Ukrainian restaurant brand NAI opens in Portugal’s Cascais

Ukrainian restaurateur Volodymyr Yaroslavskyi, together with partners, has launched a new contemporary Ukrainian cuisine restaurant, NAI, in the Portuguese city of Cascais. The venue is located in the premium district of Quinta da Marinha, within the newly developed Bloom Marinha complex. According to the company, the total investment in the project was approximately €1 million.

The process of securing the location took nearly a year of negotiations with the developer, who reviewed dozens of international restaurant concepts before ultimately selecting the Ukrainian brand. Following the agreement, the team spent another year on construction and preparing the restaurant for opening.

Around €400,000 of the investment was allocated to sourcing products from Ukrainian manufacturers, including furniture, decor, tableware, and staff uniforms. The franchise fee was €60,000. NAI operates under an individual franchise model, with a dedicated team supporting each launch, analyzing local markets, and adapting the concept to specific countries and audiences.

The menu in Cascais reflects both local ingredients and the upscale character of the district, while maintaining a focus on Ukrainian cuisine. The restaurant also aims to serve the Ukrainian diaspora in Portugal.

NAI, a Ukrainian-born international franchise, was recognized in 2024 by Forbes NEXT 250 as a company shaping the future of Ukraine. The brand emphasizes high-quality dishes, combining contemporary and traditional Ukrainian cuisine with standards accessible to international guests. The restaurant is designed as a welcoming space for breakfasts, dates, and friendly gatherings, offering a consistent experience wherever it opens.

The company has announced plans to expand further across Europe, bringing Ukrainian culinary culture to new audiences while maintaining a commitment to quality, service, and local adaptation.