Welcome to
Moinho Dom Quixote!
Restaurant, bar and café located in a location blessed by nature, with stunning views of the enchanting blue of the Atlantic Ocean and the mystical Serra de Sintra.
OUR HISTORY
In the summer of 1983, the couple Carol and Lothar, of English and German nationality, discovered a mill in ruins in the mystical Serra de Sintra. On its weathered wall, almost faded by time, the words “FOR SALE” could still be seen – a photograph of that moment can be found inside our restaurant, a fragment of the past that forever changed the destiny of this place.
This mill, the first of five on Rua dos Moinhos, played a vital role in grinding wheat grown in Azóia. Part of the flour was transported by donkeys to Cascais, a journey immortalised in the tile panels on our terrace. With the advent of industrial milling in the 1950s, the mills fell into disuse and were abandoned.
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For over 30 years, this mill remained forgotten until, in October 1983, Carol and Lothar decided to rescue it. Their initial plan was to transform it into a holiday home, but the idea evolved: why not create a space where others could experience the magic of this place? Work began in 1984 and lasted five years, during which time Lothar discovered his passion for landscaping and created the garden that now surrounds our terrace, framing the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Thus, in July 1989, Bar Moinho Dom Quixote was born. Inspired by the famous Cervantes character, who saw beauty and poetry where others only saw decay, this space is the realisation of a dream that many might consider madness – much like Don Quixote himself. The timeless décor reflects this visionary essence, with pieces collected during the couple’s travels, strongly influenced by Lothar’s time in Mexico in the 1960s.
Near Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe, Moinho Dom Quixote is set within a landscape of unique beauty. Since 1995, this entire region has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we take great care of our gardens and vegetable patches, respecting the surrounding biodiversity.
Over the years, this small café has won hearts, becoming a cherished meeting place and a landmark in the Serra de Sintra. It has grown and evolved into a restaurant-café-bar, blending flavours inspired by diverse cultures with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creative and healthy pastries, and delicious coffees. Today, our team has expanded to include many talented individuals dedicated to making each visit a unique and memorable experience.
Since March 2020, Robin, Lothar’s son, and his wife, Anna Cláudia, have taken on the mission of continuing this story. At Moinho Dom Quixote, every detail is a chapter in a dream that became a reality – a mill that continues to enchant.
PRIVILEGED LOCATION
Moinho Dom Quixote is located in a privileged place surrounded by nature , and it is our commitment to take great care and care of all the biodiversity present in our home and beautiful garden. Since 1995, Sintra and the Serra de Sintra have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their unique combination of natural landscapes and architectural heritage. This recognition includes palaces, estates and castles, which have exceptional cultural and historical value.
As one of the most biologically diverse places in Portugal, the Serra de Sintra plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife, plant and animal species, and maintaining ecological balance.
Preserving biodiversity in the Serra de Sintra is crucial to maintaining the beauty and health of this unique ecosystem. When you are at Moinho Dom Quixote, remember: Our garden is part of this rich space that is the Serra de Sintra, let's work together to care for and preserve this treasure of nature!
Did you know?
We are very close to the famous
Cabo da Roca, which marks the westernmost point of the Serra de Sintra, diving directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
