3 Best Restaurants in Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal

Enjoy colorful salads, seafood, and other light meals with a view over Cascais bay at this laidback bar-restaurant in the center of town. Communal seating, sharing plates, and a lively musical backdrop make for a sociable atmosphere, and the sea breezes blowing through the open windows keep things fresh on hot days. You can book a table on the terrace if you don't fancy group dining.

Offering a vegan alternative to Sesimbra's many fish and seafood restaurants, Aloha Café serves delicious plant-based breakfasts, brunches, and light meals. Expect an abundance of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables alongside vegan versions of classic desserts like cheesecake and pudim (a sweet flan usually made with egg). More substantial dishes include a different set meal every day, and a delicious vegan burger made with portobello mushrooms and smoked tofu. The cozy interior is pure rustic-chic, but on sunny days you'll want to take a seat on the terrace to enjoy the unobstructed ocean views.

Long gone are the days when vegetarians and vegans would struggle to find enticing dining options in seafood-focused Setúbal. Gentrification has brought with it a raft of vegetarian restaurants, and the centrally-located O Canteiro has been a firm favorite with health-conscious diners since it opened in 2016. Take your pick from a huge range of meat-free breakfast and brunch options, or go all-out at the excellent value lunch buffet, which includes tempting desserts and fresh fruit juice. The menu is updated daily, but expect colorful salads, quiches, and crunchy falafel, as well as plant-based versions of lunch staples like hotdogs and burgers.