New Brazilian BBQ restaurant to open in St John’s Shopping Centre

Bonita Brazilian BBQ is proud to announce the opening of its first-ever permanent pitch at St. John’s Shopping Centre in Liverpool, launching on 6th December.

After a successful season on the road, the team behind Bonita is bringing the bold, fiery and soulful flavours of Northeast Brazil to the heart of the city, outside one of Liverpool’s most iconic shopping destinations.

Having traded at markets across the Northwest, Bonita Brazilian BBQ has quickly earned a reputation for not being your typical street food setup. The concept blends the energy and spirit of Brazilian street cooking with the precision, technique and creativity of restaurant-level cuisine. Every dish is freshly prepared and cooked over fire, delivering an authentic Brazilian barbecue experience that is vibrant, generous and truly unforgettable.

A highlight of the menu and already a crowd favourite, is Batata Bonita, Bonita’s signature loaded fries. This dish represents the playful fusion at the heart of the brand. Crispy British fries layered with Brazilian barbecue meats and topped with a rich, homemade bone marrow gravy slow cooked for 24 hours. It is bold, comforting and indulgent. Exactly what Bonita stands for.

Another cornerstone of the menu is Baião de Dois, a dish deeply rooted in the culture of Northeast Brazil. Often described as the soul of the region, this recipe brings together creamy rice, black eyed beans, caramelised onion, herbs and queijo coalho cheese. At Bonita, it is prepared with care and precision, respecting its origins while allowing it to shine alongside flame grilled meats. Baião is comforting, humble and full of character. It carries memory, pride and a sense of home. For many, it is more than food. It is identity.

Bonita’s food is driven by the resilience and passion of Chef Sam Atkinson. Cooking has always been part of Sam’s identity, long before life changed in a way no one could have predicted. In 2020, Sam survived the Bow crane collapse in East London, an event that took lives, caused devastation and left physical and emotional scars that could not be ignored. Recovery became a long and uncertain road and the world felt unfamiliar.

Through that darkness, one thing never left him. Cooking remained steady. It was not something discovered after the trauma. It was the part of him that stayed standing when everything else fell. In the kitchen, he found focus, routine and a sense of self that the accident could not take away.

Today, every flame kissed dish at Bonita is more than food. It is a reflection of survival, heritage and gratitude. It represents the belief that even after unimaginable disruption, life can be rebuilt with intention, pride and heart. Bonita exists because Sam refused to give up who he is and because sometimes, the hardest chapters lead to the most meaningful work.

Sam trained professionally at Bluebird Chelsea, one of London’s most renowned restaurants. He brings refined technique and creativity to Brazilian barbecue. His menu at Bonita offers a diverse and exciting range of dishes, blending authentic Brazilian flavours with modern twists. Always vibrant. Always full of life.

Brazilian actor, singer and songwriter Paulo Fraval is the creative force shaping Bonita’s identity. With an artistic eye for colour, pattern and cultural storytelling, Paulo brings a concept that channels the energy of Brazil while celebrating its joyful connection with the UK. His vision is woven into every detail, from the brand’s visual language to the atmosphere customers feel the moment they arrive.

Choosing Liverpool as Bonita’s first permanent home was easy. There is a natural affinity between Brazilian culture and the Scouse spirit. Joy, warmth, community and a love of life.

The Bonita founders said:

“Joy is the bridge between Brazil and Liverpool. The people here made us feel at home from our first visit. We love Liverpool and we could not imagine launching our first house anywhere else.”

Bonita Brazilian BBQ officially opens on 6th December at St. John’s Shopping Centre, offering visitors an exciting new destination for authentic Brazilian flavours, flame grilled meats and a vibrant fusion with British comfort cuisine. Bonita brings people together through food that feels bold, warm and unmistakably joyful.