Carnival is just around the corner, and there are few better places in Cascais to celebrate than the Brazilian jungle of Casa da Guia: Palaphita. After a pre-Carnival party in mid-February, the venue is throwing another bash with its resident DJs on the last Friday of the month, February 28th.
The festivities continue throughout the weekend, with the Baile da Capivara taking place on Saturday, March 1st. Alongside the DJs, there’ll be a live performance from the band Samba Fixe. Sunday, March 2nd, is all about the little ones, with the Kids Carnival — highlighted by a mask contest.
But that’s not the only news from Palaphita Cascais. This weekend, on February 22nd and 23rd, it’s hosting the Caipirinha Festival. A perfect chance to sample different variations of the classic Brazilian cocktail while dancing to the beats of the Pala DJs. Guests can order a caipirinha canoe (featuring four flavours made from the same cachaça), a cachaça canoe (with four different cachaça shots), or a jambuzada canoe (with four cachaça-based drinks infused with Amazonian fruits).
Adding to the buzz, Palaphita has also been opening earlier and, for the first time, is offering a breakfast menu — a hit since its launch in recent weeks. Served daily from 9.30AM to 12.00PM, often with a breathtaking sea view, the menu boasts a wide range of delicious options.
Try the Ovos Caboclos (€8), scrambled eggs with mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, cherry tomatoes, leeks, garlic, onions, cream, and truffle oil; or go for the omelette (€7), made with two beaten eggs and your choice of mushrooms and cheese or ham and regional cheeses.
When it comes to sandwiches, you can have them on the house wholegrain bread (€7.50), artisanal focaccia (€8.50), or as a wrap (€7). There are three delicious fillings to choose from, no matter the bread: turkey breast with creamy cheese, rocket, and Amazonian chutney on the side; Azores cheese with organic tomato and fresh garden oregano; or Azores cheese with Alentejo cured ham, pesto, and Amazonian chutney on the side.
For something extra indulgent, try the Pão na Chapa com Capricho (€8) — rustic, artisanal grilled bread with butter and cheese sauce; the Pão à Gringa (€8) — a double-stacked grilled sandwich stuffed with cured ham and Emmental cheese; or the Mineira (€7) — two waffles with butter, creamy cheese, and a generous spoonful of guava paste.
Speaking of sweet treats, pancakes are a must. At Palaphita, they come in pairs: the Pikelet (€7), made with tapioca flakes, butter, and Amazonian jam; the Abirú (€8), featuring tapioca flakes, red berry compote, hazelnut cream, and granola; and the Japira (€8), a blend of tapioca and whole wheat flour with granola, banana, and Amazonian jam.
Still got room for more? Go for a slice of the cake of the day (€4.50), always served with a drizzle of syrup; a chia pudding with seasonal fruit (€6); or a plate of fresh, in-season fruit (€4), which might include bananas, kiwis, pineapples, strawberries, or clementines. If you fancy a little extra sweetness, add honey (€1) or granola (€1).
Starting Friday, February 28th, Palaphita will be hosting weekly Ashtanga yoga sessions to pair with breakfast. Led by instructor Isa Guitana, they’ll run from 9.30 to 10.30, offering a chance to stretch, breathe, and reset. The experience includes a coffee of your choice — perhaps a cappuccino, chococcino, or pistachio mocha — and is available for €20.
Last August, the brand opened a Palaphita in São Pedro do Estoril with a different concept, featuring a delicatessen, a concept store, and a kitchen serving a broader menu. However, the space closed this month with no set reopening date. Palaphita hasn’t disclosed specific reasons, but it may be linked to potential international brand changes.
Avenida Nossa Senhora do Cabo, 101, Cascais. Sun-Thu 09.30-21.00; Fri-Sat 09.30-22.00. 21 135 1402