What’s new in Cascais

After setting up shop in Setúbal and Lisbon, Benedita Formosinho has now arrived in Cascais. Inside the former Town Hall building – now home to Relógio - Slow Retail, a space dedicated to Portuguese brands – Benedita and her mother, Perpétua (the duo behind the brand), showcase how their minimalist, timeless fashion design continues to evolve. Think increasingly sustainable collections and a new addition: their first unisex shoes, made with traditional Alentejo blankets. On the rails, you’ll find clothing in earthy tones with clever cuts that combine textures and materials; on the walls, the brand’s mottos – “What we do matters” – and explanations of their production process. “People need to be informed to make conscious choices,” says Perpétua Formosinho.

Tucked away on a typical village backstreet, Enoteca 19 began life as a wine bar, but quickly evolved into a fully-fledged Italian restaurant – authentic to its core. The menu ranges from generous boards of salumi e formaggi to hearty pastas and crisp pinsas, all served from 11.30am through the day. Regular Italian wine tastings are held too – just keep an eye on their socials to stay in the loop.

After more than two decades in the Estoril Arcades, France Ame’s concept store has relocated to the heart of Cascais. Spanning 250 square metres over two floors, the space is filled with luxury brands such as Alberta Ferretti, Tory Burch, Gas, Acqua di Parma, and Max Mara – the Italian label that, interestingly, had a presence there for many years. There’s a dedicated Etro corner on the lower floor, shelves stocked with jewellery, beauty and home products, plus plenty of room for Brazilian swimwear brand Lenny Niemeyer.

Café de São Bento has arrived in Cascais. With the same classic menu – starring its iconic house steak, made with the original 1982 recipe – the focus was on replicating a historically successful concept. The space is also similar, though slightly lighter, with more natural light and an outdoor terrace.

Opened in 2002, Confeitaria da Guia is a reliable spot for light meals and versatile snacks, perfect for those wanting to enjoy the stunning panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean from one of Cascais’s best locations – Casa da Guia, at the start of the famous Estrada do Guincho. It was refurbished in 2025, reopening with a new indoor dining area, the ever-popular terrace, a refreshed menu, and, for the first time, a display of homemade ice cream.

A Vila Criativa As Margaridas operates in a multidisciplinary workshop at Margarida's School, located in a charming villa in Estoril, with its doors open to the community. Designed for both kids and adults, it offers a range of activities, some paid and others free of charge. From painting and sewing to ceramics, yoga, and even toy or game-making in the garden, there’s something for everyone.

In this new restaurant at Praça do Junqueiro, in Carcavelos, the ingredients are authentically Italian - just like the owner. The menu features fresh pasta, risottos, and Roman-style pinsas, alongside salads and a selection of meat and fish dishes. To drink, you can choose from a selection of Italian wines, or, if you're in the mood for something a bit stronger, go for a classic spritz.

The Toca is a multidisciplinary space that combines an English-language children's bookshop with a ceramics studio, where visitors can either hand-shape clay or paint pre-made pieces. Designed for both kids and adults, this project aims to foster a sense of community and encourage hands-on creativity in an age increasingly dominated by technology.

Bodega Brava is a traditional tapas bar, primarily inspired by Catalan cuisine, designed for leisurely evenings with friends, featuring small bites and drinks at the table. With a relaxed, familiar atmosphere, the menu is packed with high-quality products carefully selected by chef Henrique Rosa, who honed his skills at renowned fine dining establishments like El Bulli and Noma before focusing on his own project.

Sourdough pizzas with natural fermentation, made using a blend of organic and nutritious flours. This is what you’ll find at the unsuspecting Galerias Valmor, a small shopping centre in the Matarraque area of São Domingos de Rana, where you can try the new (and serious contenders for the best list) pizzas in Cascais. The venture is run by Ukrainian-born Oksana Horshchar, who works alongside her pizzaiolo friend Radion Petrenko, the mastermind behind the recipes.