Caffe Italia

When I think Italian in Portugal, it is always Caffe Italia that comes to my mind. Nested in a tiny house in the centre of Cascais (but with a very reasonable balcony where you can stay enjoying the nights during Summer), this is a warm and cosy place, where you will enjoy relaxing and having a good meal, surrounded by very good friends of a lifetime or that relevant person with whom you share your life. It is also one of my “secret” places, those that I really enjoy.

There are 3 important decisions that you need to take when you arrive. Will you stay outdoors (only in Summer or late spring, believe me the Atlantic nights can be freezing) on indoors, by the basement (cosier) or first floor (where you can have agood conversation with the owners, if you want to). Then, what wine will you order – they have a good list of reds, ranging from Portuguese to Italian, brunellos and chianti included. And, then, what starter – and here, I am very traditional, I almost always order a good carpaccio.

The entrees menu seems great – with thin and crusty pizzas, Italian red meat and fishes and some great pasta, with several spaghetti, ravioli, fettuccini and gnocchi. But, actually… my suggestion would be… that you ask your waiter for what is out of the menu. That was how I had amazing spaghetti with clams yesterday, that really made my eyes shine. I also recall having once a great fettuccini with pumpkin – a sweet and sour combination that still lingers in my memory. Or a very good ricotta and spinach cannelloni. Just remember to combine it with a good and tasty red wine that makes the flavour shine – and your mouth will have a wonderful night enjoying all the great flavours that you choose for it.

And last, dessert. And, dessert, let me tell you, for me, it’s the make or break moment of a good Italian. In the end, it all comes down to the tiramisu! And, there, Caffe Italia doesn’t fail. The mascarpone comes in the right quantity, mixed with all the other ingredients in a wise array of choices. It is moist enough, without being wet. And it’s delicious!

Caffe Italia is a cosy and charming Italian restaurant – one I would say you should take your girlfriend to, if you happen to be in Cascais. It will be a great beginning for a very good night!

Where: Cascais - Portugal

Address: Rua Poço Novo, 1 - Cascais

Phone: +351 21 483 0151

Expensive: Around €30

Last visit: October 2011