Fachada da Pizzaria Kongo à noite, com paredes em estilo rocha, jardins iluminados e letreiro aceso sob céu escuro em Gramado.
Promotional image – Kongo Pizzeria. Photo: Kongo Pizzeria / vendas.kongogramado.com.br
Pizzaria KONGO: avaliação com olhar de turismóloga autista (acessibilidade, sensorial e experiência) | Autistando Pelo Mundo

🍕 Review

♾️ Inclusive tourism

KONGO Pizzeria: a complete review from the perspective of an autistic tourism expert 🍕🌿

Put Victoria Ariane — Autistic tourism professional | Project Autistic Around the World (@autistandopelomundo)
Visit carried out in

We were researching places to eat and curiosity got the better of us: we had never been to... Kongo Pizzeria And we decided to check it out — even though the price was a bit steep 💸. We bought the voucher on the website on the same day (simple purchase, with the option of Payment in 3 installments with no interest. and choose between with reservation or no reservation, which changes the value). At the input, there is ramp with handrailA positive point right from the first contact ♿.

Arrival, waiting, and first impressions ⏳✨

Upon arrival, we were greeted at Waiting roomWe give our name and wait a few minutes. It's important to note that, in peak seasonThe queue can be long — it's worth considering this when deciding between the voucher with a reservation, without a reservation, or even choosing another location on very busy days.

To the The staff were helpful and attentive. From the entrance to the interior of the restaurant, the ambiance recreates a... forest with lights, projections on the ceiling and background music — usually nature sounds 🌳🎶. For people with sensory sensitivities, this is a point of attention: there are variation of light and sound throughout the experience.

Themed show and sensory experience 🎭🦍

The restaurant holds a pocket show Featuring people dressed as animals and some acrobatic acts, the show is playful, fun, and captivating for children. At one point, the... lights go out...which can cause discomfort for autistic people sensitive to abrupt changes. Aurora, for example, He was scared at first.but he soon got excited by the acrobatics and the Gorilla Maik, which became her highlight 🥰.

For families with autistic children, I recommend preparing the child Beforehand, they will explain that there will be music, projections, and a moment of low lighting. If necessary, bring ear protectors and combine a sign word for sensory breaks.

Menu, pizzas, and picky eating 🍕👀

The pizzas are very good and offer good variety of flavors. There is kids' dishes which can be ordered separately. However, we didn't realize specific options for selective eating (For example, simple bases and toppings listed clearly, or symbols indicating gluten-free/lactose-free). This can make it difficult for those who need to view ingredients objectively to choose.

Tip for improvement: insert restriction icons (gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian/vegan) "Simple" versions pizza (just cheese, just sauce, minimalist margherita) and objective descriptions per ingredient — this helps both those with selective eating and those who use alternative communication.

✅ Positive points

  • Purchase of voucher simple, with installment in 3x and the option with/without reservation.
  • Ramp with handrail at the entrance (physical accessibility).
  • Friendly service at the reception and in the lounge.
  • Immersive thematic setting (projections, forest sounds) and pocket show playful.
  • Delicious pizzas and variety.
  • Exists Kids' area with monitors (a point evolving towards neurodiversity).

⚠️ Points to note

  • In high season The line is long — plan ahead.
  • Environment with lights and sounds It can be intense for those who have hypersensitivity.
  • We did not identify it. clear options for selective eating on the menu.
  • THE The kids' area is located on the 2nd floor.We didn't see the elevator that day (check with the building management).
  • We didn't see tactile floor, audio description from the menu or Braille.
  • There is no encrypted menu (QR scan with structured description).

Accessibility: objective checklist ♿🔎

ItemStatusComment
Accessible entrance✔︎Ramp with handrail at the entrance.
Internal displacementFlow is okay; lighting and projections can be distracting or stimulating.
Adapted bathroomWe didn't use it during the visit; we assume that exists, but we suggest confirming it.
Elevator/2nd floor✖︎The kids' area is on the 2nd floor; we didn't see an elevator (please confirm with the venue).
Tactile floor✖︎We did not observe any tactile signage.
Accessible menu (braille/audio description)✖︎We did not find any versions in Braille or with audio description.
Structured digital menu✖︎No encrypted/semantic menu for screen readers.
Selective eatingGood pizza, but it lacks standardized "simple" labeling and combinations.
Training for neurodiversityThe team is friendly; we suggest specific training (autism, ADHD, ADD, sensory processing issues).

Caption: ✔︎ adequate service · ● Point to note · ✖︎ not identified

Kids' area and inclusion 🧸🧩

The kids' area with monitors is a good idea for families, but we noticed opportunity for growth To make it more inclusive for autistic children, we suggest:

  • Trained monitors in alternative communication, visual routine and respect for restricted interests.
  • Regulatory space with soft lighting, noise-canceling headphones, and proprioceptive toys.
  • Clear information about sensory rules (when there will be a show, volume, momentary darkness).
  • To make available visual materials (choice cards, basic bathroom and lounge pictograms).

Prices and incentives for inclusion 💸💙

We did not observe anything on the day of the visit (September 20, 2025). one reduction/benefits policy Specifically for autistic individuals or families with atypical needs. We understand that maintaining a themed operation is costly; however, we offer a constructive suggestion that can strengthen inclusion and build customer loyalty:

  • Apply discount or special conditions for autistic people (CIPTEA/report) in days/times with less traffic.
  • To create atypical family combo (e.g., adult + autistic child) with reduced price.
  • Offer flexible rescheduling policy in case of sensory overload.

These measures have a real social impact and broaden access, in addition to creating a virtuous circle of reputation For the house. ♾️

Ideas for improvement (constructive and realistic) 🛠️💙

  • To create affordable menuBraille version, audio description and/or QR code with semantic HTML (titles, ingredient list, allergens and icons).
  • Implement Allergen icons and "Simple" options for selective eating.
  • To make available sensory cards at the reception and a stimulus reduction policy at specific times.
  • Review traffic routes and, if possible, ensure elevator to the 2nd floor (kids' area).
  • To add tactile floor on the main routes and visual signaling of bathrooms and exits.
  • Ongoing training From the team for assisting autistic individuals (welcoming script, clear communication, service alternatives).
  • Discounts/incentives for autistic individuals and families with disabilities on days/times with less traffic (we did not observe this policy on the date of the visit).

Final verdict 🍕🌟

Overall, we had a positive and pleasant experienceThe purchase of voucher it was practical, the The service is welcoming. and the Pizzas are delicious.The themed setting is entertaining, especially with the pocket show. For autistic audiences and neurodiverse families, I recommend considering the... light and sound stimuli and plan your visit outside of peak hours. There's a beautiful path to the full accessibilityAn accessible menu, specific staff training, and adjustments to access to the second floor would already make a big difference.

Will we return? Yes — especially if they move forward with suggestions for inclusion. KONGO has the energy, charisma, and potential to be a benchmark for a truly inclusive experience in the themed gastronomic scene. ♾️🌿

If this content helped you, Share with those who can benefit. — atypical families, event and gastronomy professionals, and people interested in building more human experiences. Tag us on Instagram. @autistandopelomundo And we're going to take inclusion even further! 💙

*Independent report regarding the visit of We do not receive financial benefit for this publication. Information observed on the date of the visit; accessibility items and pricing policies may change at any time — please confirm with the establishment before going.

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