Ana Carmo Costa
Sharing her heritage and love of food at every event
Meet Ana, the founder of Anise- A cuisine Affair
Her passion for cooking began early, shaped by her Goan heritage and childhood memories of family kitchens where food was prepared intuitively, generously, and with care. Watching her mother and aunt cook from scratch sparked a lifelong fascination with flavours, ingredients, and the rituals behind sharing food.
Before launching Anise, Ana built a career in social work in Lisbon and London. Cooking became her creative outlet — a way to disconnect, reflect, and transform simple ingredients into meaningful meals. Encouraged to pursue what truly inspired her, she began catering events in 2009, gradually growing her reputation through word of mouth while balancing family life and professional commitments.
After living and cooking in Lisbon, the Algarve, and Marrakesh, Ana returned to the Algarve in 2016 and founded Anise – A Cuisine Affair. Today, she leads every event personally, working closely with clients to design bespoke menus and curate experiences that reflect their vision. Her food is inspired by her cultural roots, global influences, and a natural curiosity for flavour, always paired with thoughtful presentation and attention to detail.
For Ana, food is about connection. Creating moments where people feel cared for, comfortable, and inspired is at the heart of everything she does.
Anise- A Cuisine Affair
Meet the team
At Anise – A Cuisine Affair, every event is the result of teamwork, trust, and shared passion. Ana is supported by a close-knit team of experienced kitchen professionals and front-of-house staff who work seamlessly together to deliver bespoke catering experiences across the Algarve and Lisbon.
Carefully selected for each event, the Anise team shares the same approach to food and service: calm, attentive, and thoughtful. From preparation to service, they work behind the scenes with precision and warmth, ensuring that every guest feels welcomed and every detail is considered. Many of the faces you see at Anise events are long-standing collaborators — people Ana trusts deeply and proudly works alongside.
Anise- A Cuisine Affair
What we do
At Anise, we specialise in bespoke catering menus for every occasion—from intimate dinners to large corporate events and weddings. Our passion is creating delicious dishes made with fresh seasonal ingredients, sourced locally and sustainably wherever possible. We offer a wide range of international cuisine catering, including authentic Portuguese, spicy Indian, modern French, and rustic Mediterranean flavours.
Whether you need wedding catering, birthday party catering, or corporate event catering, we work closely with you to design personalised menus that cater to all dietary requirements. We also provide all catering equipment and professional service, ensuring your event runs smoothly and looks stunning.
