La Contessa

I went back to La Contessa in Cascais, right on the corner of Rua Alexandre Herculano and Rua Afonso Sanches. It’s a small place with no indoor seating, but the outside is nicely done and has a relaxed, chilled feel to it. It’s the kind of spot you sit down, have a beer, and don’t feel rushed.

From what I could see, most of the inside is taken up by the kitchen, which is never a bad thing.

I went for the frango piadina, an Italian flatbread filled with chicken, mozzarella, tomato, mango chutney, and a lime sauce. It came as a large flatbread cut in half, easily enough for a proper lunch. The chicken was cooked just right, and everything worked well together—the mozzarella and tomato kept it fresh, while the mango chutney added a bit of sweetness without taking over. It’s the kind of food that goes perfectly with a cold Sagres.

Overall, it’s a solid spot if you’re after something quick but still decent quality. For a small place, the menu is surprisingly good, both for food and drinks. The outdoor setup and relaxed vibe make it easy to sit and stay a while. I’d come back again, especially on a sunny afternoon in Cascais.