The best Asian restaurants in Cascais

The space is small but full of character. A counter with seating for fewer than 20 people, partly lit by red neon lights. The atmosphere is lively: the music is loud, conversations are animated, and in the open kitchen right in front of you, it is hard to keep up with the fast-paced (yet remarkably disciplined) rhythm at which everything unfolds. That is Izakaya, the younger sibling of Kappo, located just a few metres away. And that is exactly what izakayas are like in Japan. As with any proper Japanese tavern, there is no shortage of sake to accompany the meal, available by the glass or bottle, alongside classic izakaya cocktails. As for the food, there is plenty to choose from, with a selection of small plates made for sharing at the counter. “This is very much about everyday food. A big part of the menu is yakitori, and then we have otsumami, which are essentially Japanese snacks,” says chef Tiago Penão. If you cannot decide, leave it in the hands of the experts and opt for the Omakase menu.

At Cascais Marina, Omonni brings the true essence of Korean cuisine to the coastline. Entrepreneur Kelly Choi’s restaurant moves away from fast food and pays tribute to her mother’s traditional homemade recipes, using sauces imported directly from Korea alongside locally sourced vegetables. From seafood pancakes to premium cuts of meat grilled at the table, the restaurant’s main mission is to introduce guests to traditional Korean dining customs, showing them how to enjoy each dish as though they were in Seoul.

This restaurant in Carcavelos may be inspired by traditional Japanese taverns, but its décor and theme are entirely dedicated to the pirate anime One Piece, which has a huge following of devoted fans. The project belongs to Jin Huang, who draws on his background in Business Management to redefine perceptions of Japanese cuisine in Portugal, going far beyond sushi. The menu focuses on traditional grilled dishes and slow-cooked broths, with highlights including yakitori, Japanese curry and ramen, whose broth is simmered for 24 hours. Lunch and student menus are also available.

It is one of the most authentic fine Chinese dining restaurants in Greater Lisbon. With a private dining room and a glass-enclosed terrace, it promises the true flavours of the Kuong Tong region. You are likely to find yourself spoiled for choice with the extensive menu, which features more than a hundred specialities. At lunchtime, the dim sum is the undisputed highlight and is constantly being prepared fresh. In the evening, the range of options is almost impossible to list, so we will make it easier for you: Peking duck is one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, alongside shark fin soup.

Olivier da Costa is well known for the restaurant empire he has built over the past few decades. His journey into Japanese cuisine led to the creation of Yakuza, first in Lisbon and later in Cascais, within the Sheraton Cascais Resort in the idyllic setting of Quinta da Marinha. Featuring luxurious Oriental-inspired décor and a sushi counter where several sushi chefs are at work, the menu offers an endless selection of high-quality creations, including the Sakana taco with fish and guacamole, sashimi served with a variety of sauces (the truffled ponzu is particularly worth trying), and the Kobe gunkan, topped with wagyu, foie gras, caramelised onion and teriyaki.

Buga Ramen brings a taste of modern Japan to Cascais, inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of Akihabara. The restaurant combines a passion for authentic ramen with pop culture, creating a relaxed setting with colourful walls decorated with references to classic anime such as Naruto, One Piece and Dragon Ball. The menu focuses on comfort food, with homemade broths taking centre stage in traditional bowls including Tonkotsu, Shoyu and Miso ramen, complemented by a selection of themed drinks.

YAM is a restaurant dedicated to the flavours of South-East Asia, with sharing at the heart of its concept. Whether small starters or more substantial dishes – from Vietnam and Thailand to Indonesia, China and Japan – everything is designed to be shared around the table. The restaurant features several distinct areas: an outdoor terrace, an Asian-style counter, an indoor dining room, and an Asian garden with direct access to the bar, where cocktails are served.

MOA Sushi has brought a breath of fresh air to Cascais’s Japanese dining scene. It is a laid-back spot with a sunny courtyard for al fresco lunches, bossa nova playing through the speakers, and a menu created by surfer and sushi chef Nuande Pekel (Pekel to his friends). The cuisine is Japanese fusion, complemented by a selection of raw fish dishes, including ceviches, tacos and poké bowls. What should you order? The mixed kimuchi, salmon tartare, seared sake gunkan, or simply go straight for the chef’s special sharing platters, which offer plenty of variety. And, as always, exceptionally fresh ingredients.

This Asian restaurant chain, serving Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Balinese and Thai specialities, has an address on Cascais’s Rua Amarela, with a spacious outdoor terrace and friendly neighbours such as La Contessa and Residente. Signature dishes include bao buns, ramen, bibimbap and pad thai – all at very reasonable prices.

Speaking of Rua Amarela, there is another Asian restaurant worth visiting on this traffic-free street, serving traditional dishes from China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea and India. The restaurant is run by Tingting “Tina” Zhang and Ming Lin, the Chinese couple behind several other Asian restaurants in the town. This time, they set out to create a more upmarket dining experience, with more refined dishes and carefully presented plates, served in a space thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail.

If you have yet to discover the flavours of Vietnamese cuisine, here is the perfect excuse – with a fantastic view to match. SEN Estoril offers a wide selection of starters designed for sharing, including spring rolls, fresh rolls, fried prawns and chicken wings. Main courses include Cá Mú Nướng Lá Chuối, grilled grouper fillet wrapped in banana leaf with lemongrass and chilli sauce; Vit Quay, crispy roasted duck fillet with five-spice, served with the sauce on the side; and Cá Tuyết Đen Sốt Cà Chua, black cod cooked Hanoi-style with tomato sauce, dill and crispy shiitake mushrooms. The menu also features noodles, salads, soups, vegan dishes and wraps.

This Chinese restaurant, which opened in the heart of Cascais in the summer of 2023, specialises in the cuisine of Canton (Guangzhou), one of China’s largest cities. With a sophisticated atmosphere and carefully presented dishes, it serves authentic Cantonese food. Unlike many other styles of Asian cuisine, the focus here is on simplicity and the fresh flavours of the ingredients, without relying on bold spices or sweet-and-sour combinations.

This Japanese restaurant offers a creative menu centred on fusion sushi. Saiko is tucked away in one wing of the Estoril Congress Centre, featuring modern décor and an open kitchen typical of a sushi restaurant. The menu also includes gyoza, seaweed salads, Japanese noodles, duck dishes and, of course, the chef’s signature sushi platters.

As Cascais did not have a restaurant dedicated to ramen, the Chinese couple Tingting “Tina” Zhang and Ming Lin (whom we have already mentioned) opened Shoyu Ramen + Izakaya in Jardim Visconde da Luz in 2022. From pork and chicken to a seafood ramen made with seaweed and a vegetarian version, there is no shortage of options showcasing Japan’s wonderful broths. The menu at this relaxed restaurant also features salads, tempura, gyoza, bowls, miso soup and matcha desserts, offering something for every taste.