I’m going to shock all you now and reveal some big news – I’ve never had brunch before *gasp*, well not until now at least. I’ve never really been a breakfast person myself and a long boozy lunch has always been my damage of choice, but perhaps not anymore. A trip down to Market Row in Brixton revealed a Brazilian feast like no other, whose owners are just as passionate about their customer as they are about their food. With a newly launched Brazilian breakfast menu and traditional lunch menu to set the palate racing, a trip down to this vibrant restaurant couldn’t be refused.
Admittedly I’m no Brazilian food expert but when you eat here at Carioca you realise there’s no need to be. All the flavours and ingredients do the talking themselves and only make for great conversation. There is such a wide range of tantalising dishes on the menu here, with the likes of our two favourites which we managed to divulge in. Favela De Rossa – was a plate filled to the brim of fried and battered plantain, sandwiched between oozing mozzarella, fresh tomato, poached eggs and a mouth-watering hollandaise sauce. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy (I couldn’t understand how it wouldn’t) then perhaps the Copacabana can – soft poached eggs with pulled braised beef, fried plantain, black bean stew and a killer home-made maize muffin – all being completely gluten-free too. This is how you do breakfast. Other dishes such as the Acai with granola and banana I’m told is an absolute stunner.
Already stuffed by this point we couldn’t resist the temptation of the home-made cakes, teasing us perched upon the counter and the smell of freshly brewed Caravan coffee wafting over. Honestly, I really didn’t expect much from the cakes (no Idea why), but how wrong I was to judge quickly. They were outstanding. The carrot cake was easily one of the best you’ll come across and the cheesecake was jaw droppingly good, not to mention the salted banana butterscotch cake (OMG). If for whatever you don’t have room for these beauties, at least make sure you order them (all) to takeaway, it will be the best thing you’ve done this side of 2015.
Carioca in Brixton may look rather bland and simple from the outside, but step through its doors and its rustic charm, great atmosphere (albeit a bit chilly in the winter) and vibrant food is amongst the best of Brixton’s markets. If brunch is that little bit too early then you’ll love their two course set menu for at £12.95 – Brixton’s biggest Bargain and one I’ll certainly be coming back for.
8/10
