The legendary Sass’ lifestyle arrives on one of the region’s golden beaches with food, music and laidback luxury
If you have never been to Monaco but have always dreamed of experiencing its exclusive flair, you do not need to go far. One of the Principality’s most iconic dining institutions has opened an exquisite cabana on one of the eastern Algarve’s golden beaches.
Raising the bar in a trendy yet casual, down-to-earth ambience, Cabana Sass’ brings Monaco’s coveted style to Praia do Almargem, between Vale de Lobo and Quarteira.
Destined to become one of the region’s most popular foodie and party destinations, this exquisite cabana blends Mediterranean style with Algarve flavours in an inviting setting rich in natural textures, set against an earthy, relaxing colour palette, complemented by carefully curated decoration and a groovy playlist.
The man whose quirky image, wearing a big black hat, appears on the restaurant’s plates is Salvador ‘Sassa’ Trèves, the Monegasque restaurateur who, with his wife, Yolande, founded the brand 32 years ago in the heart of Europe’s playground for the rich. Set on 11 Avenue Princesse Grace, Sass’ Café began as a piano bar and quickly evolved into one of the city’s most acclaimed dining and nightlife venues.
Today, it is an institution – a late-night meeting point for global tastemakers, royalty, celebrities and loyal residents alike, including Alicia Keys, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Costner, Mike Tyson, Hugh Grant, Matt Damon, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Bono and U2, Eva Longoria, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lady Gaga, Sharon Stone, Bradley Cooper, Matthew McConaughey, and, of course, Prince Albert of Monaco, to name but a few.
Salvador’s son, Samuel ‘Samy’ Trèves, who learnt the ropes from his father from a young age, is now exporting the Sass’ dining philosophy and lifestyle brand abroad, having recently opened Sass’ Restaurant & Lounge at the Corinthia Bucharest hotel, Romania, and Cabana Sass’ in the Algarve.
“Cabana Sass’ Algarve is about creating a refined yet relaxed escape where nature, design, food and music meet,” he explained in an interview ahead of the opening. The concept offers guests a sanctuary in a pine forest along the Atlantic coast, blending the vibrancy of Mediterranean living with the Algarve’s laidback rhythm. For the Monaco native, expansion is not just about growth – it is about preserving a legacy, staying true to the brand’s DNA, and ensuring that Monaco retains its rare, exclusive charm.
Part of the Sass’ group, the Algarve venture captures the Sass’ lifestyle in a setting where Mediterranean authenticity meets Atlantic soul. Algarve-based ERG Dreams led the architectural project and its execution. Internationally renowned Yodezeen created the interior design concept and initial renderings, and Portuguese Viterbo Interior Design brought the spaces to life through its exquisite interior design and execution.
At the end of a long boardwalk through tall pine trees, the restaurant’s terrace overlooks the sea, whilst the plush boho-chic interior invites guests to savour the moment. The natural, wood-based design blends seamlessly into the landscape, reflecting a vision of relaxed luxury rooted in simplicity and inspired by nature.
Every element contributes to the exquisite experience, from simple, fresh dishes enhanced by flavourful sauces and a soundtrack that reflects both Monaco’s sophistication and Portugal’s coastal charm, as magnums of rosé are poured. Service is friendly, respectful and efficient. Maître d’ Jean-Baptiste Maurel reveals that there is a rigorous training programme for the staff, part of the Sass’ philosophy, to ensure impeccable service.
Created by chef Nicolas Largillet, whose international experience spans the globe, the menu is concise and emphasises fresh, local, and ethically sourced ingredients. Ocean-inspired dishes showcase Portugal’s coastal richness whilst remaining true to Sass’s Mediterranean heritage.
The Mediterranean couvert of focaccia with olives, butter, and baba ganoush primes the taste buds for an authentically coastal meal. Although there is a good selection of international wines, start your experience with a signature cocktail, such as the Benagil Spritz – a blend of vodka, citrus and champagne (€19); or Faro’s Bell – mixing vodka, limoncello, elderflower syrup, and lime juice, topped with Mediterranean tonic for a crisp, herbaceous finish (€16.5).
To start, options include the tempura vegetable basket with tzatziki (€32), grilled Shishito peppers (€7), roasted cauliflower with tahini and smoked peppers (€22), fried squid with creamy truffle and yuzu sauce (€28), crispy Aburi tuna with smoked mayonnaise (€22), fried calamari with creamy truffle and yuzu (€28), and a lobster roll (€29). There are also fresh salads and a raw bar, with dishes such as tuna tartare with avocado (€32) and seabream ceviche (€28).
Main courses include grilled lamb rack (€48) and entrecôte of Argentinian Black Angus (€54). For a taste of Italy, there are pastas and pizzas, including moreish lobster spaghetti (€49) and linguini al vongole (€32), as well as the catch of the day (price per kilo), cooked to your taste.
To round things off with something sweet, try the Tiramisu (€13), with delicate layers of mascarpone and coffee-soaked biscuits, gently infused with Amaretto and assembled at the table. A fun, social experience, with each portion designed for sharing – ideal for long, entertaining, and stylish lunches with friends.
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