Cascais

It is a very doable day trip but you couldn’t do dinner. Lunch is better in some ways anyway because of the lovely views. I also wouldn’t recommend going out to Guincho as there are great places in town with your limited time.

The train is from the Cais do Sodré train station. They all go to Cascais and it’s the last stop. Very easy.

Cascais is quite walkable with some hills but nothing compared to Lisbon.

For views, you have several options. The Paredão between Cascais and Estoril has a number of places that are nice and right on the water. Hifen in downtown has cute tables for two people upstairs with lovely Bay views. The Marina has a number of places. And, if you take a short Uber or taxi ride, you can be at Casa da Guia with my favorite views. There are several places there with stunning views of the water, cliffs, etc.

ET
When it comes to Cascais, do what Kathryn suggests.
We had a couple of wonderful lunches at Casa da Guia, including one with Kathryn.
Views great, food great and service great.

Dennis and Elinore

Thanks so much for these responses. You have given us plenty of wonderful choices. We will surely follow through with them. We are thinking of taking the train going for the experience and an Uber back to our hotel to make sure we get back in time. It seems like it's a 25 minute ride. Another question that came up is we will be going on a Monday. It seems that is an off day for Portugal in general. Should we be concerned with that? Once again, Thank you.

I was there this Monday, and the weather was gorgeous. No worries about restaurant closures. It's full of expats and tourists year round. I did not eat at places with a view because I do not like touristy places. Go where the locals go.

It's ok to be back by the hotel in Lisbon for dinner.

Sounds good. If we go the "local" route for lunch, does any restaurant stand out? What did you order? For the record, not that it should matter, we will be going this September.

I’m a local for the last 8+ years and I eat in the places I suggested. Casa da guia is less touristy as it’s not right downtown.

As to what to eat, if you like fish, I’d suggest going with the Robalo. It’s a lovely fish and usually served grilled with boiled potatoes and salad. The shrimp - camarao in Portuguese - is also lovely. Some places serve seafood rice - arroz do marisco - that is very Portuguese and very good. Italian, Thai and Indian food are also prevalent.

It sounds incredible. One of my favorite activities for pre travel is to "Google" what to eat at the locations we will be visiting. I will definitely add your suggestions to my list. Thanks to everyone for taking time to answer my questions. As Rick would say, "Keep on traveling"!

Kathrynj
what restaurants do you recommend.
We will be in Cascais for 4 nights next weekend
And then driving to Coimbra
Thanks
Greg

Kathryn knows what she is talking about. She and I enjoyed a wonderful lunch at Maritimo. It’s pretty much in the center of town - we had our lunch at the outdoor patio area. I enjoyed spaghetti with clams done up with plenty of coriander (cilantro) and lemon and Kathryn had a tuna salad with beans and avocado, I think. The atmosphere is very inviting nd food delicious.

Greg, it really depends on what you want to eat. For Portuguese, Apeadeiro and the above mentioned, Maritimo. Pateo do Petisco at the Mercado is great for petiscos - Portuguese tapas. Any of the restaurants at Casa da Guia for the views. Pretty much any of the restaurants on the Yellow Street.
Soya Noodle Bar for Thai. Ghandi Palace for Indian. Il Siciliano or Gastronomia Italiana for Italian.

Some of the restaurants at the Marina are quite nice also. Use the Google Maps reviews, as they seem most accurate.

Cascais has a very nice selection of many different cuisines, but unfortunately, meals have become more expensive in the last 2-3 years.