The Best Brazilian Steakhouses In The US, According To Online Reviews
Brazilian steakhouses create a unique and distinctive dining experience. These restaurants, also called churrascarias or rodizios, serve a variety of barbecued and fire-roasted meats, from steak to chicken to pork to lamb and more. Diners sit at their tables, and waiters bring the meat around the restaurant on large skewers, slicing off pieces for anyone interested. You aren't obligated to eat everything; for example, if you don't like lamb, you can pass. You can also ask for a favorite to be brought over again for another serving. Typically, these restaurants charge a flat fee per person and are all-you-can-eat.
Many Brazilian steakhouses also offer options in addition to meat, such as a salad bar, drinks, appetizers, and desserts. However, the meat is always the main focus. There are dozens of Brazilian steakhouses in the United States, and we've combed through online reviews to find some of the best. We chose well-known, highly-rated Brazilian Steakhouses and listed them below.
Alma Gaúcha
Nestled in the heart of the south Boston waterfront, just blocks away from the Boston main channel, is Alma Gaúcha. This traditional southern Brazilian steakhouse serves a variety of meats, including beef, chicken, pork, and lamb. Meats are served with sharable side dishes, including caramelized bananas, polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, and cheesy bread. Additionally, Alma Gaúcha offers a salad bar with fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, and other cured and smoked meats like salmon. Guests can also enjoy hot dishes like soup, creamy spicy corn, and hot vegetables.
Alma Gaúcha has over 1,000 reviews on Google with an average of 4.5 stars. Positive reviews rave about the wide variety of excellent foods as well as friendly and attentive staff. Many mentioned that they ate until they were completely stuffed, and several claim Alma Gaúcha is one of the best restaurants in Boston.
Some reviewers had a different experience, claiming the service was slow and it took a while for the meats to come around. A few, primarily those who visited during lunch, weren't impressed with the available selections of both meat and buffet items. However, most of the lowest reviews are over a year old, indicating the restaurant may have upgraded its service and selections.
(617) 420-4900
401 D St, Boston, MA 02210
Chama Gaúcha Brazilian Steakhouse
Chama Gaúcha is an upscale Brazilian steakhouse with three Texas locations and one location in western Chicago. All locations offer the traditional churrasco experience, with prime cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken sliced right at the table. Side dishes include traditional Brazilian rice, black beans, and grilled vegetables, and an expansive salad bar and sweet, traditional Brazilian desserts are also available.
The San Antonio and Grapevine locations both have an average of 4.9 stars on Google, and the Chicago and Houston locations have an average of 4.7, for a combined average of 4.8 between all four locations. Reviewers across locations love the tender, perfectly seasoned meat. Many reviews also mention top-notch service and a high-end but welcoming atmosphere.
The negative reviews had a similar theme across locations. Some felt the salad bar lacked options, while others felt service was slow. A common complaint was the meal price, which some felt was too high for what they received. Despite this, most reviews are positive for all four locations, with many reviewers saying that they've been coming to Chama Gaúcha for years and will continue to do so.
Multiple locations
Churrascaria Plataforma
New York City is full of excellent restaurants, but if you're looking for a Brazilian steakhouse, you need to visit Churrascaria Plataforma. Located in Manhattan about halfway between the Empire State Building and Central Park Zoo, Churrascaria Plataforma offers visitors a celebration of Brazilian culture in an elegant and warm atmosphere. The restaurant was established in 1996 and today offers an unlimited rodízio meal that includes chicken, lamb, pork, and a gourmet salad bar. Diners can also order a la carte meats, a variety of side dishes, and desserts that range from traditional Brazilian brigadeiros to the classic New York cheesecake.
Over three and a half thousand reviewers on Google give Churrascaria Plataforma an average of 4.5 stars. Reviewers gush over the service, saying the staff was welcoming and servers were attentive and friendly. Many also appreciated the wide range of options outside the rodizio menu, the welcoming atmosphere, and the value of the prices. Several say it's one of the best steakhouses in NYC.
Even the lower-rated reviews still loved the service, but others wondered if they must have come in on the wrong day, as they found their service slow or spotty. Some others felt the price was too high, and a few commented that the salads could have been better. Overall, most enjoyed their experience.
(212) 245-0505
316 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019
Espetus Churrascaria
One of many top-rated Brazilian steakhouses in California is Espetus Churrascaria. First established in 2003, Espetus claims to be San Francisco's first authentic Brazilian churrascaria. It has an additional location in San Mateo, with both locations serving 14 cuts of fire-grilled pork, steak, chicken, shrimp, and lamb carved tableside. The restaurant also offers a salad bar and traditional Brazilian appetizers and side dishes, including feijoada, an iconic Brazilian food.
Both locations hold a 4.6 rating from a combined 4,000 Google reviews. Reviewers absolutely adored the grilled meats, with one reviewer stating it was even better than the restaurants they tried in Brazil, and another saying that Espetus delivers a true Brazilian steakhouse experience. Many reviewers also mentioned the cozy atmosphere and friendly, attentive staff.
A few reviewers found the restaurants less cozy and more crowded, with one frustrated that there wasn't room to bring in a stroller. Others felt the meat wasn't cooked to their liking, the staff was too pushy, or the price was too much. However, the majority of reviews from both tourists and locals remain positive.
Multiple locations
Estância Brazilian Steakhouse
Just off Route 183 in northern Austin is Estância Brazilian Steakhouse, a restaurant claiming to offer the best steakhouse experience in the Austin area with "unmatched service in an environment that inspires everything from casual fun encounters to sweet romantic time." Diners can enjoy a variety of cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and even shrimp, all served tableside by gaucho chefs. Also available is a generous gourmet salad bar, traditional Brazilian sides, and an array of decadent desserts.
The majority of the nearly 5,000 Google reviews for Estância Brazilian Steakhouse are positive, with an average rating of 4.7 stars. Several reviewers mention that they frequent the restaurant because of its superior service, cozy and inviting atmosphere, and fresh, delicious food options. Many reviewers say they never had to wait for more meat to come around or for their glasses to be refilled.
However, some reviewers felt that the staff were overly attentive, saying they felt like they were being watched. A few also felt that this led to servers being pushy and trying to upsell. Additionally, there were some mentions of feeling like the restaurant was overfull or too tightly packed. Despite these, most reviewers had a good experience and say they'll be back again.
(512) 345-5600
10000 Research Blvd, Ste B. Austin, TX 78759
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
For many, Fogo de Chão is practically synonymous with "Brazilian steakhouse." This upscale churrascaria was founded in 1979 in Brazil and opened its first US restaurant in Dallas nearly 20 years later. The chain currently has locations across the U.S., Central and South America, and the Middle East. Fogo de Chão will also soon be in Canada. Regardless of the location, diners will enjoy chicken, lamb, pork, steak, and seafood, as well as a Brazilian-inspired salad bar, traditional Brazilian sides and a la carte entrees, and classic Brazilian and American desserts.
Across the 66 locations in the continental U.S., the average rating is 4.5 stars. Several locations, including the ones in Queens, New York, Naperville, Illinois, and Reston, Virginia, have as high as 4.8 stars, while the lowest-rated location is in Brea, California, with 3.9.
Unsurprisingly, reviews vary depending on location. Overall, customers seemed to enjoy the meats, but wish the salad bar had more options. Some locations had multiple reviews for friendly, attentive service, while others had reviews stating that service was slow. In general, most diners seemed to enjoy their experience and plan to return.
Multiple locations
Galpão Gaucho, Brazilian Steakhouse
Galpão Gaucho is a chain of Brazilian steakhouses with a handful of restaurants in California as well as one location in Las Vegas and another in Charleston, South Carolina. At every location, 17 different cuts of beef, chicken, fish, lamb, and pork, as well as 40 different salad bar items, are available. Sides like mashed potatoes and traditional rice and black beans are offered, and both classic American and Brazilian desserts are served.
The seven Galpão Gaucho locations have an average Google rating of 4.7. The highest-rated location is in San Diego, with an impressive 4.9 stars, but all locations have high ratings. Positive reviews mention attentive and friendly servers, tasty, plentiful meats, and a welcoming atmosphere. Several reviewers mention they've revisited the restaurant several times because of their good experiences.
Most reviewers agree that the staff was friendly, but a few wish that the salad bar had more options or was refilled more consistently. A few complained that the location they visited was too crowded, or that they felt the price was too much for the meal, but on the whole reviews for all locations are positive and many reviewers state that they will be returning.
Multiple locations
H&H Brazilian Steakhouse
H&H Brazilian Steakhouse was founded with the mission of "bringing authentic, traditional Brazilian Barbecue from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, here to America." The restaurant is based in Los Angeles, with one location in downtown L.A. and another in Beverly Hills. At both locations, the churrasco experience includes grilled beef, chicken, lamb, and pork, as well as sides like mashed potatoes and polentas and unlimited access to the fresh hot and cold items at the counter bar. Signature dishes, shareable appetizers, and luxurious desserts are available for an additional cost.
The downtown L.A. location has an average Google rating of 4.6, while the Beverly Hills location is rated a 4.5. Most reviewers raved about the grilled meat and the counter bar, loving not just the taste but the wide range of options available. Several also commented about excellent service and a welcoming, intimate atmosphere.
However, there were a few reviewers who disagreed. Some felt the atmosphere was too mellow, while others thought it was too lively. A few also had a negative experience with service, saying that servers were too slow and they were left waiting for their next round. That being said, many reviewers said they'll come again.
Multiple locations
M Grill Brazilian Churrascaria
Just two miles south of Santa Monica Boulevard is M Grill, a restaurant that advertises itself as "LA's Best Brazilian Steakhouse." While it may have some competition for that title, M Grill offers an authentic churrascaria experience with over a dozen cuts of grilled beef, chicken, lamb, and pork served tableside. Guests can also enjoy the range of options at the salad bar, which includes a hot buffet of traditional Brazilian fare, cold salad items, and a cheese board with artisan cold cuts. Add-ons like tomahawk steak, salmon, and lobster tail are available for a separate cost.
Nearly 1,500 reviewers on Google have given M Grill an average of 4.6 stars. Unlike many other entries on this list, several reviewers gush about the salad bar, loving the variety of options offered and stating they never saw dishes run empty, even on busy nights. Of course, the grilled meats are also praised, with many loving the option to try more rare meats.
Unfortunately, not all reviews felt the service was up to standard, with a handful of reviewers saying they struggled to get servers to come around to their table. A few also complain about the mandatory valet parking and automatic gratuity added to checks. Regardless, several reviews agree that M Grill is the best Brazilian steakhouse in L.A.
(213) 389-2770
3832 Wilshire Blvd suite 202 suite 202, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Pampas Grill Churrascaria
Pampas Grill Churrascaria operates a little differently than most of the Brazilian steakhouses on this list. Rather than bringing meats to tables, the restaurant is set up buffet style, with diners going up to a counter and requesting the specific meats they want, with options like beef, chicken, pork sausage, and lamb. Salads, hot sides, and desserts are also available. Instead of a flat-rate price, guests pay by the pound. Pampas Grill has one location in the Original Famer's Market in L.A. and another nearby in Culver City.
Both locations have a 4.6 average rating on Google. Most reviews said the food was excellent, the restaurants had a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, and despite long lines, things moved quickly and the wait wasn't as long as expected.
Not all reviewers had short wait times, however; some stated they had to wait an hour or more due to the lines. Others mentioned frustrations with a lack of seating or had difficulty finding parking. Some were less than impressed with their meals, feeling some meats were too dry or salty. That being said, most reviews are positive, with guests loving the laid-back atmosphere and variety of choices.
Rei Do Gado
Rei Do Gado is a Mesquite charcoal grill in San Diego serving authentic churrascaria. Its website advertises an "authentic Brazilian vibe" with premium servings of 15 types of beef, chicken, lamb, and pork. Salads as well as hot sides like feijoada, beef stroganoff, mashed potatoes, and fried banana are also included with the churrascaria experience. A la carte appetizers, entrees, and desserts are available for an additional cost.
The restaurant has 4.4 stars on Google, and those in the San Diego subreddit can't recommend it enough. Reviewers rave about the fresh salad bar and variety of options available, and many also mention exceptional service. Most reviewers agree that the food, from the meats to the a la carte lobster to the grilled pineapple, is fabulous.
The most common complaint from reviewers is price, and Redditors admit the restaurant is pricier than its competitors. A few reviews also expressed frustration with slow service or didn't feel that their meals met the quality they expected. Overall, most reviewers were happy with their experience and the grilled pineapple and lobster are highly recommended.
(619) 702-8464
939 4th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Rodizio Grill
Rodizio Grill claims to be America's first Brazilian steakhouse restaurant and currently has over 20 locations scattered across the United States. Diners are invited to indulge in authentic Brazilian cuisine, including grilled beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and seafood. A gourmet salad bar is also available, as are traditional Brazilian hot sides and desserts. The menu also features a selection of beers and wines imported from Brazil, so every item the restaurant offers guarantees you'll get a 100% Brazilian experience.
Across all locations, the average Google review was 4.5 stars. Highest-rated were the locations in Fort Collins, Colorado, Henderson, Nevada, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with reviews mentioning delicious food, an abundance of options, and excellent service.
Every location has the occasional review mentioning less-than-stellar service, with some customers complaining about long wait times. A few were also unimpressed with the food served or felt the atmosphere was too loud. Despite that, the majority of reviewers across the chain enjoyed their experience.
Multiple locations
SP Brazilian Steakhouse
About 20 miles northwest of Austin, Texas, you'll find the town of Lakeway, and in Lakeway, you'll find SP Brazilian Steakhouse. This gourmet restaurant offers an authentic tableside churrascaria experience, with cuts of beef, chicken, lamb, and pork. Fresh vegetables, artisanal cheeses, cured hams, and deviled eggs are available at the salad bar, and for an extra charge, diners can also enjoy classic American and Brazilian sides and desserts.
From over 600 Google reviews, SP Brazilian Steakhouse sits at an average of 4.8 stars. Reviews gush about the fantastic food, excellent servers, and welcoming ambiance. Though not included in the churrasco cost, reviewers loved the restaurant's flaming cheesecake.
A handful of reviewers had negative experiences, with complaints ranging from undercooked meat to slow or rude service. However, an overwhelming majority of reviews are positive, with one reviewer calling it a "hidden gem" and another stating that it was, "a flawless experience."
(512) 579-0140
900 Ranch Rd 620 S #B108, Lakeway, TX 78734
How Did We Determine the Best Brazilian Steakhouses?
There are many fabulous Brazilian steakhouses throughout the US, and unfortunately, it wasn't possible to include them all. To determine the best Brazilian steakhouses from around the country, I looked at well-known Brazilian steakhouses and Brazilian steakhouses that are frequently mentioned across the internet. Of those, I looked at Google ratings and chose the top contenders. For those with multiple chains, I averaged the rating from each location to determine the restaurant's overall rating. Most Google reviewers based their reviews and ratings on things like service, food quality, food variety, atmosphere, and value.