BrasilPortu — Restaurant in Sandwell

BrasilPortu, this is what Birmingham needs more of. You need to shout about the exciting dishes prepared in your kitchen, and ultimately, create a new setting to appreciate it in.

Birmingham could be thought of as a melting pot of cultures. The more I get out of my traditional, blue collar, greasy spoon cafe neighbourhood the more I see glimpses of cultures I never knew existed. In Bearwood you will get a taste of Portuguese based businesses, a fine example being BrasilPortu.

Don't dismiss BrasilPortu as a Mediterranean mini-mart. It's front of shop may indicate this fact, given the varieties of Portuguese foods on the shelves, fridges and on a central stall. Walk in, take a look at the freshly prepared Portuguese pastries at the counter. Walk a little further you'll find a small butchers that includes homemade sausages, a ham hock and a variety of fine Portuguese meats. Only after going to the very back of BrasilPortu will you find the seating area.

The seating area is set up more like a cafe than a restaurant. The space is comfy, with small tables and loads of colour from the artwork hung on the walls. The sky light brings a welcome natural glow to the surroundings. The majority of the other customers were relaxing with a cup of coffee. I was there to try the food selection prepared by their kitchen.

Food is exciting, freshly prepared and as vibrant in colour, texture and taste as the hung Portuguese works of art. I heartily recommend trying a selection of the savoury pastries (located at the front of shop). Each were uniquely textured. The feijoada main is a must try (the Portuguese equivalent of a South Indian Thali). It consists of loads of little dishes. One of them is the desiccated cassava, which added an interesting gritty texture to the dish.

The fireworks were left to the end. The Banana Real. It would have been nice to have been informed it was going to made from scratch. It did take its time to be prepared, but it was worth the wait. The Banana Real with Ice-cream, basically a banana empanada. Crisp from the pastry, smoothness from the ice-cream and sweet ooze from the banana filling. It was decadence.

The staff were lovely, chatty, warm and relaxed. Given my lack of Portuguese culinary knowledge, they really helped me to select my dishes. They knew the dishes at an ingredient level. Impressive, I should have brought my note book.

Price-wise, I spent way too much. Why? It's great value, each nicely portioned dish invited me to try more from their exciting menu. I regret not trying everything. One day, if new age science can afford me extra stomachs.

Brummies need more exciting dishes in their lives. We need more places like BrasilPortu. BrasilPortu, with the greatest respect, don't hide your dishes in a cafe at the back of the deli. You need a separate restaurant setting. Your dishes should be front and centre and catered for in an environment to befit a Portuguese based...

As a Brazilian, I was looking for an authentic Brazilian restaurant and I believe I found the place. Not in a prime location but inside is quite nice. The menu is very diverse and reflects the options you would have in a restaurant in Brazil. They have a mini market and a butcher in the store which gives you an assurance that you are getting good quality products. The food is made deliciously and the lady who was serving was extremely polite and helpful. However what almost ruined our experience was the group of tree man who sat next to us. They kept looking at my wife and kids while scratching their parts and were extremely rude to the waiter. They were ordering lots of alcohol and I was glad I left before them. I know the restaurant is welcoming to everyone as it should be everywhere. But there is a limit and personally I would have asked them to leave if it was mine. I would definitely go back as I believe this was unfortunate and again the lady serving really have a...

I always love coming to BrasilPortu with a group of friends. The atmosphere is always so welcoming and friendly. I also love that you have to go through the shop & meat counter to get to the restaurant which is a good opportunity to say hello to everyone!

BrasilPortu is a must for those that enjoy meat. I would recommend the picanha com batatas fritas, bife a cavalo or the feijoada. In terms of drinks if you’re going cocktails be sure to try a caipirinha or if your a beer person they have Super Bock & Sagres on draft. I’m a Super Bock fan myself!

Summer provides the opportunity to sit outside in their garden complete with heaters or sit inside next to beautiful pictures and bright tiles!

Lastly, the staff are super knowledge, engaging and attentive. Be sure to ask what they...