The Palaphita Kitch is located on the shores of the beautiful Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. This Amazonian jungle retreat features all outdoor seating, and the furniture is truly rustic, being made from reforested eucalyptus with thatch and straw huts. The menu features fish dishes, appetisers and fruit plates with the majority of the ingredients found in the rainforest.

Take a seat at Palaphita Lagoa, a rustic bar made from polished logs with outdoor seating of low sofas and natural wood tables and fairy lights that glitter in the trees. Even with the evening runners, skateboarders, families strolling around the lake, and the occasional capybara grazing on the grass, the air is filled with peace and tranquillity. The show truly begins when the sun goes down across the lake and fills the sky with shades of dazzling orange, glowing peach, and rich blue.

Visionary businessman, Mário de Andrade Netto, affectionately known as Mario Maluco (Crazy Mario), decided to bet all his chips on setting up an authentic kiosk on the banks of the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. And it paid off; today it is an undeniable success. The rustic furniture spread across the grass makes for a romantic setting and is very popular with loved-up couples.

Once dusk hits, head to the Palaphita Kitch for a drink or bite to eat. Located on the shores of the Lagoa, this typical Amazonian retreat takes you back to your childhood spent in tree houses. The cedar tables, benches and grass overhang takes a back seat to the spectacular views of the city lights reflected on the laguna.

in Casual Fare, Vegetarian - Veggan, Premium Casual, Cachaca Bars. Rio’s Zona Sul is not lacking with great sights, but while the turistas flock to the excursion buses to Corcovado or Sugarloaf, seasoned travelers can do better. The very best of these will likely be sitting across from you at Palaphita in Lagoa.

Avenida Epitácio Pessoa (Kiosk 20, Parque do Cantagalo); tel: 21-2227 0837 Open daily for dinner $$. The lagoon-side kiosks along the shores of the Lagoa are great for alfresco food and drinks. This trendy version, open in the evenings for cocktails and casual bar bites, has a rustic Amazon-inspired setting.

Palaphita Kitch is an outdoor lounge area that overlooks the lagoa (lagoon). It feels like you’re somewhere in Bali, what with its bamboo furniture and thatch huts. It’s more of a day place, so go in the afternoon sometime, and then watch the sun set over the lagoon (can you tell I’m a fan of sunsets?).

Palaphita is a more familiar club experience, playing a mix of mainstream hits and Latin American music. The venue is quite spacious, with two bars, a lounge area, and a dance floor. It might take a while to fill up, but keep in mind that the later you arrive, the more you’ll likely pay for entry.

This is a bar-restaurant-lounge with outdoor armchairs and sofas. It has a decoration and menu with inspirations of the Amazon.