Discover the best restaurants in Rua Amarela, Cascais

The space is small but full of style. A counter for fewer than 20 people, partly illuminated by red neon lights. The atmosphere is frenetic: the music is loud, people talk loudly, and in the kitchen, it's challenging to keep up with the fast (but no less precise) pace at which everything happens. This is Izakaya, by Tiago Penão, the chef of Kappo, just a few meters away. And that's how izakayas are in Japan. Like a good Japanese tavern, there's no shortage of sake options to accompany the meal, as well as classic izakaya cocktails. As for the food, there's plenty to choose from, small and varied portions, perfect for sharing at the counter. When in doubt, trust the chef and go for the Omakase menu.

The metro has arrived in Cascais. The station is on the lower floor of the MANA restaurant and was designed by urban artist Francisco Camilo – the same artist who graffitied the bathrooms, adorned the walls with characters, and created a portrait of a woman at the entrance. With sunglasses and a rebellious air, she inspired the name of the restaurant, MANA. The menu features pinsas (not a mistake, it's the name of a type of pizza, lighter) and risottos, but also dishes from other latitudes: from duck magret to lamb fateh with yogurt and tahini sauce, pine nuts, mint, and pomegranate. For dessert, the Portuguese Abbot Pudding is a must.

Souldough, formerly located in Aldeia da Praia, Colares, Sintra, has moved to Legasea in Cascais, bringing everything with it, including the impressive wood-fired oven. Among the starters are bruschettas, such as blue buffalo cheese cream, caramelized onion, and balsamic reduction, as well as arancini, fried balls stuffed with risotto. The Neapolitan pizzas undergo slow fermentation, aiding digestion. "It's a fermentation of 48 to 72 hours. The cheeses, flour, and tomato sauce come from Italy, but vegetables are local. In essence, we try to respect seasonal ingredients," explains the pizzaiolo. La Dolce Vita, with tomato sauce, grana padano, straciatella cheese, pesto, and basil, is one of the options.

Come rain or shine, Portugal is a country of terraces. And Cascais is no exception: in the village, but also throughout the municipality, there are plenty of options for anyone looking to enjoy the winter outdoors. Neither the rain nor the cold are obstacles since there are roofed terraces aplenty—many of them equipped with heaters and comfortable blankets—ready even to welcome clients who feel the cold most. Many of these terraces offer stunning sea views, allowing you to cozy up while sipping a drink or nibbling on a tasty morsel. However, there are also alternatives for those who prefer sheltered green courtyards. Take note for the weeks ahead. 

In a land bathed by the Atlantic, fulfilling the cliché of a romantic meal by the sea is easily achieved. This list, compiling the best restaurants for a dinner for two, features excellent examples of the genre—whether in a glass-enclosed dining room, a private balcony, or a terrace almost perched on the rocks. But that's not all: picturesque tables, private rooms, high-cuisine menus, restaurants with dimly lit atmospheres, live music, and even one with a dessert trolley brought to the customer's table. Not forgetting good wine cellars, because a dinner for two calls for toasts – and plenty of them.

The most important thing when it comes to eating fish is its freshness. But the art of behind its preparation, to ensure the ingredients are not damaged, is also important to the true connoisseur. And, finally, good service also helps a good meal taste even better. Cascais, home of seafarers, combines all three conditions in its many restaurants. In a town in which fish is king and master, with species such as sole, stone bass, octopus and white seabream caught offshore - and don't even get us started on the shellfish - it is important to know the best places in Cascais to dine on fish. Here we offer you seven good options – one for each day of the week.