In what was once the home of Italy’s last king, Humberto II, only the most sublime Italian cuisine could stand out. With a privileged view over the ocean that bathes the bay of Cascais, the Belvedere restaurant reopens its doors with a completely renovated space and a new menu that invites you to experience authentic and sophisticated Italian cuisine. The new Belvedere showcases the sublime flavors of the country, with the freshest ingredients, without compromising the authenticity of traditional recipes, all punctuated with great elegance. The menu is curated by Luís Sousa, executive chef of the Grande Real Villa Itália Hotel & Spa, a specialist in Mediterranean cuisine from the Culinary Institute of America, who invites you on a journey of traditionally Italian flavors and knowledge, from the sea and the land, resulting in sublime recipes.
Tra Mare e Terra, a menu that divides between the sea and the land, making the choice difficult. The primi instant (starters) promise to whet the appetite and leave you craving for more, notably with the fritto misto di mare (mixed fried seafood), carpaccio di manzo (beef carpaccio), and gamberi tigre alla griglia, aglio nero e pesto di pomodori secchi al basilico (grilled tiger prawns, black garlic, and sun-dried tomato pesto with basil).
For pasta enthusiasts (and beyond), this menu will not leave anyone indifferent. Options include linguine all’astice (linguine with lobster), rigatoni alla gricia (rigatoni with smoked pork cheek, pecorino romano, and pepper), or risotto carnaroli ‘riso principato di lucedio’ agli asparagi con capasanta brasata e lime (carnaroli risotto with asparagus, braised scallop, and lime).
From the Sea, highlights include triglie con finocchi e salsa di fegato (red mullet with fennel and liver sauce), cacciucco alla livornese (Livorno-style fish and seafood stew), and polpo fritto con dragoncello, arancia rossa e bottarga (fried octopus with tarragon, blood orange, and bottarga).
From the Land, options include tagliata di manzo (sliced beef), carrè di agnello con pistacchi (rack of lamb with pistachios), cotoletta di vitello alla milanese (Milanese-style veal cutlet), and porchetta di maialino da latte (roast suckling pig), as main highlights; accompanying options include verdure alla griglia con pesto (grilled vegetables with pesto), patate al forno con taleggio (baked potatoes with taleggio), and tagliollini al tartufo (truffle tagliollini). Those preferring vegetarian dishes can opt for lasagne alla portofino (pesto lasagna), risotto di zucca, gorgonzola e noci (pumpkin risotto with gorgonzola and walnuts), and malfatti al pomodoro (ricotta and spinach dumplings with tomato sauce), among others.
And for the grand finale, any of the desserts is an enticing choice: torta meringata al limone (lemon meringue tart), panna cotta di vaniglia alla marmellata di rabarbaro (vanilla panna cotta with rhubarb compote), tiramisu, and artisanal gelati and sorbetti (artisanal ice creams and sorbets).
To accompany the meal, there’s a special wine list promising a journey through all regions of Italy, composed solely of references from very exclusive small producers, showcasing the quality of Italian wine. The wine list was curated by Rodolfo Tristão, one of Portugal’s most awarded sommeliers, a professor at the Estoril School of Hospitality and Tourism, and a gastronomy and wine consultant.
At Belvedere, the experience is comprehensive. Here, the sky and sea of Cascais blend on the horizon in harmony with the restaurant’s intimate atmosphere and gastronomic proposals, where each dish promises to awaken many senses. Belvedere is open every day from 7 pm, with dinner service until 11 pm.
