The best of Brazil in Cascais

Already established in Rio de Janeiro, Sult opened its doors in central Cascais in 2024. Conceived by Brazilian chef Nelson Soares, it focuses on Italian cuisine, particularly with a transalpine influence, but interpreted through a Nordic minimalist lens, where each dish features no more than five core ingredients. Some of these are naturally Portuguese in the Cascais edition. In Rio, the kitchen is fully open; here, as they couldn’t remove the structural wall separating it from the dining room, they opted for a distinctive solution: a triangular table at the kitchen entrance where all dishes are finished and plated in full view of guests. Sult also boasts an extensive wine list, featuring many labels from small producers.

If there’s a slice of the Amazon in Cascais, it’s at Palaphita, the town’s most sustainable bar. Nestled in a small woodland within Casa da Guia, it uses nature as its architecture, just as it did in Rio de Janeiro before arriving in Portugal in 2020. Beyond numerous outdoor tables, the space features stilts—palafitas—perfect for couples, groups of friends, or even families with children, all welcome. The menu, also inspired by the Amazon, includes ideal options for winding down the day. To eat, try the Tapi (dadinhos and hydrated tapioca seasoned with cheese and served with spicy honey), and to drink, there’s the Verano (a mix of caipirinha and sorbet popsicle) or the Pink Boto (vodka, tequila, cucumber, and lime).

Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1981 by a Portuguese chef, and arriving in Cascais in 2023 thanks to his daughter, Guimas brings the elegance of the original space to Portugal. The menu mirrors its Brazilian counterpart, featuring classics like fish, shrimp, and squid moqueca; filé bêbado; farm-style duck; various beef cuts; and shrimp or brie pastries. With strong ties to the arts, visible on its walls, Guimas exudes a relaxed botequim spirit – an open door to Rio right in the heart of Cascais.

Tucked away in the cobbled streets of Cascais’ old town, Embaú exudes summer vibes all year round, evoking the boardwalks of Rio de Janeiro. Founded in 2007, the shop may be small, but it’s packed with Brazilian treasures such as Salinas, Havaianas, Mig Soul, and Satya Spindl Jewelry.

Described by its organizers as “the largest Brazilian culture festival in Europe,” the Bossa Market takes over FIARTIL in Estoril every year for a couple of days in June. The festival showcases gastronomy, music, fashion, and handicrafts from dozens of creators and brands – mostly Brazilian – carefully selected through a curation focused on small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. Attracting thousands of visitors annually, the Bossa Market is a must for any fan of Brazilian culture in the Cascais area.

When Carolina Sales arrived in Portugal, she brought with her more than a decade of experience – at one point she had three shops in Rio de Janeiro – and a loyal following back in Brazil. It didn’t take long for her refined confectionery to turn heads in Oeiras – not just the brigadeiros, which started it all, but also her homemade cakes, tarts, cookies and even a healthier "fit" line. Three years on, the brand has expanded to Estoril. Alongside the much-loved brigadeiros – both classic and reimagined in flavours like pistachio, coconut and apricot – and cake slices, there are now some new arrivals: pastel de nata, macarons and eclairs.

The new shop keeps the romantic charm of the original and is ready to welcome customers from morning till late. Breakfast and brunch options include pancakes and waffles, croissants, bagels, yoghurts, açaí, omelettes, toasties and, of course, cake. For lighter meals throughout the day – because not everything here is sweet – there are savoury bites (croquettes, empadas, coxinhas and quiches), savoury tarts and daily specials, which can be ordered as part of lunch menus.

One compelling reason to visit the marina, especially if you’re on the lookout for stylish and relaxed clothing. Osklen opened in Cascais Marina after more than a decade without a dedicated shop on Portuguese soil. Known for being one of the leading exponents of Brazilian minimalist fashion, the space brings together style and sustainability in a space of around 70 square metres. It sells male and female clothes, shoes and accessories. 

After Belém and Benfica, the Lanchonete arrived in Parede in April 2023. The partners Pedro Bento, Bruna Silva and Francisco Júnior had been looking for a space on the Cascais Line for some time, as they had several customers who purposely went to the Lisbon stores to try the Lanchonete’s brunch and Brazilian specialties. The new space is in the traditional shopping area, in the former home of Pastelaria Monte Rei, and maintains the menu of the other places. There is no shortage of pastries, cheese bread, coxinhas, hamburgers and Brazilian snacks. On Fridays and Saturdays, regular customers already know, and Parede is now discovering, it's Brazilian feijoada day (€9.50) – one of the restaurant's main successes.

On the first floor of the palace is this art gallery of Brazilian artist Renato Rodyner, who has been based in Cascais for over 30 years. In fact, his pieces – and the works of other artists he collaborates with – are displayed across the walls of almost the entire building. Currently, and until February 29, the exhibition “Fragmentos de Temas 2023/2024” is on display, featuring a mix of paintings and sculptures by various artists. Renato Rodyner primarily explores "human relationships" in his work, which often carries a neo-expressionist touch, whether on canvas or in pieces made from stone or iron.

It was in 2022 that the Brazilian Lis Sadalla made her debut on the coast with Da Lis com Amor, a confectionery in Alcabideche. There, cakes, tartlets, brigadeiros, brownies, cookies, and many other homemade treats shine – mostly sweet, but with some savory options as well, including the ever-popular coxinhas. It’s another must-visit Brazilian business in the town.

With a handful of restaurants across Portugal, Seventh is a group by Brazilian entrepreneur Eduardo Volpato, dedicated to all-day brunch. Dishes with eggs, toasts that are full meals, pancakes, bagels – the hardest part is choosing among the many options. In Cascais, the venue enjoys a central and prime location, close to the train station and the town’s beaches.