The Story Behind Our Famous Espetada
The Dish That Started It All
At La Familia, one dish has sat at the heart of our menu since the very beginning: the Espetada. Ask any member of our team which plate leaves the kitchen most often, and the answer arrives without hesitation. This skewer of flame-grilled meat is not simply a meal at our restaurant; it is a tradition that travels from the island of Madeira straight to your table.
Where the Espetada Comes From
The Espetada originated in Madeira, where families would season generous chunks of beef with garlic and salt, thread them onto a long laurel skewer, and cook them slowly over glowing wood embers. It was food made for sharing, served at festivals and Sunday gatherings. In Madeira it is still common to hang the skewer on a hook above the plate, letting the juices drip down while everyone reaches for their portion.
How We Prepare Ours
We stay close to those roots, adding our own family touch at every stage:
- We hand-cut the meat daily and leave it to marinate in garlic, bay leaf, and salt.
- Each skewer is assembled by hand so the pieces cook evenly.
- We grill over real charcoal, not a flat top, to lock in smoky flavour.
- Every Espetada rests before serving, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
The steps below are the same ones our grill chef follows from open to close:
- Season and marinate the cubed meat overnight.
- Thread the meat onto long metal skewers.
- Grill over charcoal, turning until the edges caramelise.
- Rest briefly, then hang or plate with sides.
- Finish with a brush of garlic butter and a pinch of sea salt.
What Arrives at Your Table
Your Espetada is served with roasted vegetables, rice, and hot chips. Some guests order it with a fried egg on top. For a quick look at the favourites, see the table below.
| Element | Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Marinade | Garlic, bay, salt | Builds depth |
| Grill | Charcoal flame | Adds smokiness |
| Skewer | Metal or laurel | Even cooking |
Why Guests Keep Coming Back
There is something honest about a skewer of grilled meat placed in the middle of the table. We often hear the same words from returning guests:
"It tastes like something my grandmother would make on a Sunday."
That is exactly the feeling we hope for every night. The Espetada is generous, deeply flavoured, and made to be shared, which is why it remains the dish our guests request again and again. Book a table and discover it for yourself.