Time Out and Visit Cascais

Halloween celebrations extend from 28 October to 1 November, but the settings are not haunted houses, dark forests or graveyards. Rather, they are much more pleasant places to spend an out-of-this-world Halloween...

Don Alfonso 1890 has unveiled a new menu designed to take your Italian dining experience up a notch. The idea? Casual dining with a sophisticated twist – relaxed, inclusive, and approachable, yet never losing the signature elegance of the brand. At lunch, the vibe is light and effortless, perfect for a flavour-packed meal without the fuss. Neapolitan pizzas still reign supreme, sitting comfortably alongside timeless classics like the Spaghetti Don Alfonso or the newly added, comforting Lasagna Bolognese. Evenings bring a fuller experience. Start with shareable antipasti (the Gamberi Tempura and Arancini are musts), then move on to iconic dishes like Melanzane alla Parmigiana or Carpaccio di Spigola. The Primi Piatti shine with fresh options such as Linguine al Frutti di Mare or chicken ragù ravioli, while the Secondi Piatti bring meat and fish to the table, served with your choice of sides, highlighting dishes like Pescato del Giorno, Tagliata, and Agnello. No Italian dinner is complete without dessert. The Tiramisù remains the star, now joined by new treats like Pineapple Carpaccio, Ricotta, the reimagined Tarteletta, and the surprising Dolcetti. All in all, the menu is a clever mix of tradition and innovation, comfort and sophistication – turning every meal into a memory worth savouring. Avenida 25 de Abril 528, Cascais. Mon-Sun 12.30-22.00. 210 540 560

Tucked away in the quiet, sloping streets of the area, Aires Estoril is your fast-track ticket to Buenos Aires the moment you step through the door. This is the place to grab a table and dive into a genuinely authentic experience – straight from Argentina. Now, with its new menu and sizzling dishes, it’s raising the bar once again (and it was already pretty deliciously high). D.R. Chef Marianela Ramadan and her team have brought fire, memory, and innovation to the table, creating dishes that pay homage to Argentina’s culinary traditions. On the new menu, some plates speak for themselves – but we’ll indulge you anyway. The Costillas Tiempo y Fuego al Chimichurri are for the patient food lovers, slow-cooked sous-vide for 12 hours before hitting the Josper grill – intense, rich, and utterly worth it. The Milanesa Aires de Wagyu – a Wagyu rump heart crumbed with breadcrumbs, cornflakes, and semolina, served with rustic potatoes – takes a classic to haute cuisine heights. Meanwhile, the Nueva Ensalada de Campo mixes smoked turkey breast, caramelised melon, and goat cheese for a fresh twist. And don’t miss the daring starters, like the Chorizo Bombón: little bites of criollo chorizo wrapped in a crunchy coating, drizzled with herb-infused honey, and finished with a hint of heat. D.R. But the true star remains the Parrilla Estilo Argentino, designed for two and loaded with iconic cuts like picanha, pork matambre, and blood sausage. The feast is rounded out with sides that trav

Pão com Coração, which shares a wall with Cascais Food Lab, opened its doors for the first time on September 3rd, though the idea has been in the works since 2022. Behind this project is “a huge desire not to leave anyone behind”, explains Cláudia Mataloto, coordinator of the gastronomy sector at Cascais City Council. The initiative focuses on empowering people with specific needs, providing them with a training space to prepare for the job market. And who’s getting hands-on with the dough? A group of trainees from the Education, Rehabilitation and Empowerment for Inclusion Cooperative in Cascais (CERCICA). Step inside and it’s immediately clear this is a bakery with a welcoming atmosphere and a scent that whets the appetite. The display is packed with breads of every colour, shape and size – fresh, flavourful, and straight from the oven. But this new spot isn’t just about bread. Next to it, trays of sweets tempt you, putting any diet on pause. From Cascais’ iconic areias and nozes to the classic pastéis de nata, choosing just one is the real challenge. Open every day, this hands-on bakery will also host morning demonstrations of what the students are preparing – all available to buy later in the day. Rua Padre Moisés da Silva 8, Cascais

Summer’s here, and at Corleone Ristorante al Mare, that can only mean one thing: time to whet your appetite and make room for the freshest Italian flavours of the season. With postcard-worthy views of the sea, a sun-soaked terrace, and a refreshed menu that lives up to its name, Corleone is welcoming the warm weather with dishes that taste like holidays and feel like la dolce vita. D.R. This season, antipasti come to life with classics like creamy Italian burrata with organic tomato and basil, or tuna crudo with mascarpone, cured egg yolk and artichoke. Then comes the hard part: choosing between pastas – like spaghetti with crustacean bisque, fresh tomato, rocket and grilled lobster tail, or rigatoni with sausage ragù, fresh Paris mushrooms and pecorino cheese – and main dishes like pistachio-and-mustard-crusted seared tuna with sautéed vegetables and a minty pea purée, or veal ossobuco in its own sauce, served with saffron risotto. When the sun’s at its hottest, dessert is the best kind of remedy. Think crispy cannoli filled with ricotta, chocolate and pistachio, or choux pastry with craquelin, vanilla ice cream and a rich cocoa sauce. These are more than enough reasons to order dolci per tutti. Corleone’s summer menu stays true to its Italian roots, with quality ingredients, respect for tradition and a desire to surprise. All this with a view of the Atlantic and a glass of wine in hand. If you’re already picturing the scene, all that’s left is to book a table. Rua Fernan

At Bougain, summer isn’t just about cocktails in hand (though that’s very much encouraged). It’s also celebrated at the table – with Mediterranean-inspired dishes full of colour and flavour, made to be enjoyed slowly, between good conversation and the cool shade of the garden. And yes, always with blooming bougainvillea nearby, adding a special touch to every meal. The new summer menu, crafted by chef Diana Roque, stays true to the restaurant’s DNA: product-led cooking, seasonality at the forefront, and a respect for the classics – all with a modern twist. D.R. There are lighter options, like the Black Angus carpaccio – tenderloin with mixed leaves and a truffle emulsion – and the tomato soup with basil and burrata. But there’s also room for heartier dishes, perfect for lingering summer evenings: think carabineiro and citrus rice or salmon Wellington with spinach and fish jus. And always, always leave room for dessert. The Chocolate Bomb with creamy salted caramel, lemon ice cream, cocoa crumble and raspberry coulis is a stellar way to end any meal – or start one, no judgement here. With this new menu, Bougain proves it’s much more than just a beautiful (stunning, really) restaurant – it’s a place you’ll want to come back to, dish after dish, season after season. Avenida Valbom 13, Cascais

Get ready for a night to remember (and dance your heart out). On July 11, The Upper Deck rooftop at EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril is hosting a Full Moon Party inspired by Thailand’s legendary moonlit blowouts. Expect all the summer essentials: UV lights, neon body paint, a glow-in-the-dark shots bar and feel-good tunes to keep you dancing under the stars. Things kick off at 6pm with a sunset over the sea and won’t wind down until your feet do. The dress code? White Moon – show up in white and get ready for a proper “Noite Branca” with a twist. No cheesy ballads, just the moon, the stars, and one seriously stunning view. Entry is free but space is limited, so come early and come ready. This is one summer night you won’t want to miss. The Upper Deck, EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril. July 11, from 6pm. Free entry

The “CASCAIS – Fado” series is already underway, bringing all the charm of a traditional fado house to the open air. At the Páteo da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Cascais, silence falls and the soul-stirring sound of fado takes over. Running until September 14th, from Thursday to Sunday at 19.00 (with extra sessions at 20.30 for those who like to stretch the evening), this is the place to be in Cascais. The initiative, in partnership with the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Cascais, brings together some of the most striking voices in contemporary fado – handpicked by singer Cuca Roseta. Expect an intimate setting, full of charm, history and tradition. Tickets cost €21 and are already on sale. Not from the area? All the more reason to plan a getaway to Cascais. Once here, just sit back, order a glass of wine and soak up the moment. Rua da Saudade, 12. Thu to Sun, at 19.00 (and 20.30).

The July calendar at the Cidadela Art District kicks off on the 5th with the KAU BBQ Fest – an American-style barbecue with live music and plenty of smoke (trust us, that delicious smell in the air will be impossible to resist). Also on the 5th, little ones (and grown-ups too) can get creative with “Brincar na Tela”, an interactive painting workshop hosted by Saltão Gallery from 2pm to 5pm. The ARTBEAT Week running until the 6th, brings urban art to the space – and don’t worry if you miss it, it returns later in the month from 31 July to 3 August. Mid-month brings even more action: the Garrafeira Nacional’s Gin Sessions on 11 and 12 July (from 5pm to 8pm), and the opening of Júlio Dolbeth’s illustration exhibition This Must Be the Place on the 12th at 6pm. Then, on 25 July, it’s time to mix wine, petiscos and art at Vinh’Art in the Taberna da Praça at 7pm. The next day, 26 July, Desvio Ceramics hosts a live pottery demo (3pm–5pm), followed by an outdoor screening of the modern classic La La Land at 7pm – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cidadela Art District. On top of all that, there are regular weekend events: Taberna Beats brings DJ sets every Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 8pm, and BBQ Summer keeps the grill going strong with delicious barbecue and sea views every Friday from 12:30pm to 3pm. In short: between art, wine, music and a good steak on the grill, July is looking very well served at the Cidadela Art District.

Get ready to laugh, be moved and leave the theatre seeing the world from a whole new perspective. Do Outro Lado do Muro, written and directed by Tiago Torres da Silva, opens at Casino Estoril on June 19th with a stellar cast: Ricardo Carriço, Rita Ribeiro and Baltasar Marçal. D.R. This powerful play, blending humour and emotion, tells the story of Rodrigo, a successful singer whose life takes an unexpected turn when an accident leaves him quadriplegic. From there, it’s a journey between past and present, youth and maturity, dreams and reality. Ricardo Carriço stars as Rodrigo in adulthood, with Baltasar Marçal stepping into the shoes of his younger self. Rita Ribeiro takes on the role of his mother — but she’s much more than that: caregiver, confidante and the invisible force driving this story forward. Between heart-warming moments and hilarious scenes, the play unpacks the everyday challenges faced by those living with physical limitations and highlights the small (but significant) changes we could all make to create a more accessible world. And amid it all, it’s a celebration of love, friendship, dignity, and wheelchairs that want to dance. Where and when? Auditorium of Casino Estoril, on 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 and 29 June. Thursday to Saturday at 21.00, Sundays at 17.00.Tickets are €22.

It was in the green embrace of Jardim da Parada, in Cascais, with drinks and nibbles all around, that Ageas Cooljazz unveiled its 2025 edition. And there are plenty of reasons to mark July in your calendar already. The festival is celebrating 20 years with one of its strongest line-ups ever: 28 concerts, four Lazy Sundays, and loads of surprises promising to light up evenings (and late afternoons) along the coast. Ageas Cooljazz 2025 runs from July 4th to 31st, featuring seven big concert nights and four free-entry Sundays, blending comfort, nature and quality music in one unique setting. It’s all about staying true to the soul of jazz and soul, while leaving plenty of room for diversity – in genres and in artists. Opening night, on July 4th, welcomes two unmissable acts: the brilliant Benjamin Clementine, master of voice and theatricality, and Portugal’s own Rita Vian, who fuses fado and electronics. From there, the line-up just keeps on giving: the legendary Seal, rising star Margarida Campelo, and Brazilian sensations Gilsons and Jota.pê bringing a splash of Brazil to Cascais. This year’s programme also sees a clear boost to female representation and a renewed focus on jazz itself. And while music is at the heart of the festival, everything else matters too: Ageas Cooljazz remains a model of sustainability and inclusion – with zero waste, over 600 meals repurposed daily, accessibility and free events for everyone. One of the big new features is the revamped Lazy Sundays

On June 5th, the Legacy Hotel Cascais hosts a four-hands dinner that promises to be a feast for the senses – and the taste buds. Taking centre stage is the Don Alfonso 1890 restaurant, where chefs Ermanno Nicolella, a master of classical Italian cuisine, and Nuno Miguel, known for his creative take on modern Portuguese cooking, come together for a unique gastronomic encounter. The evening kicks off with a tomato and basil gazpacho topped with Taralli Napoletani crumble and mozzarella mousse, served alongside an alheira croquette with Serra cheese on green apple pickle. From there, expect dishes like prawn with pea purée and spring salad, charred sardine fillet on rustic torricado, three-tomato risotto with squid noodles, and red wine–braised octopus with sweet potato. The mains continue with sea bass paired with courgette and alla scapece emulsion, followed by a rich oxtail terrine with celery purée and red onion chutney. A sweet pre-dessert moment features ricotta and pear, leading to a grand finale: Abade de Priscos pudding with lemon sorbet and citrus crumble. The dinner is priced at €120 per person, including wine pairings. Seats are limited, so early booking is highly recommended – either online or by phone at +351 210 540 559.

If there's one place that needs no introduction, it's Aires Estoril: a restaurant that offers the best of Argentine cuisine and its specialities in a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. This May, for three days only, the restaurant transforms for the Argentinian Week, celebrating the 215th anniversary of the May Revolution – the movement that kickstarted the country’s independence. Expect an atmosphere charged with the rhythm of tango and traditional folk performances by guest artists, plus a special Champagne selection, with the elegant Piattelli Méthode Champenoise. As always, food takes the spotlight. Chef Marianella Ramadan has crafted an exclusive menu featuring premium Argentine cuts and contemporary takes on traditional dishes from the Andes, Patagonia and the Pampas. And to match the dishes? Wines that rise to the occasion (sometimes literally). From the bold reds of Salta and the cool-climate gems of Patagonia to the structured classics of Mendoza, the wine list boasts top-tier labels from some of Argentina’s most prestigious wineries – made for toasting every bite. Don’t want to miss it? Book your table via the Aires Estoril website or by calling +351 934 453 242. And if you don’t manage to grab a seat for the celebration, no worries – the restaurant is open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday, and for lunch on weekends. Avenida São Pedro, 8/8A, Monte Estoril. 934 453 242