Almina: The new culinary venue in Cascais inspired by local farms and seasonal harvests

Lisbon, September, 2025 – Cascais welcomes a new gastronomic place where sharing is taken very seriously. Almina, the latest project from the international hospitality group Olala!, based in Barcelona, is a “farm-to table” concept, with focus on seasonal cuisine, using local ingredients, served in a modern and relaxed atmosphere.

With a strong Mediterranean soul, Almina embraces a spirit of conviviality where sharing meals is at the heart of the experience. Set against a backdrop of relaxed yet stylish dining environment, Almina promises to be more than a dining spot. It is a gathering place for friends, families, and travelers seeking authentic flavors and a warm sense of hospitality.

Almina’s culinary philosophy is rooted in fresh produce sourced from the group’s farms in Santiago do Cacém, in the Alentejo region. What cannot be grown there is carefully selected from local markets. Almina, meaning ‘port’ in Arabic, is inspired by the sea as both a source and a connector. At our restaurant, the sea is more than a provider of fresh, local ingredients, it is a channel through which spices, traditions, and recipes have traveled for centuries, shaping a cuisine that celebrates cultural exchange and authenticity. The result is a cuisine that evolves with the seasons, showcasing authentic Mediterranean flavors in their purest form.

The drinks program mirrors this commitment to quality and creativity. Signature cocktails incorporate spices such as za’atar and sumac, offering a contemporary twist on classics that harmonize with the food. The wine list celebrates Portuguese producers alongside international references, with a focus on respectful viticulture and minimal intervention. Skin-contact wines and carefully chosen labels from producers recognized for their savoir-faire complete the experience, ensuring a thoughtful pairing with the restaurant’s gastronomic vision.

Almina marks Olala!’s first stand-alone restaurant, building on the company’s solid trajectory in the hospitality industry. With a strong presence in the short-term rental market in Cascais, Lisbon and Porto under the brand Olala Homes and the acquisition of São Félix Hotel in Laundos, complete with its own restaurant, Félix Restaurante, the group has steadily expanded its footprint in both accommodation and dining. This new venture is a natural step in the company’s business strategy, reinforcing its commitment to grow in Portugal while leveraging its proven industry expertise.

“Cascais has always been an important destination for us. It is a place we know well, where we’ve built a strong connection through our properties since 2020, but also a place that resonates deeply with the spirit of Almina. Given this existing connection, it seemed like the perfect setting to launch our restaurant operations,” says Jesús Gomez, Global F&B Operations Director for Olala!.

As part of its ongoing growth strategy, Olala! is actively expanding its portfolio in Portugal: “We feel confident about our presence and the country’s potential, not only as a destination but as a place where food and hospitality can tell meaningful stories. Over the last year, we have taken a significant step forward by acquiring our first hotel in Portugal with its own in-house restaurant. So when the opportunity arose to open our first stand-alone restaurant, it seemed like a natural evolution for our business. We intend to continue growing in the country and are actively exploring new opportunities," he adds.

Almina has been open since August and reservations can be made via the website or by telephone.