Modern Portuguese-Style BBQ Arrives In Somerset County

WARREN, NJ — No need to cross the Atlantic Ocean to get your hands on some delicious Portuguese cuisine. Brasa Wood-Fired Grill is bringing authentic Portuguese BBQ to Warren with a modern and elevated touch.

"Portuguese BBQ is usually more of a take-out operation. With our dining room, it creates more of a welcoming environment," said Jason Francisco, co-owner of Brasa with Robert Olsen.

While the pair recently held a soft opening in mid-March for Brasa, at 55 Mountain Blvd. in Warren - this isn't Olsen and Francisco's first restaurant venture. They both separately owned restaurants on their own until they collaborated about 4 years ago with a BBQ restaurant in Manhatten.

But it was Francisco's family that drew him to Warren. Born to Portuguese parents, Francisco's family asked him to open a restaurant in the area. He saw there was a need for his cuisine and set up shop.

"I have a Portuguese mom and dad so definitely the menu is based on that. There is also some Latin influence - Spanish and Brazilian," said Francisco who created the menu with Olsen.

What stands Brasa apart from others is Francisco's approach to cooking everything to order.

While a lot of Portuguese BBQ is more about quantity than quality with everything being marinated in the same sauces. Francisco wanted "to change that up a bit and offer a variety."

Olsen noted Brasa has a partnership with Unionville Winery in Hunterdon County where they serve their wines and pair them with dishes and soon sangrias.

"The partnership with Unionville allows us to offer more steaks, chops, and seafood as opposed to the traditional ribs and BBQ take-out," said Olsen.

The sangria bar is set to open very soon.

The restaurant's opening was a long time coming after Olsen and Francisco his a year of delays due to COVID.

"It was extremely hard to open during COVID. Every day was a challenge. From the moment we set foot in here," said Olsen

The pair had issues with obtaining materials, labor, town inspections, and staffing. However, they powered through.

"Every step of the way was a challenge. We opened almost a year late but we are open, we got there," said Olsen.

Now Brasa is looking to expand to offer brunch and catering.

"Our hope is to become a destination spot," said Olsen.

Brasa offers dine-in, take-out, and delivery. For more information, hours and menu visit brasawarren.com or on all social media platforms @BrasaWarren.

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