Are you in for a true Brazilian culinary experience? In that case, a visit to one of the steakhouses in Rio de Janeiro is a must. Often known as all-you-can-eat steakhouses, or rodízio in Portuguese. The country’s barbecue tradition — the meat is slow-roasted over charcoal — hails from the southern part of Brazil, but is to be found everywhere in de country. Nowadays, Brazilian meat is recognized worldwide for its quality. Get to know where to find the most delicious steakhouses in Rio de Janeiro.
Churrascaria Palace
If you like tradition and style, Churrascaria Palace is a steakhouse you don’t want to miss while roaming around Rio. The oldest in town, lead by the third generation of the Gonçalves Saraiva family, the restaurant’s history is illustrated by charming black and white pictures that decorate the walls. Stabbed on a skewer, the meat is brought to your table at a breathtaking pace. Highly popular is the butterfly picanha, a prime sirloin that melts in your mouth. But there is way more to taste, and even fish lovers will be pleasantly surprised.
Rua Rodolfo Dantas 16, Copacabana. Tel: 2541-5898
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão arrived in Rio in 2011 with a bang. Occupying a beautiful location, next to Botafogo Beach, with a view of Sugarloaf Mountain, the restaurant attracts loads of travelers looking for a tasty bite of meat. An outdoors deck looking over the Guanabara Bay makes for a great dining experience on a summer evening. The restaurant’s specialty is grilling the cuts of meat like they do in the southern Brazilian city of Porto Alegre.
Avenida Reporter Nestor Moreira 12, Botafogo. Tel: 2542 1545
Pampa Grill
Pampa Grill in Downtown Rio (Centro) is a favorite choice for local office people, who stop there for the exquisite cuts of meat and special discount on offer during lunch hours. Pampa Grill let you pick from the menu, weigh your plate (also called ‘por kilo’; you pay for the weight of your plate) or choose for the all-you-can-eat variant. Next to the restaurant is the Pampa Night dance club, which opens at 18:00.
Avenida Almirante Barroso 90, Centro. Tel: 3094-0450
Carretão Ipanema
Located in the heart of the up market neighborhood of Ipanema, next to General Osório Square, Carretão Ipanema is as good as a steakhouse gets, and that for a reasonable price. It will be easy to find since in the weekends there are always queues in front of the place. The service oriented waiters won’t leave your table alone and make sure you’ll have enough cuts of meat on your plate. Their salad bar is great, and the fresh sushi on offer is another plus.
Rua Visconde de Pirajá 112, Ipanema. Tel: 2267-3965
Majórica
Since 1963, churrascaria Majórica is 
operating from the traditional neighborhood of Flamengo. A classically decorated restaurant, with wooden ceilings, chandeliers and dressed up waiters. In the weekend it’s full of cariocas, especially families, while during weekdays business people frequent the eating house. Their steak and picanha are top picks by the faithful clientele. Unlike than the previously mentioned restaurants, in Majórica you can only order à la carte.
Rua Senador Vergueiro 11/15, Flamengo. Tel: 2205-6820
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