The Copa in Dickson is Canberra’s own Brazilian Churrasco. The family restaurant not only provides an abundance of different mouthwatering cooked (or rather, barbequed) to perfection meats and traditional dishes – it provides an experience, one diners are sure to never forget.
Guests are greeted as soon as they arrive by Samba dancers who regularly perform at the restaurant – Samba is a traditional Brazilian dance – dressed in their big feathery headdresses, bright costumes and covered head to toe in glitter, they kindly help you to a waiter to be seated. The impeccable service provided by the staff right away adds to the overall humble and warm feeling it gives you, as soon as you arrive to the second you depart.
The Copa has an all-you-can-possibly-eat-plus-more menu, which is $39 per adult and $19 per child (6-12 years) – it is absolutely value for money. After being warned by the waitstaff to ‘save room for dessert’ diners are presented with a round token. One side is green and emblazoned with ‘Sim Por Favor’ (More Food Please) and the other side is red and says ‘Nao Obrigado’ (No thanks, I’m full). The idea is that you eat until you are content – then turn your token back over to green so the waiter knows you have saved room for dessert!
Each meat dish, typically grilled and presented on a large skewer, is brought out separately. The waiter introduces and describes the offering. The sense of excitement and adventure is such that even if you’re feeling full, you’ll want to try it anyway.
Some night the experience doesn’t stop there. Lost in conversation and tasting the myriad of salads, seafood and sauces covering the middle of the table, the music suddenly gets louder and the room is filled with squeals and yells – the Samba performance starts. The performers pick up the mood just that little bit more by encouraging everyone to clap and getting some daring looking customers up with them to learn a few steps.
The colourful interior and creative designs covering the walls provide the perfect surrounding to relax and truly take in the ‘Night In Brazil’ experience. The fully stocked bar inside the restaurant has imported Brazilian beer on offer which is fabulous to enjoy with the flavours that may be new to your palate.
All-in-all the Copa offers a family friendly and social dining experience. With the fixed price approach, the Copa is easy to budget for and is especially suited to early week dining or large groups on the weekends. Be sure to pop in soon for your own culinary Carnivàle!
