The best coffee shops in Cascais for a break or a bite

The charitable project from France, which already has locations in São Bento and the Ageas Seguros Portugal building in Lisbon, has now settled in Cascais’s Casa das Riscas. The goal remains the same: to employ people with intellectual and developmental difficulties, such as those with Down syndrome or autism, and promote their inclusion both socially and professionally. 

Away from the bustle of Cascais’ most central streets, Melt was born to offer artisanal sourdough bread. But not only that: it also makes French viennoiserie and signature pastries with reduced sugar. Founded by Vanda Vavercakova and inspired by the modern bakeries of northern Europe, the space brings together speciality coffee and gluten-free options in a calm setting designed for the local community.

It’s a bicycle that serves speciality coffee. The project belongs to Aryelle Bastos, a Brazilian who came across the concept while travelling around Europe and combined it with her dream of one day opening a coffee shop. She serves a range of coffees and coffee-based drinks, along with homemade, sugar-free vegan pastries. You’ll find the bike parked at Mercado da Vila, in Parede or in Monte Estoril.

It's a brunch spot (and specialty coffee shop) that opened in the center of Cascais by the hands of a Russian who already had a coffee roasting company in Moscow. It aims to be a meeting point for everyone, with an international menu that includes various specialties from Eastern Europe and beyond – from crepes to waffles, through toasts, and more elaborate dishes. Don't miss the chance to try the multiple coffees and their derivatives that abound there, as well as the teas and natural wines. Unity Coffee Roasters also has an online store where they sell their products.

Live in Cascais and would happily survive on pancakes, waffles and croissants? Then head to Ophelia, between Guia and Bairro do Rosário, where you can sit down to brunch at any time of day. If it’s an emergency – or simply down to poor planning – there’s always a photogenic pavlova made to order (allow around ten minutes), as well as a selection of birthday cakes, which need to be ordered two days in advance. Alongside the sweets and other equally tempting options – including an open focaccia sandwich topped with a fried egg, bacon, avocado and dried onion – Ophelia also serves hot drinks, many of them coffee-based.

Cascais’s best terrace sits on top of this shop-café-gallery serving vegetarian, vegan and raw food. Come to browse the ceramics, drink coffee on the terrace and take in the views, or try one of the homemade juices, cakes or teas, all created according to the owner’s latest inspiration. Looking for a post-beach snack? This is the place.