Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Cascais.
Restaurants
Refúgio da Roca
After watching the sun set behind the cliffs, head to this place in Azoia. This traditional seafood restaurant, with its wooden decor and huge lobster tanks, has an easygoing informality.
Estrada do Cabo da Roca, 27, Azoia, Colares
(+351 21 929 0898)
Porto de Santa Maria
A short distance from Guincho beach, and with an ocean view as perfect as the fresh seafood, this restaurant is one place where you'll definitely want to reserve a window table.
Estada do Guincho, up the coast from Cascais
(+351 21 487 9450)
Kais
An ‘industrial chic’ waterfront eaterie in Lisbon’s Santos district, built in a former factory, you’ll be served a ‘chef's secret’ - a very small bowl of the daily soup before your main course arrives.
Rua da Cintura, Lisbon
(+351 21 393 2930)
Bica do Sapato
Lisbon's hippest restaurant—located at the docks and partly owned by actor John Malkovich —specialises in contemporary twists on Portuguese classics, such as codfish salad with chickpea ice cream.
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Armazém B, Lisbon
(+351 21 881 0320)
Pavilhão Chinês
An opulent rendezvous in Lisbon’s buzzing Bairro Alto flea market, which is decorated with enough kitsch to fill half the attics of London. Fascinating.
Rua Dom Pedro V, 89, Lisbon
(+351 21 342 47 29)
Cafés
Casa Velha
The perfect place for a light seafood snack and a glass of port on the balcony. Heartier appetites should try the lunchtime special of superb paella.
Avenida Valbom, 1, Cascais
(+351 21 483 2586)
Pastéis de Belém
This cafe has been serving delicious custard tarts since 1837. The top-secret recipe was apparently acquired from some hard-up monks.
Rua de Belem, 84-92, Belem, Lisbon
(+351 21 363 7423)
Bars and clubs
LuxFragil
In the riverside Docas area, next to Bica do Sapato, is this chic club where the glamorous go to pose with a caipirinha.
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Amazem A, Cais da Pedra, Lisbon
(+351 21 882 0890)
Pubs
Bally Bally
Just in case you happen to be feeling homesick, near Cascais is a friendly London-style pub which is open until 3h30 every night.
Rua Marquês Leal Pancada, 16a
(+351 21 486 8717)