When Carolina Sales arrived in Portugal, she brought with her over ten years of experience – having once operated three stores in Rio de Janeiro – alongside awards and a devoted following in Brazil. It didn’t take long for her pink-hued fine patisserie to make waves in Oeiras – not just with her brigadeiros, which started it all, but also with homemade cakes, tarts, biscuits, and even a fit line. Three years on, the brand has grown and now has a new spot in Estoril, just steps from Gleba and the Evolution Hotel.
Alongside the famed brigadeiros (€2) – classic or reinvented in flavours like pistachio, coconut, and apricot – and homemade cakes served by the slice (€2.50–€6.50), the Estoril location also offers European pastry delights such as pastéis de nata (€2), macarons (€2), and éclairs (€2.50). “Expanding into Europe is our biggest and sweetest challenge yet. We’re building a new story in Portugal, blending the best of both worlds through flavour”, says Carolina Sales, the brand’s founder, in a press release.
The new space carries the same romantic charm as the original and aims to welcome customers throughout the day. Breakfast and brunch options include pancakes and waffles (€5–€12), croissants (€2.50–€5), bagels (€8), yoghurts (€4–€6.80), açaí bowls (€4–€9), omelettes (€6–€12), open and closed toasts (€3.50–€12), and, naturally, cakes.
For those who prefer a set brunch menu, there’s the €18 option featuring scrambled eggs with bacon, a pancake with honey or butter, natural yoghurt with granola, pão de queijo or fruit, and a coffee drink; or the €38 menu for two, which includes a bagel, breads, butter, cheese, ham, cured ham, jam, hummus spread, bacon slices, yoghurt topping, two pão de queijo, a slice of cake of the day, açaí with granola, fruit bowl, mini salad with cured ham or salmon, two juices, and two coffees.
Coffee takes centre stage at the Estoril shop, featuring speciality beans roasted on the spot and a menu packed with signature drinks – from brigadeiro cappuccinos (€3.50) to pistachio or caramel iced coffees (€3.50). There’s also a standout hot chocolate called “Nuvem”, topped with cotton candy (€3.25), alongside teas, infusions, and fresh juices.
For those looking for something savoury throughout the day – because it’s not all about sweets here – there are snacks like croquettes, empadas, coxinhas, and quiches (€2 to €6), as well as savoury tarts and daily specials, which can be combined into lunch menus priced between €9.70 and €12.
With space for 100 guests, the new Carolina Sales spot features a play area for kids, a small terrace, and a shop selling take-home treats, like boxes of brigadeiros.
The cakes, available by the slice, can also be ordered whole: the popular triple chocolate (€6/slice; €45-105 whole), red velvet (€4.50/slice; €27-71 whole), and pistachio with strawberry jam (€6.50/slice; €45-105 whole) are firm favourites. If you prefer, you can customise your cake with your choice of base, filling, and toppings — or try to keep it a bit healthier with their “inclusive” options: in-store you’ll find coconut corn cake (€4.50) and functional brownies (€5.50); for orders there’s simple fruit cake (€27-70) or a healthy celebration cake (€40-95), all sugar-, gluten-, and dairy-free, sweetened naturally with fruit.
Rua Biarritz 4B, Estoril. 91 099 9015. Wed-Sun 09.00-20.00