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Share your favorite cookie recipes this holiday season.

The holidays are a wonderful time for baking treats. One of our favorites to share is this easy and delicious recipe for holiday treasure cookies that each come with a secret hidden delight.

My mother used to make these every holiday and store them in coffee cans in the cool cabinet in our kitchen. Being the organized German that she was, she took weeks to make dozens of Christmas cookies to share with family and friends. I have to admit that I would sneak into the cabinet and steal a few. I’m sure the tell-tale sign of the powder sugar trail gave me away every time. She never scolded me because she knew they were my favorites and still are to this day.

These wonderful treats have a crumbly, buttery outside hiding a delicious and surprising chocolatey burst inside. You can use any flavor of chocolate kisses you like or mix and match to enhance the surprise. I grew up with the standard milk chocolate Hershey kisses but now I prefer the dark chocolate kisses. Holiday and specialty flavor kisses would work well too.

We hope you try this recipe and it becomes one of your family’s favorites too.

Holiday Treasure Cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Butter, softened
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Bag Hershey's Kisses (Any flavor, although we prefer Special Dark)
  • 1 1/2 cups Confectioner's Sugar

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Cream sugar, butter, and vanilla together until creamy, light, and fluffy.
  • Slowly add flour and blend well until flour becomes completely incorporated into the mixture forming a soft dough.
  • Refrigerate the dough for 2 hours or more until quite firm.
  • While the dough is chilling, unwrap the kisses.
  • When the dough is thoroughly chilled, take a spoonful and work gently with fingers to create a ball then flatten the ball into a small patty. Place a kiss in the center of the patty then pull up sides to wrap around a kiss. When the kiss is completely covered, roll dough in your palms (like a meatball) to shape it back into the ball. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Repeat until all dough/kisses are in balls.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes (depending on your oven)or until dough is no longer gummy and bottoms are slightly golden.
  • Cool for a few minutes on a cookie sheet, then place on a rack to coolentirely. Meanwhile, put confectioner's sugar in a large bowl.
  • When cookies are cooled, roll in confectioner's sugar to coat. When you have finished all the cookies with one coating, repeat so that each cookie has 2 coats of confectioner's sugar and is covered all around.
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Cookies, Holiday

 

Holiday Treasure Cookies
Holiday Treasure Cookies the surprise is a chocolate kiss inside!

We hope you enjoy these little treasures. Watch out for the powdered sugar – it’s a bit messy but worth it!

If you’re looking for another terrific holiday cookie check out these Easy Chocolate Crinkles.

Happy Holidays!

THE QUICK BITE:  If you’re looking for a new holiday cookie recipe try the Holiday Treasure Cookie. There’s a chocolate surprise in every cookie. They’re sure to be a new family favorite.

PIN IT!

treasure-Cookies

Updated December 2024
Please be sure to check the times and dates the Christmas markets are open on their websites provided in the links below.

 

European Christmas markets are some of our favorite spots to visit when traveling during the holiday season. It should be no surprise that Portugal Christmas for us includes visits to some of the wonderful cities and villages that bring Christmas magic to the air.

We’ve exploree big and busy city Christmas markets to tiny villages where the whole town jumps in. Here are a few of the most interesting and fun Christmas markets in Portugal.

Christmas Markets in Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is the first place most people think of going when they want to find the best Christmas markets in Portugal. And there’s plenty of good reason. There are several major places to go, so depending on how much you want to absorb, you can spend time enjoying each one for its own special personality.

Wonderland Lisboa

This is one of the biggest and most popular Christmas markets in Portugal. And it’s got all the greatest hits that visitors want. Wonderland Lisboa takes up the bulk of Park Eduardo VII with a Santa’s village, Ferris wheel, food trucks, and market stalls.

Wonderland Lisboa Portugal Christmas

 

Christmas music plays throughout the park too, adding to the festive spirit. There are games for kiddies and lots of drink choices for grownups. There are plenty of fun holiday gifts and local craft items to buy, keeping the Christmas spirit alive and well. Best of all, entry is free.

Rossio Christmas Market

In the Baixa part of Lisbon, a tall Christmas tree and Saint Nick’s house set the stage for a plaza full of holiday fun. Wooden huts line the Rossio Christmas market with all kinds of goodies from artisan jewelry and handcrafted gifts to many foods and sweets. It’s fun to sample delicious items as you walk along.

Rossio Christmas Market Lisbon

 

Grab a creamy custard tart called pastel de nata at one booth, then hot chocolate to go with it at another. Enjoy some nuts, dried fruits, and candy, or switch gears with warm sangria or mulled port wine. The market is free and there’s a free Christmas train you can hop on at Rossio Square to ride around the Baixa neighborhood. The many booths and holiday treats rival any other Christmas markets in Europe.

Campo Pequeno Christmas Market

Another of the fabulous Lisbon Christmas markets is the Campo Pequeno Christmas market. This wonderful Portugal Christmas market has two personalities. The first days of the market are a traditional Christmas market with nearly a hundred vendors and all the crafts, gifts, and food you would expect from a traditional European Christmas market.

In the final days the market shifts to a lifestyle and gourmet market. Here you will find luxury items and unique gourmet products. Discover craft beer, gin, and cheeses made by small artisanal producers. There’s a €2 entry fee, but it comes with a €1 discount voucher for purchases over €10.

Porto Christmas Markets

There’s no more festive time to visit the beautiful north of Portugal than around Christmastime. The great city of Porto adds even more colorful visions with lights and markets that make every holiday heart sing. While it might be a bit cooler or wetter outside than down south, Porto is a city well worth enjoying for its celebratory Christmas activities.

The Ágora Christmas Market at Jardim da Cordoaria & Largo do Amor de Perdição

Mingle with the artisans who display their handicrafts especially designed for the holiday season. The market also features two tents that showcase dance, music theater, and more. Workshops for the kids to create their own festive decorations as well as ride on the Parisian Carousel or skate on the Natural Ice Rink.

Christmas Market By Mercado Da Alegria (Joy Market) Batalha Square

Just look at the faces of people visiting the Christmas Market by Joy Market and you’ll see why it is aptly named. Decorated trees, Christmas lights, fun workshops, and clowns start the cheer. Then 40+ vendors with handmade toys, jewelry, crafts, clothing, and giftable food items keep it going.

Taking over the Batalha Plaza, just about a five-minute walk from Porto’s beautiful Sao Bento train station, the market makes it easy to feel festive. Enjoy the lights and festivities in Porto at this special time.

Magic Of Christmas At WOW (World Of Wine) Vila Nova Da Gaia

A short trip over the bridge south of Porto will reward revelers with a fun and different Portugal Christmas market. World Of Wine (WOW) is a cultural district filled with museums, restaurants, shops, and activities. The holiday season turns WOW into a winter wonderland as well. On November 25th, celebrate the magic of Christmas with a brilliant Christmas tree, wandering elves, live music, youth choirs, and dancers. Visit family museums like The Chocolate Story and Cork Planet or more grownup ones like Pink Palace and The Wine Experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of several restaurants. And explore the shops for trinkets and treasures throughout the season.

These are just a few of the Christmas markets in Porto. For the complete listing check out their handy Christmas market guide for all the markets and all the details.

Other Portugal Christmas Markets

Christmas markets in Porto and Lisbon, Portugal, are certainly worth experiencing. But many other places offer Christmas markets in Portugal, too. Some are memorable for their beautiful location, and others because the whole town participates. These are just a few of the Christmas markets in Portugal that we think you would enjoy.

Cascais Christmas Village and Market

The beautiful seaside town of Cascais shines during the holiday season. The Christmas Market is located at Cascais Bay. You won’t have any trouble finding it. Just look for the lighted Ferris wheel and two-story Venetian carousel. You will find 30 festive stalls with handmade items, and local crafts, you’re sure to find a gift for everyone on your list. There are also plenty of food and drink vendors, too. The smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air and the large Christmas-lighted display will surely put you in the holiday spirit.

Christmas Market Cascais 2024
Christmas Market Cascais

In addition, there are an additional 10 wooden stalls at the Visconde da Luz Garden for even more shopping and tasty delights. The good news is that the Christmas Market and the Cascais Christmas Village are all an easy short walk from one another.

The Christmas Village at the Marechal Carmona Park features a skating rink, snow ride, Santa Claus house, Christmas train, enchanted forest, face painting, and real reindeer are just a few of the delights in store for visitors to the Cascais Christmas Village. Marechal Carmona Park is transformed into this magical village with music, activities, food, and shopping.

Christmas Village Cascais
Delicious food offerings at the Christmas
Village Cascais. Photo courtesy of  DNA Cascais

The village is now expanded to include a live nativity scene, complete with camels. The market offers Portuguese handcrafts, pottery, rugs, jewelry, and more. A large food court also supplies plenty of delicious treats to keep you energized for the fun. There is a fee for entry to the Christmas Village, with a discount offered for Viver Cascais cardholders.

Óbidos Vila Natal

Óbidos is a magical place any time of the year. So it’s no surprise that Portugal Christmas in the village is even more magical. Óbidos was a wedding gift from King Dinis to his lovely bride. So when you first arrive and see the castle wrapped in a giant red bow, it feels like a holiday romance for the ages.

Obidos Christmas Entrance Portugal Christmas

The village is transformed each holiday season into Óbidos Christmas Village. A skating rink, holiday train, Santa house, roaming characters, and more delight visitors of all ages. This year, the village transforms into the School of Sorcerers. A giant’s house, potions laboratory, magic hall, time travel virtual reality, and court of wizards add to the fun. Several restaurants offer delicious food. Various stands and shops have treats and gifts galore.

Cabeça Aldeia Natal, Seia

Historical villages with homes made from of schist rock (xisto, in Portuguese) can be found in central Portugal. One of the most charming and delightful is Cabeça Christmas Village or Aldeia Natal. What sets this Portugal Christmas village apart is that it is the first 100% eco-sustainable Christmas village in Portugal. All materials used for decorating are taken from nature.

The approximately 170 residents take materials such as vines, leaves, corn stalks, and famous Serra da Estrela wool to create their Christmas decorations. At night, the village lights up with thousands of LED lights, making it also the first LED village in Portugal. Music, plays, films and other entertainment heighten the sense of community here. And the final piece of Christmas hospitality comes as the residents open the doors to their homes, welcoming visitors to share in the joy of Christmas with them.

Celebrate With A Portugal Christmas

We’re ready to celebrate another Christmas in Portugal. For us, it has been a real treat exploring Lisbon Christmas markets, others in Porto, and Christmas markets in Portugal all over. These are just a few of the delightful holiday celebrations awaiting residents and visitors alike.

Obidos Christmas Lights

Don’t forget that much of Portugal from the tiniest village to the biggest city also brings joy with beautiful lights. We wish you a very happy holiday season and invite you to celebrate with us for a Portugal Christmas no matter where in the world you may be.

 

Updated December 2023


We have been living in the area of Cascais Portugal for over two years now. It’s safe to say that we have had a lot of amazing meals here. Whether you want seafood, meat, or vegetarian, there are lots of phenomenal restaurants waiting to serve you the very best. It’s fun to visit some swanky spots from time to time as well as enjoy cuisines from other countries. Many of our favorites are local “tascas” or family-owned and operated gems serving authentic local Portuguese fare.

People coming for a visit often ask for our recommendations. So, even though we’re discovering new places all the time, we wanted to share some of the best restaurants in Cascais from our experiences so far. Here, in no particular order, are our 15 Cascais restaurants not to miss.

 

1. Flecha Azul

For a fantastic meal at a fantastic price on a side street just out of the touristic main drag, Flecha Azul is the place to go. This Cascais restaurant run by brothers who know how to keep you happy, has become a favorite with those we have introduced it to as well. They offer traditional Portuguese meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Every day also has a couple of specials, which are usually outstanding examples of Portuguese classics. They have omelets, salads (their tuna salad is one of our favorites), and pasta dishes too. Try the “pressed” wine here, which is a house wine that comes from a tap, quite pleasing and inexpensive.

Porco preto and Flecha Azul in Casais Portugal
Porco preto and Flecha Azul in Casais Portugal

There are tables outside as well as inside the simple restaurant with a humble ambiance. Service is fun and the brothers have a quirky sense of humor, best exemplified by when Diana asked for a small beer, and out came a beer in a tiny shot glass mug, which got a big laugh from everyone. This is one of those places you can always count on for ample portions, great food, and very reasonable prices.

2. Pizzeria Il Siciliano

There is no lack of Italian food restaurants in Cascais, and Pizzeria Il Siciliano is one of our favorites. The owner is from Sicily, knows how to make a great pizza, and has the oven to do it. The service is friendly and the menu offers all the hits. Pizzas, pastas, salads, and more. A fun way to start is with a delicious bruschetta. This is also a good place if you have a group because the food is easy to split and there is an extensive wine menu. It’s again on a side street away from the main touristic area so you will find plenty of expats and Portuguese locals dining here.

Veggie Pizza at Pizzeria Il Siciliano Cascais Portugal
Veggie Pizza at Pizzeria Il Siciliano Cascais Portugal

You’re not cramped inside and there are a few tables out front when the weather permits. Desserts are highly regarded here too. For those who need a gluten-free option, they’ll find it available and tasty here. The restaurant is popular, so go early or make a reservation to be sure you don’t have to wait. They do a brisk takeaway/delivery business all over Cascais Portugal.

 

3. Hifen

For a delicious meal with a view of the water, Hifen is one of the best restaurants in Cascais. This hip restaurant offers an eclectic range of dishes that are great for sharing. Petiscos are like Portuguese tapas and make for a fun meal with a variety of tastes. Meat, seafood, and vegetarian options come with Portuguese, Asian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and European influences. Tuna Crudo and tabbouleh, duck tostada, shrimp tempura, and veal tataki hint at some of the unique dishes.

Salmon tataki at Hifen in Cascais Portugal
Salmon tataki at Hifen in Cascais Portugal

There are lots of veggie options “from the garden” as well as fun starters like chips from the world, featuring cassava, yam, and parsnip fries with a delectable dipping sauce. Add an excellent drinks menu and a beautiful view of Cascais Bay, and you’re set for a fabulous time. Weekends may have music too, but every day is busy, so be sure to make a reservation at this trendy, popular spot.

4. El Caminito

We discovered El Caminito after walking through the side street where it sits quietly just out of the Cascais touristic fray. If you’re a meat lover, then you won’t want to miss out on this Argentinian grill that specializes in meat actually from Argentina. The wine list is good and reasonable and there’s a lovely view from the top floor. Side dishes, seafood, and vegetarian choices are satisfying as well. A great option is the combo platters, different meats served on a platter together so you can try a few different cuts from picanha to entrecote. We went with a party of four and had more than enough meat with a few sides and starters so that we were too stuffed even to try dessert. Sangria and cocktails are available too.

El Caminito Cacais Portugal
El Caminito Cacais Portugal

The service is delightful and the place is energetic but quiet enough that you can hear the people you are dining with, which in some places isn’t that easy to do. Inside a house in the historic center, this Cascais restaurant is truly a hidden gem. But because the locals know all about it, make a reservation.

5. LovIt

LovIt is one of those places that you go and know you will never be disappointed. The  Cascais restaurant’s outdoor dining area on the Casa da Guia grounds is large and that’s a good thing – because it always fills up. There’s dining inside too if the weather doesn’t cooperate. But being outside with a view of the coastline makes it so special. As does the menu, which is ridiculously good for people who all want something different. The sushi here is offered in abundance, even up to a 40-piece platter.

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Sometimes we just need a cheesburger. Ok, most days we need a cheesburger. Dream Burger does them right. Love their sweet potato fries and onion rings too. #cheeseburger #burgerlover

♬ original sound – Gina Brillon

6. Furnas Do Guincho

youll-want-to-visit-cascais-in-portugal/">Cascais offers more than just its historic center and downtown area. Heading up the wild western coastline, you’ll encounter beautiful hotels, historical lighthouses, and gorgeous views of the rocky coast. There are plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the beaches or grab a snack. But for a special dining experience with spectacular views, we love the picturesque Furnas do Guincho. White linen tablecloths and attentive service punctuate the elevated menu and fabulous views. Meat and seafood are given equally upscale treatment. Fish lovers will find it hard to resist the fresh-caught selections served with flair. Meat lovers will enjoy top-notch choices like chateaubriand and filet mignon.

Watching the sunset from the terrace while sipping a cocktail or a glass of wine is the perfect way to celebrate just being alive. Enjoy the showy presentation of a large fish baked in a salted crust or taste local seafood stew with enough for two and feel the glow from outside and within. It’s a little on the pricey side but worth the splurge. But, if you’re watching your budget, it’s the perfect spot to go for a drink, have an appetizer, and still enjoy the wonderful view.

7. Local

Local is one of those places that make eating healthy foods look and taste like something special. Their focus is on taking fresh, high-quality, and nutritional ingredients and turning them into meals that taste like a treat. We love the approach that feels fun and colorful on your plate. Vegans will find a lot to love here, but you don’t have to be vegan to get a great dish here. We had both falafel and octopus dishes for lunch and each plate was just as inviting and satisfying as the other. They offer diverse and global flavors like poke bowls and turmeric chicken with couscous.

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The service is friendly and fun too. They don’t add preservatives or refined sugars to their foods, so what you get is naturally tasty. Devoted to working with local producers using sustainable practices, Local has a few locations including Cascais Mercado do Vila, all of which make seasonal eating of real food delicious. This is a place you can feel good about while you’re there and after you’re done because you know they’re doing their part to be custodians of our planet.

8. Bullguer

When you just want to have a good burger, Cascais has got you covered. Among plenty of options, we pick Bullguer for its honest smash burger approach and really, really good prices. Located in the heart of the downtown square, Bullguer is rather new to Portugal. The concept comes from a phenomenal success in Brazil where it started in 2015 and now has 30 stores. Cascais is the first location in Portugal, but we’re sure there will be others. The burgers are Angus beef, fresh never frozen. Add yummy brioche buns and crinkle fries – yes, we said crinkle! – which you can even get topped with cheese, and we’re in hamburger heaven. Various options include bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a variety of sauces. They also have hot dogs, and veggie and fish burgers too.

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Inspired by the Shake Shack smash burger concept in the U.S., three young entrepreneurs started Bullguer, which is now selling about 3 million burgers a year. It’s not a fancy place and is surrounded by the bustling action of Cascais downtown. But if you want a satisfying burger that doesn’t disappoint, get one at Bullguer.

9. Marisco Na Praça

For the real seafood lover in you, check out Marisco Na Praça inside the Cascais Mercado da Vila. You can order some items off of the menu, but for the best fresh seafood there is, go to the display to look at what they have on view and order what you like. There are so many different types of shrimp, clams, and other shellfish, and for a special treat, slipper lobsters are only found right in Cascais Bay. Then you tell them how you want your catch cooked – steamed, grilled, sautéed in garlic and olive oil, whatever you want. Your wish is their command. Go back to your table and enjoy some delicious sparkling sangria, have a starter, and just kick back. Or stick around and watch the talented chefs prepare your dishes.

You can dine inside or on the patio aside the main floor of the mercado. Either way, you’ll experience an explosion of flavors that remind you of why fresh seafood is so amazing. This is the place we learned that the beef sandwich called a prego is the preferred dessert of locals. Something about the simple bread and meat combination provides a sinfully satisfying finish to a seafood meal. If you’re looking for more of a seaside view Marisco Na Praça also has a location at the Cascais marina.

10. El Clandestino

The new kid on t

he block El Clandestino is a fresh concept that combines Peruvian flavors with Asian influences and integrates some local twists. Peruvian classics like ceviche and lombo make their way onto the menu. That’s no surprise as Peruvian chef Teófilo Quiñones worked in a Michelin restaurant in Lima. He decided to unite with his family in Portugal and bring big, bold flavors to his sparkling new culinary home. The fusion-y menu includes osso buco and salmon bao, Vietnamese crepes, mushroom risotto, and dijon chicken, just to name a few of the soul-satisfying dishes. There are also some great drinks, not the least of which is the Peruvian pisco sour.

The place has a fun and funky vibe, from the very cool backlit cityscape art piece to the long bar and outdoor seating. Music adds to the lively atmosphere with a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights until the wee hours. For something unique both on the plate and in the air, we love the positive vibes and creativity flowing at this smile-making spot.

Pro Tip:

If you have a sweet tooth, stop by Sacolinha or Bijou for delicious bakery treats. Try the Jesuita, Noz, or Areias, all specialties of Cascais.

While we continue exploring the best restaurants in Cascais, we know that these spots are already ones we visit regularly and recommend to friends. We’d love to hear how you like them and others you discover when visiting Cascais Portugal.

11. Moules & Gin

If you’re a fan of mussels, then you will be delighted with Moules & Gin, which as the name says, has lots of mussels. With so many variations in substantial portions, take your mussel-loving friends with you, share a few different choices, and have a feast. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if you’re a gin lover too. Tasty gin & tonics and creative cocktails featuring the botanical brew ensure that gin shares the spotlight with mussels in an oh-so-perfect combination. The moules or mussels are prepared in various sauces like classic French meuiniére, Thai, pesto, Mediterranean, beer, mustard, and more.

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If you’re not into mussels, don’t worry. There are excellent beef options too. The crispy fries the perfect and worthy accompaniment. Enjoy a winning combination (or two) in a cozy place where the personable staff makes it easy to settle in and linger over a great meal. Be sure you bring cash or a Portuguese credit card as they don’t take anything else. Reservations are recommended too.

12. Café Galeria House Of Wonders

Vegetarians will find their pot of gold at the end of the eating rainbow that leads to Café Galeria House of Wonders. This colorful, easy, breezy spot is so inviting that non-vegetarians cluster here too. There is a gardeny terrace out front and one with a smidge of ocean view on the roof. In between are levels of the cheeriest of Cascais restaurants full of fresh fruits on display and quirky artwork popping up everywhere. The menu is visual too. You don’t get it on a piece of paper. Instead, you walk inside and see a veritable cornucopia of offerings right before your eyes. The person in charge explains to you what each dish is and all of its ingredients, what sides it comes with, and helps with any alterations or recommendations you may wish. You place your order then go back to relax in your cozy spot and wait for the magic to come to you.

It’s even more fun to hang out if you do so with some of their fresh fruit juice combinations or a unique and tasty sangria. The creative dishes range from vegetable-stuffed tarts, veggie burgers, and shakshuka, to Buddha bowls, curries, wraps, and more. The bohemian vibe encourages you to slow down and relax a while. Many of the dishes can be easily made vegan, and the staff seems to be having as much fun working there as you are dining. Go when the sun is out and there’s a breeze. But be sure to get there before the crowds kick in, as they always do. When you’re done, stroll around the fun ceramics shop on the bottom side of the building and get inspired with beautiful things to take back to your kitchen.

13. Mana

A newcomer just off the ye

llow street in downtown Cascais, Mana is a spot we want to keep going back to time and again. Its fun, lively vibe, and great location make this the perfect spot for just about any time of day.

We love the Mediterranean influences on the menu and the wide and tasty choices. The wait staff go above and beyond to make sure your experience is one you will likely not soon forget. You will feel like a welcomed guest at a close friend’s home celebrating with delicious food and drinks.

From the handcrafted cocktails to the unique dishes every experience is done to perfection. We sampled many dishes and each was better than the next. The roasted cauliflower with caramelized carrots and beetroot hummus was one of the memorable starters.

 

77" style="width: 1200px" class="wp-caption alignnone">Mana Cauliflower with caramelized carrots and beetroot hummus.
Mana Cauliflower with caramelized carrots and beetroot hummus.

Their pinsa “better than pizza” is a Meditterean flatbread with very unique toppings. We absolutely loved that flatbread. This is a place with a wide variety of dishes including pasta, risotto, salads, burgers, and much more.

Don’t leave without checking out their dessert menu. The mousse de chocolate with raspberries vanished pretty quickly at our table.

 

14. Taberna Clandestina
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Sometimes you just want to be in the thick of things. The “Yellow Street,” so known for its yellow-painted pavement punctuated with colorful fish and other bright images, is a central hub for dining in Cascais. When the weather is good, you hardly notice the painted street because it is covered end to end with people happily enjoying their outdoor tables in the middle of the pedestrian-only street. One of our favorite spots in the midst of all this merriment is Taberna Clandestina. Great for either lunch or dinner, the varied menu is conducive to dining, drinking, and chatting the time away with friends.

The menu is varied, with Portuguese and Italian influences. Focaccia, bruschetta, and burrata cheese make a great place to start. They also offer a variety of salads with fresh ingredients and interesting combinations. But what has us hooked are the platters offering charcuterie, cheese, fruit, and accompaniments in a variety of combinations, great for sharing around the table. Paired with an excellent gin and tonic, some lively sangria, or local beer or wine, this makes for the perfect meal to nibble while sharing stories and ideas among friends, old and new. It does take a short but steep climb to get to the yellow street, so wear comfy shoes and take your time if you plan to walk to it. Once you arrive, treat yourself to whatever looks good, and don’t be afraid to start a conversation with other diners. This is one of the best Cascais restaurants where people love to share their good mood.

15. Baia do Peixe

When friends and

family come to visit us in Cascais one place we like to share with them is Baia do Peixe. The food is always perfect and the setting is exquisite. You dine overlooking the Cascais Bay so the view is breathtaking. We’ve yet to take anyone here who doesn’t fall in love with the food and wants to instantly move to Cascais.

Baia do Peixe serves seafood in a Brazilian rodizio style. This means you basically can have all you can eat. The platters of seafood that come out of the kitchen are awe-inspiring. Of course, you can order a la carte too, which is typically what we do. The seafood is fresh and abundant. They also have a good local wine selection to pair with your meal. The staff is very friendly and attentive they make sure you have a wonderful time.

That’s just a few of our favorites in our new hometown of Cascais. Many new restaurants are opening all the time so stay tuned for our take on more places to eat in the area.

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