Time Out and Visit Cascais

Halloween celebrations extend from 28 October to 1 November, but the settings are not haunted houses, dark forests or graveyards. Rather, they are much more pleasant places to spend an out-of-this-world Halloween...

The cold has arrived, but things are about to heat up in Cascais. Bossa’s Feijoadas are back – twice over – on November 9 and December 7. Get ready for two afternoons of great food, live music and Brazilian vibes at Lake House, Quinta da Marinha. Leave your coat at the door and get into the rhythm. The feijoada is served freely, alongside classic starters and desserts, and the open bar keeps everyone’s glass full – think wine, beer, caipirinhas and soft drinks. The soundtrack? Live bossa nova, MPB and samba, guaranteed to get you showing off those dance moves you’ve been practising. It’s a family affair too, with a kids’ area packed with activities and supervised fun, so grown-ups can enjoy their feijoada without distractions. Both editions run from 1pm to 6pm. On December 7, things take on a festive twist – the perfect excuse to gather your friends and celebrate before the Christmas chaos kicks in. Save the date and grab your tickets (for 9/11 and 7/12) early to keep things hassle-free.

This year, little trick-or-treaters don’t need to go door to door to fill their buckets with sweets. Bora Bowl, a new spot in town serving açaí, ice cream, frozen yogurt, smoothies, milkshakes and Brazilian snacks, has got it all covered. From 2pm on October 31, a pumpkin in-store will be inviting everyone to try their luck. You might pull out a treat or a trick – so choose wisely. The lucky ones who land a treat can claim some delicious prizes, including: two 240ml bowls for the price of one, two 375ml Ovomaltine or Paçoca milkshakes for the price of one, 10% off 500ml or 750ml bowls, 10% off chicken or beef coxinha bowls, or even a free paçoca. If you get a trick, don’t worry – you can still build your own sweet consolation prize from more than 35 toppings packed with flavour. Praça do Junqueiro 17D, Carcavelos. From 2pm.

Think the best time to catch up with friends or head out with the family has passed? Think again. For lovers of good drinks and great vibes, Palaphita is the place to be. The “Wine Not?” nights (16, 23 and 30 October) promise to make Thursdays extra special, celebrating the best of wine. On 20 October, the “Aurora Boreal Palaphita” will bring Northern magic to Cascais with a stunning light show for an unforgettable evening. The next day, 21 October, it’s time for the “New Moon Night”, the perfect excuse for a romantic evening under the new moon. Because Palaphita also means party, the weekends of 18–19 and 25–26 October are unmissable, with barbecues, live music and the perfect seaside view to go with them. Got a four-legged friend you hate leaving at home? Wednesdays are for you: the “Pet Friendly” nights (22 and 29 October) welcome dogs to join the fun. And for a midweek treat, Tuesday 28 October is “Burger Tuesday”, with irresistible flavours on the grill. To wrap up the month in style, don’t miss “Palaphita Meetpoint” (17, 24 and 31 October), the Friday hangout with Pala DJ and the much-loved “Sunset Connect in Cascais”, where you can dance the day (and night) away. Who said summer had the monopoly on sunsets and themed nights? Get ready to snack, sip and dance till you drop, Palaphita-style.

When autumn arrives, it always brings two things: cooler weather (though it’s taking its time this year) and hearty, flavour-packed comfort food. This time, it’s all about the Feijoada do Bossa – a true celebration of Brazilian flavour, served with lakeside views, live music, and endless caipirinhas. From 13.00 to 18.00, expect a lunch that turns into a party: all-you-can-eat feijoada, Brazilian snacks and desserts, an open bar with wine, beer and soft drinks, and an atmosphere that’ll transport you straight to Brazil without leaving Cascais. The soundtrack? Bossa Nova, MPB and Samba, of course – and the promise is simple: you’ll leave full, happy and humming a tune. Tickets are available here, so you won’t have to think about it when you arrive.

The end of summer calls for a celebration, and the Bossa Sunset BBQ is here to deliver just that: great food, tasty drinks, and fantastic music in a dreamlike lakeside setting. At 8pm, the gastronomic experience kicks off with an all-you-can-eat barbecue, sides, and irresistible desserts, all accompanied by wines, caipirinhas, beer, and soft drinks from the included open bar. Musically, the evening promises a mix of styles with live performances, DJ sets, and international pop-rock hits guaranteed to take you on a journey through time. The Lake House’s elegant setting, with stunning lake views, provides the perfect backdrop for photos you won’t want to keep to yourself. The party continues until 2am, combining sophistication, fun, and that quintessential end-of-summer vibe we all love. Entry is 16+ only, and tickets are available online for those who don’t want to miss out.  

Don Alfonso 1890 has unveiled a new menu designed to take your Italian dining experience up a notch. The idea? Casual dining with a sophisticated twist – relaxed, inclusive, and approachable, yet never losing the signature elegance of the brand. At lunch, the vibe is light and effortless, perfect for a flavour-packed meal without the fuss. Neapolitan pizzas still reign supreme, sitting comfortably alongside timeless classics like the Spaghetti Don Alfonso or the newly added, comforting Lasagna Bolognese. Evenings bring a fuller experience. Start with shareable antipasti (the Gamberi Tempura and Arancini are musts), then move on to iconic dishes like Melanzane alla Parmigiana or Carpaccio di Spigola. The Primi Piatti shine with fresh options such as Linguine al Frutti di Mare or chicken ragù ravioli, while the Secondi Piatti bring meat and fish to the table, served with your choice of sides, highlighting dishes like Pescato del Giorno, Tagliata, and Agnello. No Italian dinner is complete without dessert. The Tiramisù remains the star, now joined by new treats like Pineapple Carpaccio, Ricotta, the reimagined Tarteletta, and the surprising Dolcetti. All in all, the menu is a clever mix of tradition and innovation, comfort and sophistication – turning every meal into a memory worth savouring. Avenida 25 de Abril 528, Cascais. Mon-Sun 12.30-22.00. 210 540 560

Tucked away in the quiet, sloping streets of the area, Aires Estoril is your fast-track ticket to Buenos Aires the moment you step through the door. This is the place to grab a table and dive into a genuinely authentic experience – straight from Argentina. Now, with its new menu and sizzling dishes, it’s raising the bar once again (and it was already pretty deliciously high). D.R. Chef Marianela Ramadan and her team have brought fire, memory, and innovation to the table, creating dishes that pay homage to Argentina’s culinary traditions. On the new menu, some plates speak for themselves – but we’ll indulge you anyway. The Costillas Tiempo y Fuego al Chimichurri are for the patient food lovers, slow-cooked sous-vide for 12 hours before hitting the Josper grill – intense, rich, and utterly worth it. The Milanesa Aires de Wagyu – a Wagyu rump heart crumbed with breadcrumbs, cornflakes, and semolina, served with rustic potatoes – takes a classic to haute cuisine heights. Meanwhile, the Nueva Ensalada de Campo mixes smoked turkey breast, caramelised melon, and goat cheese for a fresh twist. And don’t miss the daring starters, like the Chorizo Bombón: little bites of criollo chorizo wrapped in a crunchy coating, drizzled with herb-infused honey, and finished with a hint of heat. D.R. But the true star remains the Parrilla Estilo Argentino, designed for two and loaded with iconic cuts like picanha, pork matambre, and blood sausage. The feast is rounded out with sides that trav

Pão com Coração, which shares a wall with Cascais Food Lab, opened its doors for the first time on September 3rd, though the idea has been in the works since 2022. Behind this project is “a huge desire not to leave anyone behind”, explains Cláudia Mataloto, coordinator of the gastronomy sector at Cascais City Council. The initiative focuses on empowering people with specific needs, providing them with a training space to prepare for the job market. And who’s getting hands-on with the dough? A group of trainees from the Education, Rehabilitation and Empowerment for Inclusion Cooperative in Cascais (CERCICA). Step inside and it’s immediately clear this is a bakery with a welcoming atmosphere and a scent that whets the appetite. The display is packed with breads of every colour, shape and size – fresh, flavourful, and straight from the oven. But this new spot isn’t just about bread. Next to it, trays of sweets tempt you, putting any diet on pause. From Cascais’ iconic areias and nozes to the classic pastéis de nata, choosing just one is the real challenge. Open every day, this hands-on bakery will also host morning demonstrations of what the students are preparing – all available to buy later in the day. Rua Padre Moisés da Silva 8, Cascais

Summer’s here, and at Corleone Ristorante al Mare, that can only mean one thing: time to whet your appetite and make room for the freshest Italian flavours of the season. With postcard-worthy views of the sea, a sun-soaked terrace, and a refreshed menu that lives up to its name, Corleone is welcoming the warm weather with dishes that taste like holidays and feel like la dolce vita. D.R. This season, antipasti come to life with classics like creamy Italian burrata with organic tomato and basil, or tuna crudo with mascarpone, cured egg yolk and artichoke. Then comes the hard part: choosing between pastas – like spaghetti with crustacean bisque, fresh tomato, rocket and grilled lobster tail, or rigatoni with sausage ragù, fresh Paris mushrooms and pecorino cheese – and main dishes like pistachio-and-mustard-crusted seared tuna with sautéed vegetables and a minty pea purée, or veal ossobuco in its own sauce, served with saffron risotto. When the sun’s at its hottest, dessert is the best kind of remedy. Think crispy cannoli filled with ricotta, chocolate and pistachio, or choux pastry with craquelin, vanilla ice cream and a rich cocoa sauce. These are more than enough reasons to order dolci per tutti. Corleone’s summer menu stays true to its Italian roots, with quality ingredients, respect for tradition and a desire to surprise. All this with a view of the Atlantic and a glass of wine in hand. If you’re already picturing the scene, all that’s left is to book a table. Rua Fernan

At Bougain, summer isn’t just about cocktails in hand (though that’s very much encouraged). It’s also celebrated at the table – with Mediterranean-inspired dishes full of colour and flavour, made to be enjoyed slowly, between good conversation and the cool shade of the garden. And yes, always with blooming bougainvillea nearby, adding a special touch to every meal. The new summer menu, crafted by chef Diana Roque, stays true to the restaurant’s DNA: product-led cooking, seasonality at the forefront, and a respect for the classics – all with a modern twist. D.R. There are lighter options, like the Black Angus carpaccio – tenderloin with mixed leaves and a truffle emulsion – and the tomato soup with basil and burrata. But there’s also room for heartier dishes, perfect for lingering summer evenings: think carabineiro and citrus rice or salmon Wellington with spinach and fish jus. And always, always leave room for dessert. The Chocolate Bomb with creamy salted caramel, lemon ice cream, cocoa crumble and raspberry coulis is a stellar way to end any meal – or start one, no judgement here. With this new menu, Bougain proves it’s much more than just a beautiful (stunning, really) restaurant – it’s a place you’ll want to come back to, dish after dish, season after season. Avenida Valbom 13, Cascais

Get ready for a night to remember (and dance your heart out). On July 11, The Upper Deck rooftop at EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril is hosting a Full Moon Party inspired by Thailand’s legendary moonlit blowouts. Expect all the summer essentials: UV lights, neon body paint, a glow-in-the-dark shots bar and feel-good tunes to keep you dancing under the stars. Things kick off at 6pm with a sunset over the sea and won’t wind down until your feet do. The dress code? White Moon – show up in white and get ready for a proper “Noite Branca” with a twist. No cheesy ballads, just the moon, the stars, and one seriously stunning view. Entry is free but space is limited, so come early and come ready. This is one summer night you won’t want to miss. The Upper Deck, EVOLUTION Cascais-Estoril. July 11, from 6pm. Free entry

The “CASCAIS – Fado” series is already underway, bringing all the charm of a traditional fado house to the open air. At the Páteo da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Cascais, silence falls and the soul-stirring sound of fado takes over. Running until September 14th, from Thursday to Sunday at 19.00 (with extra sessions at 20.30 for those who like to stretch the evening), this is the place to be in Cascais. The initiative, in partnership with the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Cascais, brings together some of the most striking voices in contemporary fado – handpicked by singer Cuca Roseta. Expect an intimate setting, full of charm, history and tradition. Tickets cost €21 and are already on sale. Not from the area? All the more reason to plan a getaway to Cascais. Once here, just sit back, order a glass of wine and soak up the moment. Rua da Saudade, 12. Thu to Sun, at 19.00 (and 20.30).