What’s new in Cascais

Bigg – an Argentinian brand with more than 50 gyms across Central and South America and nine in neighbouring Spain – has arrived in Portugal with an unusual proposition: combining the best of group classes with the benefits of a personal trainer in a single workout. Sessions start on the hour, are limited to 15 participants and always feature four blocks, with a countdown clock marking the transition between each one. Everyone trains together, but works towards their own goals, with two coaches on hand throughout.

Located in the Espace Général complex in Alcabideche, alongside restaurants, cafés and shops, this is the sixth studio from Prescription, a brand that made an immediate impression when it opened in Lisbon with an approach far removed from the slower, quieter and more physiotherapy-focused traditions of classical Pilates. The spacious studio has 12 Reformer machines, earthy tones, mirrors covered in motivational messages, a 1970s-style feature wall and flashes of fluorescent yellow. Its high-energy 55-minute classes combine the best of Pilates and strength training, all set to a loud, upbeat soundtrack. There are also lockers and changing rooms – with showers stocked with shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and even make-up remover – plus a small shop beside reception selling everything from grip socks to leggings and tops, for a little extra style.

The sushi from Meow and pizzas from Sour Dog have now been joined by Jiao Ásia’s noodles, rice dishes, soups, sandwiches and mochi. Three different restaurants, three different menus and three separate teams share one enormous open kitchen divided into three sections, operating mainly for delivery and takeaway. But the Galerias Valmor space also has a dining room with large street-facing windows and seating for around 30 people, spread across a communal wooden table, small round tables and a large, comfortable sofa. Jiao’s specialities are particularly worth eating in for, including the spicy prawn and gyoza ramen – one of four soups on the menu – crispy sweet-and-sour spicy aubergine, sweet-and-sour chicken and a crispy chicken katsu sando. Finish with a strawberry, pistachio, blueberry or Biscoff mochi.

Kokini, located in Cascais, was founded in 2025 by A. Turgay Gülay to share Turkey’s home-style gastronomy and culture. In a welcoming setting, the restaurant offers a traditional welcome ritual featuring eau de cologne, alongside mezzes and slow-cooked meats such as chicken with chestnuts or slow-roasted lamb. The menu also includes soups, salads, börek, and baklava, as well as a tasting menu. The space invites guests to gather and share the experience with music, backgammon games, and Turkish coffee or rakı.

Next to Cascais Bay, in the spot once occupied for decades by the historic Bijou pastry shop, Takumi serves an all-you-can-eat Chinese and Japanese menu – but at the table and made to order. Forget the traditional buffet: here, the focus is on fresh ingredients, precise execution and careful presentation on every plate. Options range from cold sushi and sashimi creations to hot dishes from traditional Chinese cooking, including soups, teppan-grilled dishes and comforting plates such as duck with orange. To drink, there are signature drinks, cocktails and sake.