An industrial area in the middle of Alcabideche might seem like an unlikely place – both for kids to have fun and for enjoying a great meal. But we’re here to tell you that now, you can do both. On the terrace of Anima Park, a new Brazilian barbecue restaurant called Embrasado has opened, creating a space where parents can unwind while their children play and where the little ones can refuel after all the fun at this indoor playground.
The project’s founder, Katia Fernanda Silva, explains that Anima Park is “the only park of its kind here in Cascais” and that, with the addition of the restaurant, “it has completely transformed”. The idea was born from the passion of Cesar Batas, one of the project’s mentors and co-owner of Anima Park, for grilled food. “Cesar has always loved the restaurant world, especially grilling. We noticed there was a gap in this area – particularly when it came to smoked cooking, which is our main focus at the restaurant. So we decided to combine the two and create a space that feels almost like a food truck, but with a terrace. We’re truly unique”, Katia says.
What sets Embrasado apart from other barbecue spots is its commitment to smoking. The meats are prepared slowly, in a process that can take anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, resulting in deep, unmistakable flavour. “We cut the meat in a slightly different way, which gives it a distinctive taste. On top of that, we use a pit smoke technique that really brings out the flavour”, explains chef Jander Alves.
But Embrasado is more than just a restaurant – it’s an extension of the Anima Park family experience. “The idea is to make it easy for parents to sit down, enjoy a relaxed meal, while the children play in a safe environment”, explains Katia. “Parents can have lunch, chat with the family, and take a moment to unwind while the little ones have fun. Then, when it’s time to eat, they simply order the kids’ meal while the children are still playing – they come over, eat, and head back to play again. It’s a space designed for the whole family”.
Beyond the restaurant itself, there’s also an upstairs lounge where guests can unwind with a glass of wine while watching the buzz of the park below. “The park was really designed to offer comfort for adults too”, says Katia. “When we built that upper area with the lounge, everyone loved it. It’s a safe, peaceful spot where adults can enjoy a meal or a glass of wine while the children play. The restaurant follows that same spirit”.
On the menu, the spotlight is on the smoked meats, especially the brisket (€19.90) and the pork ribs (€22.90) inspired by the Outback style. There are also grilled dishes such as picanha (€19), and traditional Latin American starters like choripán (€4.50) – almost a meal in itself – plus chicken hearts (€4.50) and linguiça sausage. “We use a special type of wood for smoking that gives the meat a distinctive flavour”, Katia explains.
Of course, there’s also a kids’ menu, featuring burgers or chicken breast – options designed to keep hungry, impatient little ones happy. “Kids need something quick. They come here to play, so we have fast dishes like a burger plate or grilled chicken breast – things they really enjoy, and that we also cook over the barbecue”, she adds.
The kitchen is led by chef Jander Alves, who began his career selling meat before discovering his true calling in barbecue. “I worked in that field for about four years, across three different companies. Then I started doing small barbecue events and realised it was something I really enjoyed. I kept improving, took some courses, and now this is what I do full-time”, he says.
Before joining Embrasado, Jander ran a catering business specialising in barbecues for private events, weddings and corporate parties.
Taking charge of the kitchen at Embrasado brought a whole new challenge. “Every day we face something different, something new”, he explains. “It’s very different from catering, where you spend a week preparing and deliver everything on the day. Here, every day we get to refine our craft, try new things and learn so much. I’m really enjoying the experience – I hope it all goes well and that this is just the first of many adventures in the kitchen”.
For visitors, there’s an extra treat: the kids’ menu comes with a free hour of playtime at Anima Park. This promotion runs until December 2025, highlighting the project’s commitment to combining leisure and gastronomy.
Executive menus start at €13.50, while the smoked options are priced at €15.50. An individual park ticket – valid for children aged 4 to 12 – costs €10 for one hour, with an additional 30 minutes available for €5.
Rua Hermenegildo Pulquério, 246 (Alcabideche). Mon-Fri 12.00-15.00 Sat 12.00-20.00 Sun 12.00-19.00