Braza’s Portuguese Fusion in Berea celebrates its first birthday this month.
Go! & Express caught up with the owner and head chef Jean-Michel Silva to find out what makes their restaurant such a unique, enjoyable space for East London diners.
How would you describe your menu for someone unfamiliar with Braza’s Portuguese Fusion?
Our menu is a mixture of travels abroad and heritage. It is simple food — done right.
What was the inspiration behind the opening of your restaurant?
Circumstances drove us to open the restaurant. Having grown up in EL, it was about time to return home. It was always a dream to open a restaurant with my father, and it’s been a great experience to date.
How many staff members do you employ?
Ten.
As you celebrate, what lessons have you learned?
Where do I start? I think the biggest one has been navigating the Eastern Cape way of doing things, finding the right suppliers, who to use, and working with them. Patience is the other lesson, as well as accepting the journey.
How would you describe the dining experience?
The in-house experience has been good. We live by our motto “Mi casa su casa” (my home is your home) while dining at the restaurant.
How has the public support been so far?
The support has been great. We have really felt the love from East London.
What are some of the most popular dishes on the menu?
The most popular dishes are steaks, chicken, and prawns. The paella Sundays have also been a hit.
What are some of the long-term goals you have for your business?
I’ll keep the long-term goals close to my chest but what I will say is, expect a few more offerings in the future.
What sets you apart from other similar restaurants in East London?
What sets us apart is the hospitality people receive when dining with us, and the attention to detail.
