Millsboro, Delaware – A new dining destination has arrived in downtown Millsboro with the opening of Nossa Casa, a Brazilian-style steakhouse that introduces rodizio dining and traditional gaucho service to southern Delaware. The restaurant aims to blend Brazilian cuisine, culture, and hospitality in a setting that had not previously existed in the area.
Incident Overview
Nossa Casa officially opened its doors at 109 Main St. in Millsboro, transforming the former Georgia House building into a full-service Brazilian steakhouse. The restaurant features hallmark elements of Brazilian churrascarias, including tableside meat service, gauchos carving directly from skewers, and a flat-price, all-you-can-eat dining format.
The name “Nossa Casa,” which translates to “Our House” in Portuguese, reflects the founders’ goal of creating a welcoming space that feels both authentic and communal.
Background and Ownership
The restaurant was founded by sisters Thaina Bittencourt-Ventura and Maria Louisa Bittencourt-Ventura, both of whom were born in Brazil and later immigrated to the United States as teenagers. Their vision was to bring the flavors and traditions of their home country to a region where Brazilian cuisine is largely unavailable.
They are joined in the venture by Connor Smail, Maria Louisa’s fiancé; Danio Samosa, Thaina’s husband; and Enrique Samosa, Danio’s brother. The group brings both cultural insight and restaurant experience to the project.
Experience in the Restaurant Industry
Danio Samosa is already well known in Delaware’s dining scene. He owns Harvest Tide Steakhouse locations in Lewes and Bethany Beach, as well as Zoca in Bethany Beach. The couple also previously operated Zava Restaurant in Milton and Bethany Beach before selling it so Thaina could focus on raising their children.
According to Smail, Thaina’s return to the restaurant industry was driven by a desire to reconnect with her professional passion and cultural roots.
“Now she’s itching to go back to work and she’s in love with the restaurant industry,” Smail said. “She wanted to open a new spot that was a little bit more based in Brazilian culture, because there isn’t really anything like that down here.”
Why Millsboro Needed a Brazilian Steakhouse
The opening of Nossa Casa fills a noticeable gap in southern Delaware’s dining options. Smail noted that the closest Brazilian steakhouse is nearly two hours away, making this the first of its kind in the immediate region.
There is also a sizeable Brazilian community in southern Delaware, many of whom previously had to travel long distances to enjoy traditional rodizio-style meals. Nossa Casa aims to serve both Brazilian expatriates seeking familiar flavors and local diners looking for a new culinary experience.
Additional coverage of the restaurant’s opening and its cultural significance has been reported by regional outlets such as Delaware Online, highlighting the growing diversity of the area’s food scene.
Menu Highlights and Dining Style
Nossa Casa operates on a flat-price, all-you-can-eat model. Guests receive continuous tableside service of freshly grilled meats while visiting a buffet for side dishes.
Meats currently served by gauchos include:
- Chicken wrapped in bacon
- Garlic chicken
- Linguiça (Brazilian sausage)
- Bottom sirloin
- Ribeye
- New York strip
- Picanha (top sirloin cap)
- Lamb
- Pork
- Chicken hearts
“We’re trying to introduce people to organ meat,” Smail explained. “Chicken hearts are pretty mild compared to other meats.”
All meats are cooked fresh on a traditional rodizio grill, skewered, and carved tableside.
Buffet and Future Expansion Plans
While meats are served directly to the table, side dishes are offered buffet-style. Current selections include beans, rice, plantains, quinoa salad, cheeses, and several American-style items such as chicken salad.
Plans are already underway to expand the buffet from 26 items to approximately 50 items, providing even more variety. The owners also intend to introduce an à la carte menu in the future, with additional American-inspired dishes to appeal to a wider audience.
Reservations and Seating
Reservations at Nossa Casa are recommended but not required. The restaurant includes bar seating for approximately a dozen guests, in addition to standard dining tables, making it suitable for both casual visits and group dining.
Conclusion
The opening of Nossa Casa marks a significant milestone for Millsboro, bringing an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience to an area that previously lacked this style of dining. With experienced ownership, cultural authenticity, and plans for expansion, the restaurant is positioned to become a regional destination for both locals and visitors.
If you’ve visited Nossa Casa or are planning to try Brazilian rodizio dining for the first time, share your experiences in the comments below.
