted a menu featuring over 15 rice dishes, prepared in both paella style and hearty stews. Since it’s located in a seafood-rich area, the starters also include local favourites - try the jaquinzinhos & chips to kick off your meal.

This hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant offers a creative fusion sushi menu. Saiko is tucked away in a wing of the Estoril Congress Centre, featuring modern decor and an open kitchen typical of a sushi restaurant. Start with the chicken and vegetable gyozas (€6) or a seaweed salad with sesame seeds (€5.50), then dive into one of the chef's sushi sets, blending traditional and fusion styles—try the Saiko Ichi (26 pieces for €35). If you're in the mood for something warm, there’s Japanese stir-fried noodles with mixed vegetables and the chef’s special sauce (€12.50) or grilled duck breast with the chef's sauce and basmati rice (€15.50).

Piazza di Estoril, previously known as Al Fresco, may have a new name and refreshed decor, but it still has chef Mário Russo and the crowd-favourite dishes. Located right across from the main entrance of Casino Estoril, the restaurant offers a daily selection based on seasonal ingredients alongside a menu of traditional Italian classics. Enjoy a variety of pizzas - like the Margherita (€8) or Four Cheese (€12) - and fresh pasta options such as truffle ravioli (€14) or spaghetti carbonara (€10.50). To finish, try the panna cotta with berries (€4.50) or the lemon tart (€4.50).