Santini

🍨One scoop at Santini and I understood the Cascais obsession! 🤤 A local friend took me to Santini Ice Cream in Cascais and I seriously think it might be one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had. I had coconut and pistachio, each scoop rich, creamy, and full of texture. Santini, founded in 1949 by Attilio Santini (an Italian from a long ice cream-making family), still handmakes ice creams & sorbets using natural ingredients—no additives, mostly Portuguese fruit. Must-try flavors: strawberry (a classic best-seller), fig, roasted almond, and doce de leite. Pro tip: ask for the seasonal flavor—they rotate daily so you may discover something unique. Highly recommend this gem when you’re in Cascais. Pros 👍 • Rich, natural flavors; fresh ingredients & fruit based options • Heritage and craftsmanship (since 1949), Italian roots + Portuguese flair • Friendly service; staff often let you sample flavors if unsure • Iconic location in Cascais; great atmosphere for a treat after strolling Cons 👎 • Lines can get long during peak times (afternoon / sunny weather) • Some flavors tend to be quite sweet—fruit options are refreshing contrast • Prices are higher than simple gelato stands (but worth it for quality & experience) Key Insights: • Don’t skip the fruit-based sorbets if you prefer something lighter; strawberry & seasonal fruit flavors shine. • Try pistachio, roasted almond, or doce de leite if you want something richer. • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid waiting in long queues. • Always ask for the seasonal special flavor—Santini often surprises with limited-run offerings. If ice cream is a small joy, Santini makes it unforgettable—each scoop is a piece of Cascais history and flavor you’ll want to return for. 😋

As we were finishing up our tour in Cascais, our amazing tour driver Daniel told us we had to stop by Santini’s, calling it a true Cascais institution. He recommended we try three flavors: coconut, mango, and strawberry, and wow, he was spot on. Hands down the best coconut, mango, and strawberry ice cream we’ve ever had. The flavors were so fresh and perfectly balanced. We loved it so much that we actually went out of our way to stop at another Santini’s in Lisbon and even found a small kiosk inside a mall in Porto just to get it again. It’s that good. We started jokingly calling those three flavors “the Holy Trinity” because they were just unbeatable. Out of all the things we loved in Portugal, these three flavors are definitely in our top five. We even caught ourselves wishing Santini’s existed in the U.S. because we’d be there all the time. The hype is real. If you’re in Cascais, Lisbon, or Porto, do yourself a favor and stop by Santini. You’ll thank yourself later.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Best gelato my wife and I have ever had. We came in expecting “a little treat” and ended up having a full emotional experience. David at the counter deserves a raise. He welcomed us like VIPs and explained the whole process—fresh Portuguese ingredients, no water in many flavors, maximum flavor explosion. Honestly, it felt like a TED Talk but for gelato. Every sample we tried was ridiculous. We finally settled on salted caramel, pistachio, and hazelnut…and all three were so good we stopped talking to each other for a minute just to process what was happening. Thanks to David for making it fun and actually teaching us something and thanks Tiago for the welcoming vibe - you are both awesome! Highly, highly recommend!

Friendly, bright and welcoming, delicious gelato. We had strawberry, mango, chocolate. Santini’s came recommended. They have high standards on service and products. Strawberries are in season and Santini’s highlights in season fruits.

Best chocolate cake in the world for sure!!! That’s what we ordered and it lived up to the name, nice server friendly people!! This guy was awesome and amazing, friendly servers!! Would strongly and highly recommend! Thank you so much! Much love from the group of Aussies 🫶

Their fruit flavours were amazing! We got the coconut, mango and passion fruit, and loved all of them!

Best pistachio gelato ever! Unbelievably delicious and very high quality ! Staff are very friendly and cheerful as well. Only problem is its a bit pricey

Very nice staff & very delicious ice cream !! Fair prices.. highly recommended!! Loved the fruity flavors !!

Again, our tour guide suggested this place as a treat. It was November and not 'warm' but not too cold for gelato. The line was long but moved quickly. The all white layout reminded me of a 50s American ice cream shoppe (no that is not a misspelling). I paid for 2 flavors in a cup. I can't fully recall what I had, but judging by the picture, it was chocolate and coconut? Maybe cinnamon and cream? It was a nice treat to top off my meal next door to Luzmar.

Who can say no to gelato? Pistachio is my go to flavor and this is a hit. I also really enjoyed the fig flavor as well as the mixed fruits.

Our tour guide recommended this shop for the best gelato in Cascais. You pre-pay as you enter and the get in line. They have a few tables inside. They have many flavors to choose from and it's hard to pick just one, but I preferred the Coco and it was very good with shredded coco nut mixed in. The lady in front of me ordered two huge containers to go. They looked delish. The shop is very clean and the service was very fast. A nice stop in Cascais!

Great fresh gelato. Highly recommend to try when in Cascasi. The line moves fast so don't be discouraged.

The flavor was good. I had a red berry mixture (strawberries and raspberries and maybe something else), creme imperial (strawberry and cream), and melon. Can't go wrong here. I think it might be French based based on the name, the fact the area has French influence, and the idea that the menu has French translation next to Portuguese.

I know this place is insanely famous but I have to be honest with you, if it wasn't the hype and location I'm not sure it would be memorable at all. The gelato is very forgettable actually :/ The flavors are cute and unique in some way. For a small helping you get two flavors which is beat. You prepay as you enter and then order your cup or cone and your flavors. Of course the gelato is non-creamy here (and that's what they are known for in a way) Was ok overall. Nothing to write home about

Gelato was delish - service so-so. I ordered dolce de leche with chocolate and loved it. Will go back to try the gelato with pastry!

Gelato was delicious. You pay when you enter - there is a large menu behind the cashier. Small cups are 2 scoops, medium 3 scoops, and large 4 scoops! All the flavors were delicious. We got passion fruit, apple pie, coconut, and hazelnut - all the flavors were delicious. Coconut and Apple pie were my favorites. We paid in cash, I wasn't sure if they accept credit cards or not. Definitely recommend this place!

Pre pay first before you order. 3 different sizes in cups or cones, or pay extra for a waffle cone. Creamy and light and full flavors pick one or two even tree.

It was good but I expected more From the raving reviews wasn't as creamy as I thought it would be. I ordered small chocolate coffee and pistachio flavors. Maybe I didn't order the best they have because other reviews indicate this is really good. Hot Coffee was good.

Simply amazing gelato. If you need super solid gelato and Santini is anywhere nearby, then you have to make a stop :) My favorite gelato is strawberry! Maybe not the most classic flavor, but Santini really does a special job with it. Its very rich and bursting with flavor, without being too sweet (though for those who like their boba drinks with 0% sweetness, there may be too sweet for you still.) A classic pairing with the strawberry is the dark chocolate (or hazelnut). Time may stop for a moment... Overall, really love this place; wish this quality was in America (that I've tried so far anyway). Quick overview: you go in, pay first, and then submit your receipt for your gelato. You can try the flavors of course; so definitely give Santini a shot :)

I like my gelato creamy I appreciate the late hours friendly service and kitsch colors of this franchise But my second sampling of the place and I am underwhelmed with the quality of the gelato nice options for flavors just not my fav place for gelato

A lovely gelataria located in Cascais! This was the original shop, and now they have shops open all around Portugal. They have fresh, homemade flavors and the price is decent for good quality gelato and sorbet! I love their passion fruit and hazelnut flavors. Give it a try if you are in Lisbon or surrounding Lisbon area!

(12/18/2016) Great gelato place, newly opened location right on the main drag in Cascais, on the road to the marina. This location seemed less busy than the original location located in the shopping district. Price was a touch steep, but quality was high. Flavors were knock-out punches, very bold. Not as literally creamy as expected, very dense and sticky, touch icy and more like whipped sorbet. Chocolate Truffle was not too sweet, very dark, and excellent and bittersweet. Hazelnut was toasty and fragrant. Wild Berry was extremely fruity, like all fruit, tart, and powerful. Tasty cold treat, even in the middle of winter. Recommend if you're strolling through town.

literally the best ice cream I've ever tasted. they mix two flavors for you. try Mocha + Coco. unreal.