Fogo de Chao

On La Cienega just above Wilshire there is a section that is referred to as restaurant row. Being in Beverly Hills, the restaurants that reside on this row are not cheap. The restaurant that kicks off this row with eye-catching architecture is Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian meatery.

There is valet parking, but if you are lucky, you may find a meter or street parking nearby, watch the signs for permit parking. In a blue chimney shape window you can view a variety of meats roasting on sticks. There is a waterfall by the oversize doors and a small waiting area, bar, and giant dining room.

I arrived before the rest of my party and was welcomed warmly by the hostess. She offered for me to wait at the table, but instead, I chose to wait outside by the waterfall.

The other guests arrived and we were brought immediately to our table near the windows. The restaurant was relatively empty but I did notice several later reservations on the list and as it was Friday night, expected a later crowd in LA.

Upon being seated we were offered drinks and a choice of 3 waters, sparkling, flat, or tap. We chose the tap which came with a lime for each glass. The host told us we could go immediately to the salad bar, which we did.

The salad bar has a variety of prepared salads, lettuce, vegetables, cheese, smoked meats (like salami, salmon, prosciutto), and olives. My friends warned me not to fill up on the salad bar, as the main course, is what you go for.

Fogo de Chao is a base pay dinner. You pay $53 for all you can eat roasted meats and all you can eat salad bar. Throughout the meal you head to the salad bar, and then turn a card on your table to green and men come around with spits of roasted meat and slice it onto your plate. Using a small set of tongs you take the meat and place it where you like. As long as you have the card turned to green, meat vendors will come by with beef, sausage, pork, chicken, and lamb on sticks offering as little or as much as you please. They also bring platters of loaded mashed potatoes, plantains, and little fried sticks as well as cheesy bread to your table.

The meat is delightfully moist and tender with a smoky grilled flavor. I particularly enjoyed the bacon wrapped fillet mignon, the house specialty Picanha, and the Alcatra. While you can go to the restaurant and enjoy the salad bar, that is one expensive salad bar ($32), and the meat really makes the restaurant.

The service was exceptional, attentive staff member watched for dirty plates, half filled water glasses, and the glazed looks of overfull patrons. On several occasions, waiters brought clean plates when it looked like our plates were spent. We also ordered dessert, not that we were hungry, but only to change the taste and see the menu. While I was interested in the molten chocolate cake, it sounded overly filling and I was already filled to the brim. Instead, the three of us shared the papaya cream which is garnished table side with brandy. It seemed to come only minutes after we ordered and it was a delicious ending to a filling meal.

We didn't loiter after dinner, but it was 8 when we left and the dining room was crowded but still the servers were attentive and helpful. While this is definitely a place to go for a special treat and not just a casual weeknight dinner, the food is delicious and you will not be disappointed by the service.





Fogo de Chao
133 N. La Cienega Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
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