Mário Belém’s itinerary for an unforgettable day in Cascais

“It was one of the first healthy food spots to pop up around here. You can go for a proper healthy breakfast or a brunch – there are great options for both. And it’s brilliant to have something like this within walking distance from where I live. They do amazing baos, and it’s the perfect place for a lighter, healthier meal.”

“It’s a bit of a ritual. I buy loads of veg, but what’s truly amazing are the nuts – they’re so much better and way cheaper. I’m also a fan of the little cheeses they sell there. And I’ve got a bread guy who’s just incredible. Honestly, his bread knocks the socks off anything else. I also get eggs, olives… We’re already running low at home and I’m counting down the days to the next Thursday market at Carcavelos.”

“Although I’ve lived here for most of my life, I only discovered Cabana das Paixões relatively recently, and I was blown away. It’s hands down the best place for grilled fish. Let’s see how long it lasts with the whole Quinta dos Ingleses project going on. It’s a shame, because it’s truly epic. Especially with the prices, which are incredibly reasonable, and the fish is so fresh – something you don’t find in many restaurants around here. It has this very classic, traditional vibe. And with the football club nearby, they even have a poster on the wall with ten different ways for parents to avoid yelling at their kids. It’s brilliant.”

“I work in my room, with paints right next to the sofa, and I really enjoy it. I also have a garden, which is great. These days, I rarely have dinner, so the trick is to have a good lunch and then take a little nap in the studio. After that, I get back to work.”

“It’s one of the nicest spots around here. What’s great about it is that it’s sheltered from the Nortada, which is a real pain for people living near Estoril. It has that slightly decadent touch from the Estado Novo era, and the space has a very fluid layout. They make great cocktails, you get the best sunset in the whole coastline, and the food they serve is pretty decent too.”

“It’s one of the icons of the area and one of the best seafood restaurants I know. A few years ago, I was painting at a street art festival with a bunch of people, and a waiter came over and said, ‘You guys paint? The owner is here looking for someone to do a mural.’ I immediately replied, ‘Shut up, this one’s mine.’ And it really went ahead - it was a huge honour to paint that. The restaurant has grown, and today they own the entire block. Because the wall had a pretty tricky structure, I suggested an old-school advertising style, and I think it turned out really interesting. I remember going there as a teenager; it was already amazing back then, but they’ve managed to maintain the quality and expand.”