Bougain

Right on Avenida Valbom, it’s hard to imagine anyone in Cascais who hasn’t noticed Casa da Pérgola, a beautiful century-old mansion set behind a protective garden. From outside the gate, visitors have long posed for photos of its façade, which also stands out for its hand-painted tiles, yet few had crossed that threshold – despite a small hotel with just 12 rooms tucked inside. Until now. Bougain Restaurant & Garden Bar has opened on the mansion’s lower floor, with a terrace that discreetly spills into the garden, creating a wonderfully relaxed setting. The menu centres on classics, delivered with attentive service. On one side, there are timeless dishes like sole meunière, confit duck, rack of lamb and Chateaubriand served with béarnaise sauce and fries. But don’t overlook the prawn and citrus rice, or starters such as cured lily with rhubarb and mustard pickles, and the steak tartare – prepared tableside and also available as a main course with fries.