The best of Cascais Marina

YAM is a restaurant dedicated to the flavours of Southeast Asia, and sharing is at its core. Whether it's starters or more complex dishes - from Vietnam to Thailand, Indonesia, China or Japan - the idea is to share at the table. The space has four areas: a terrace, a very Asian-style counter, an indoor dining room and a future Asian garden, which is still being prepared and will become a lounge area with direct access to the bar, where cocktails are served.

Páteo do Guincho, originally opened in 2016, reopened in May 2024 at the Marina de Cascais, in an elegant space with a refreshed menu that retains the classic dishes that had become favourites.

Born in 1988 through the hands of the Frenchwoman France Ame, in the legendary and now-vanished Hotel Estoril Sol, it quickly transformed into one of the trendiest concept stores along the coast. In 2003, it relocated to a larger space in the Arcadas do Estoril, right across from the gardens of the Casino, where it continues to thrive among iconic fashion names such as Etro, Alberta Ferretti, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Max Mara. In Spring 2024, it embarked on a new chapter in its story, which spans over three decades: it gained a new address at the Marina de Cascais, in a glass-fronted space overlooking the sea on the so-called Fashion Promenade. The brands available in this store are the same as those in Estoril, but the selection of pieces is different. "Here, the style is more about the sea, more beach, more Riviera. It fits with the Marina", says Anne Amorim, head of communications. Highlights include swimwear from Brazilian designer Lenny Niemeyer, leather sandals from Greek brand Di Gaïa, colourful patterned dresses from Borgo de Nor, and accessories from Gas Bijoux, perfect for both the beach and a party.

Inspired by Brazil, but with dishes from around the world. Bossa is open all day, from morning to night, and is notable for its brunch and its Sunday feijoada. It’s the latest project by entrepreneur Viviane Leote, who has lived in Cascais since 2001 and manages several other restaurants.

There’s no confusion here: as soon as you enter this restaurant, which is a stablemate of Marisco na Praça in the Mercado da Vila, you’re greeted by a large glass case filled with seafood. Just order what you want, be it shrimp, barnacles, whelks or other delicacies from the sea. It has a terrace with a view of the ocean and the yachts, which further enhances the experience.

This spot is the younger sibling of Citron, the Lebanese restaurant in central Lisbon. It serves homemade, authentic Lebanese food, though here it’s more take-away oriented. With views of the boats and the sea, you can enjoy wraps and a range of tasty bites, from falafel to kibbeh. Don’t leave without trying the traditional Lebanese lemonade, made fresh daily with orange blossom water.

Dirty Tails is located in one of the outdoor spaces of the Cascais Marina and is, as the name suggests, a cocktail bar (both classic and signature cocktails). It is a project led by the experienced Alberto Romão, who was born in Cascais but has his sights set on the world, as they intend to expand the brand and even internationalize it. They host DJ sets every week and promote a relaxed atmosphere, while still providing attentive and personalized service to customers. They also serve wines, sparkling wines, beer, other alcoholic beverages, and some snacks to accompany the drinks.

One compelling reason to visit the marina, especially if you’re on the lookout for stylish and relaxed clothing. Osklen opened in Cascais Marina after more than a decade without a dedicated shop on Portuguese soil. Known for being one of the leading exponents of Brazilian minimalist fashion, the space brings together style and sustainability in a space of around 70 square metres. It sells male and female clothes, shoes and accessories. 

Taking its inspiration from such iconic venues as Café Mambo and Nikki Beach, this terrace overlooking the sea is the perfect place to enjoy a late afternoon drink with friends or for dancing and unwinding after dinner. Nassau is open from 11am to 2am from Monday to Sunday, offering brunches, light meals, cheese and charcuterie boards for sharing and a range of cocktails. The highlight of this comfortable balcony with its sofas and armchairs is its versatility and ability to catch every ray of sunlight. And for those who are less keen on photosynthesis, there are also shaded areas in which to take refuge.

A steakhouse founded by a couple from Venezuela and inspired by Miami’s seaside restaurants. The main specialty, naturally, is the meats: from the sirloin (€28) to the 30-day aged ribeye (€33), including picanha (€21), aged large and thick-cut steak (chuletón – €95 per kilo) and 30-day aged T-bone (€85 per kilo). The menu also includes some vegetarian and fish options, as well as a variety of appetisers. It’s a spacious venue on the upper floor, which boasts a stunning terrace offering panoramic views.

Luxury jewellery and exclusive decorative pieces. This Brazilian jewellery brand has two shops in Portugal, and both of them are in Cascais. Pricci is a project by Priscila Szafir, who is the wife of Benjamin Katz, one of the marina’s partners, and is notable for its significant collection of decorative items and tableware. When it comes to jewellery, it is challenging to choose between the various unique earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Alexandra and Marco Briosa are the brains behind Zutto Design Store. They started out in property, by renovating homes in the historic heart of Lisbon, which is where their passion for interior design was born. Their shop features exclusive decorative pieces by premium brands. “Zutto” is a Japanese word meaning “continuity” or “forever”, which reflects the high-end nature and quality of the products they sell. For two years during the pandemic they had a shop in Campo de Ourique, but things there didn’t work out too well.

In May 2022 they moved to Cascais Marina, where their customers have “deeper pockets” and a more “refined” taste for the lighting, furniture, cushions, blankets, outdoor items and other articles they have on offer. They also continue to take on interior remodelling projects and provide decorative advice, tailoring their plans to the customer’s taste, budget and home. They always have different pieces on display both inside their shop and in the outdoor space in front of it.

A Brazilian café with a Japanese design and philosophy. That's the concept behind The Coffee, a brand that is spread across a number of countries, and which takes up a corner of the Cascais Marina. It serves specialty coffee, lattes and gelato frappés among a range of other hot and cold options. It also serves desserts and patisseries.

Interior designer Paula Brito has had a studio-shop at Cascais Marina since June 2023. There you can find items of furniture and decor from the brand that bears the Barcelos mark.

One of the best-known restaurant groups on the Cascais coast. It has outlets in Estoril and Oeiras in addition to this one in the Cascais Marina. It is renowned for its Brazilian-style picanha, which is served with black beans, manioc flour, baked potatoes, rice and salad (€19 per person); however, the menu has other meat dishes and a range of Italian specialties, from pizzas to pastas. For an even more comprehensive menu, the marina restaurant also serves sushi. Don’t forget to try the Gordinni starter, a pizza dough roll filled with garlic, mozzarella cheese, spinach and chorizo (€7), and the Doce da Mana dessert (€3.50), which is a kind of condensed milk mousse that has layers of crushed biscuit.

Another classic restaurant that transcends borders, bringing Italian, Brazilian and Portuguese specialties to Cascais Marina. The menu contains a range of pasta dishes and salads, as well as fish and meat options. The picanha can be served conventionally (with baked potatoes, black beans, rice and salad) or with sautéed spaghetti: a winning combination.

Maria Minez has dedicated herself entirely to her brand since 2018. As a self-taught fashion designer, she conceptualises the pieces and collaborates with three seamstresses, and in Cascais Marina she has a shop from which she sells her “versatile” clothes with their “straight lines” and minimal use of patterns. Jumpsuits and long dresses are the bestsellers, but handmade Portuguese woollen pieces also stand out.

La Brasserie de L’Entrecôte is a well-known name that has five restaurants across the Lisbon region. Naturally, its main speciality is its tender, sliced entrecôte (€22.90), which comes with crispy chips and a smooth herb-based sauce that contains 18 ingredients. And at Cascais Marina you can enjoy this delicacy while watching the boats and the yachts.

One of the best places for brunch at any time of the day in Cascais Marina. The menu includes a choice of toast, a Parfait bowl (yoghurt, fruit, granola and honey) or Chia Pudding (coconut milk, kiwi, pomegranate, raspberry and apricot), and a pancake or waffle, with an orange juice and a hot drink. And all for €18. You can also order à la carte, with the choices including Portuguese French Toast (€6), consisting of brioche with berries, almonds and a Port wine sauce with orange and cinnamon. Try the crafted cocktails and heartier dishes, such as the New York prime steak, the original lobster and the famous surf & turf.   

Jackets, coats, vests, bags and trainers for men are the pick of what can be found at Caban. The brand was founded in 2020 from a factory based in Porto that has been creating pieces for a range of brands since 1981, and now its only physical outlet is here at Cascais Marina. Initially dedicated to a male audience, the brand has expanded its range to include some items for women. The handmade items are all nautically inspired, which makes it a perfect fit for the marina setting.