The most romantic restaurants in Cascais

In 2024, the Grande Real Villa Itália was named Europe’s Most Romantic Hotel at the prestigious Condé Nast awards. So what better choice than diving into a little Italian dolce vita through the flavours of its Belvedere restaurant? Between fresh pastas, seafood dishes and a tempting selection of meat plates, it’s easy to win over your other half via the stomach. And the eyes, too – the sea view is nothing short of breathtaking.

Low lighting, discreet service, surprising dishes and the counter – oh, the seduction of dining side by side rather than face to face – make Kappo one of the most special spots in Cascais. At Tiago Penão’s high-end Japanese restaurant, the best way to fall in love is to surrender to the experience and not worry about what’s coming next. For more rock’n’roll couples who prefer their romance with the volume turned up, Izakaya – the chef’s Asian tavern just a few steps away – is the place to be.

Hífen takes the prize for the town’s most picturesque and romantic balconies. There are three of them, each with small tables for two, curved ceilings and an unbeatable view over the bay and the sweep of the coastline stretching off into the distance (and beyond). The menu, built around dishes made for sharing, helps complete the bouquet of the perfect meal for loved-up diners.

With its small terrace tucked among the winding lanes of the old town and dotted with candlelight, Confraria has long been one of the most romantic restaurants in Cascais. Indoors or out, it’s a reliable setting for sushi à deux.

The secret? Study the sun’s movements and get to the restaurant early, before the sky turns orange and the sun melts into the sea (awww!). Of course, it has its charm after dark too, but those tables perched on the rocks above the water – where lobster boats once set off to fish – become even more magical during that famous (and ultra-romantic) golden hour.