Brazilian Barbecue Grill Preps for Point Loma

Getting its start in 2006 with as a mobile Brazilian barbecue catering service, Sabor de Vida opened its first restaurant in Encinitas in 2012. Rafael Pedroso, who runs the eatery with his wife, says they chose their upcoming location in Point Loma because a large portion of the local Brazilian community resides in many of the surrounding neighborhoods; it’s also centrally well-located to function as a hub for their long-running catering business.

Sabor de Vida is replacing Philly cheesesteak shop Gaglione Brothers, which recently pulled up stakes after 15 years to move into a next-door storefront. The Brazilian restaurant will be combining two units into one 1,700-square-foot space with a bar and TVs for watching Brazilian soccer games.

The full-service eatery is currently scheduled to open by December or January, with a menu of traditional dishes ranging from crispy yuca to Brazilian cheese bread and platters of grilled picanha, or top sirloin cap, as well as beer, wine, and their take on caipirinhas, Brazil’s national cocktail. On weekends, Sabor de Vida offers feijoada, a classic black bean stew made with tri-tip and smoked beef sausage.