Casa da Guia has just welcomed a new resident. Meet Bosque, currently in soft opening since mid-May, with an official launch slated for June 3rd. It’s the latest neighbour to the Amazonian jungle vibes of Palaphita and the brainchild of influencer Rui Figueiredo, alongside co-founder Samuel Castro.
Three years ago, the duo launched Pastaça – a fresh pasta grab-and-go concept served in a bowl. Rui Figueiredo is also the name behind DoCereal, a brand specialising in seeds.
"On a visit to Casa da Guia, we noticed a patch of woodland – a bit of forest that had been left untouched, completely abandoned," Rui tells Time Out Cascais, recalling how Bosque came to life. "I looked at it, sat down with the management and pitched the idea of bringing Pastaça here."
But Casa da Guia was already home to a solid Italian restaurant. "So I took a bit more time to think, explored the space further, and when I realised the view was truly something special, I decided to create a new concept – one that reflects products I love and that come from my own region: I’m from the Serra da Estrela area."
The stars of the menu are the Bosque Board (€26), piled high with farinheira, chouriço, secretos, Brie, Serra cheese, olives, bread and presunto; the Grill Board (€14), featuring farinheira, morcela and chouriço; and the Cheese Board (€14), a rich spread of creamy Serra cheese, Brie, goat’s cheese, jam and olives.
Another solid option is sandwiches. The Bosque Sandwich (€12) is a hearty combo of secretos, Brie, farinheira and chouriço; there’s also a suckling pig sandwich (€11.50), a secretos sandwich (€9.50), and even a suckling pig plate (€17). Try the ham croquettes (€2.50 per piece), the suckling pig rissoles (€2.50 per piece) or the oysters (€12 for six pieces).
Rui Figueiredo says that they are introducing salads to the menu for those looking for a light, fresh meal with a privileged view of the Atlantic. And of course, there’s no shortage of drinks to go with it, including the house sangrias: piña colada (€20 for one litre, €28 for two), apple (€18 for one litre, €26 for two), or sparkling wine (€18 for one litre, €26 for two).
“Alongside great food and drinks, we’re planning themed events with both individual and group tables,” says Rui Figueiredo. “We’ll have regular live music – DJs, samba circles, cante alentejano nights, fado, and wine tastings. We want to be versatile enough that a guest can come to us and say, ‘I’m throwing a birthday for 30 or 40 people, I want a themed night with this kind of music, performed live’ – and we’ll make it happen. We’ll plan it, set a budget and get it going.”
Right now, there are 95 seats available, but in the evenings – especially when the music’s on – the vibe will shift to something more relaxed, where people can stand, chat over drinks, and maybe even have a little dance. “We’ll also have a dedicated area for shisha, and yes – the space is pet friendly too.”
Still in its early days, the team is open to customer feedback and flexible about how the project evolves. “It’s the public who tells us what they want,” says Rui. “We can add items to the menu or, for example, tweak the opening hours – which for now are still provisional. We have a direction, of course, but it’s all still adaptable.”
Avenida Senhora do Cabo, 101, Cascais. Tue-Sun 12.00-23.00. 933 883 408