OUR PURPOSE
Baiana’s purpose is to honor our ancestral roots in Northeastern Brazil and share the spirit, history, and bold flavors of Bahian cuisine in a way that feels welcoming and is accessible to all.
Our story
In 1994, our family immigrated from Brazil to Seattle, carrying the belief that food could build community. In 1999, Graça and Antonio Ribeiro opened Seattle’s first Brazilian restaurant, Tempero do Brasil. For almost two decades, Tempero do Brasil became a home away from home for so many. When we closed its doors in November 2019, it marked the end of a chapter - but not the end of the story.
Baiana is the next chapter.
Created by Food Network Champion Chef Emme Ribeiro Collins—winner of Chopped and Beat Bobby Flay—Baiana began as a pop-up in 2023 and grew into its flagship home at Pike Place Market in 2026. The restaurant is the culmination of a lifelong journey rooted in family, culture, and a passion for sharing the flavors of Bahia with Seattle.
Emme grew up in her parents' restaurant, Tempero do Brasil, which introduced generations of Seattleites to Brazilian cuisine. When Baiana opened in 2026, Graça and Antonio joined the journey once again, bringing the family's restaurant story full circle and continuing a legacy that spans more than 25 years.
Our mission is to expand what people think Brazilian cuisine is. While many people know Brazil for steakhouses or pão de queijo, Baiana celebrates the vibrant cuisine of Northeastern Brazil—especially Bahia, where our family is from. Bahian food reflects centuries of West African, Indigenous, and Portuguese influence, creating one of the world's most distinctive culinary traditions.
At Baiana, every dish tells a story of history, migration, resilience, and joy. It's food that connects people to a place, a culture, and a family that has dedicated its life to sharing these traditions.
We are proud to carry our family's legacy forward while introducing a new generation to the bold, soulful flavors of Bahia—one meal at a time.