Nicolau Cascais — Restaurant in Cascais

This is a recent addition to Cascais eateries, and the place is penned as 'all-day food' that - to my mind - would be an accurate description.

First the positive: pricing is acceptable for what are imaginative and modern offerings using some decent ingredients. I recommend the carrot cake with cream cheese icing. The burger is also hearty and comes with sweet potato fries. There are several 'healthy' shakes that are worth trying. There are also some varied sandwich choices. Most of the fare is suitable to vegetarians or vegans (denoted on the menu with symbols).

The less positive note concerns the lack of care or inconsistent treatment in communicating with those who are waiting at the entrance to sit down. I've been around 6 times and each time is different though I have witnessed customers walking out after standing there for 5 + minutes. Not a soul acknowledged us - and there were many 'helpers' walking around inside with what appeared to be lesser duties. Generally, if there are empty tables (many on this occasion), it's a priority to clean the table-tops and seat those who are waiting, bottom line. I had mentioned this several times to the manager (owner?), and have seen similar non-action or passivity in other restaurants in the area. It doesn't reflect well on the place, and my inclination to return has been lessened. Adding to this frustration is the lack of checking in with clients who are seated outside (leading to me having to ask the helpers to come outside: either to pay or order other items). There is a phrase: get with...

This cafe is located in a calm residential area, near the centre of Cascais, with plenty of parking spaces nearby. The decor is very inviting and stylish, the ambience and lighting are beautiful, and the cafe features an interior and outdoor area. Pet/wheelchair and stroller friendly; the bathrooms are clean and have a diaper changing station. This is a place where one can take their baby or child, the menu offering plenty of child friendly options.

Generally, the menu is ideal for breakfast or brunch/lunch. However, I rated Nicolau with four stars because the value for money in regards to the quality of the food could definitely be better. The pancakes were okay (not great) but the bacon wasn’t crispy, and rather undercooked. No syrup with the pancakes too. The avocado and poached egg were nice, but the toast wasn’t toasted enough; it was too soft. The Açai with granola is really nice, though. Portions are also limited for the amount you pay. At least in real Portuguese terms! The latte was okay, but the “Americano” coffee was ridiculous. Basically it’s just an expensive water that tastes like coffee, and no concept of refill is included, which is the whole point of ordering an American coffee. You should get a refill just as you would at an American Diner. A nice experience overall, with a lot of vegetarian options. However, as a local, I felt it’s a cafe made for rich foreigners, just as...

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Nicolau is a breakfast and brunch Classic and always a great option. There is normally a little bit of a line but it moves fast.

🥑They have quite a few vegan options on the menu. Highly recommend the AMELIA toast with beetroot hummus, avocado and turmeric granola on top served on a whole grain patty. It’s delicious!!

🥗Also had the vegan coconut yoghurt - it was served with blueberry yoghurt and cinnamon/apple jam was out. It tasted good but the plain coconut yoghurt with the jam like it’s on the menu is much better. Peanut butter on top was a good alternative.

🙋‍♀️Service was very good - the waiters responded to all my questions and food came fast. Thank you ladies!!!

📍Located about 10-12 min from train station. Note, train doesn’t always leave on time. I ran all the way to the station and we ended up leaving 10 min later.

↗️Suggestion owner: It would be lovely, if you could inform if an ingredient is not available before taking order. 🙏 Also, I’d love to see gluten-free alternatives marked on the toast...