Dining is more than food, it’s about creating an experience. At the newly opened Fogo de Chão you get exactly that. Fogo de Chão is a fine dining, full-service Brazilian steakhouse which brings authentic Churrascaria to New Orleans as well as other locations nationally. The celebrated traditions experienced in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo and now celebrated in the heart of the Big Easy. The two-story restaurant and bar is located inside the JW Marriott on Canal Street.
My husband and I attended a private reception and ribbon cutting as local media and experienced the Brazilian gaucho traditions of Churrasco for the first time. The continuous dining service, “espeto corrido” and the art of roasting meats over an open fire control allowed the guest to enjoy the variety of offerings and pace of the dining experience.
Prior to the dining experience at Fogo de Chão, we ordered a Caipirinha, a traditional drink from Brazil. Caipirinha is Brazil’s national cocktail, made with cachaça, sugar and lime. The cocktail is part of Fogo de Chão’s extensive cocktail program and also features an award-winning wine list. Making our way to the table, guests can enjoy the view from the open kitchen which showcases the centuries-old culinary grilling tradition and gaucho chefs.
Hungry yet? Fogo offers a gourmet Market Table & Feijoada Bar which includes fresh vegetables, a large selection of meats and cheeses as well as seasonal salads, soup and feijoada which is a traditional black bean stew with rice, yucca flour and fresh orange which is known to aid digestion.
Once guests are ready to begin their dining service, flip your card over and enjoy a tableside carving of 16 cuts of meats prepared by Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs who butcher all of the meats in-house then roast them over an open fire prior. Some of our personal favorite savory, fire-roasted meats include a Cordeiro—fresh lamb flavored with a special mint marinade, the Ribeye, a marbled cut of beef and the Fraldinha which is a flavorful cut of beef from the bottom sirloin.
Side dishes include seasons mashed potatoes, crispy polenta and warm cheese bread. Be sure to garnish your cuts of meat with housemade salsa or (my personal favorite) the chimichurri sauce. Pace yourself from the meat service by flipping your dining card over from green to red to pause table-side carvings. Resume as desired, but don’t forget about dessert! Fogo de Chão dessert menu featuring items like the signature Papaya Cream, Crème Brûlée, New York Style Cheesecake and Brazilian Flan all made in-house.
I ordered the Papaya Cream, while my husband Brazilian Flan. Being very familiar with flan and making my own for years, I thought the South American flan was creamier than traditional flan. My gracious husband noticed how delighted I was with the flavor and texture and traded desserts with me, My only disappointment was not wearing my stretchy pants to dinner last night!
Fogo de Chão also features Bar Fogo offers a more casual way to experience Fogo. Guests can order cocktails, enjoy shareable small plates and also offer daily Happy Hour specials in the bar area. Fogo de Chão does accommodate guests with dietary restrictions and offers many alternatives. Be sure to discuss them with your server or manager.
The restaurant is perfect for private events, business meetings (they offer USB connectivity at the bar) and are wheelchair accessible. While reservations are not required, they are encouraged.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
That sounds like an amazing place to eat. If I ever make it to NOLA, I know where I want to eat.
Jody says
I have been to a Brazilian steakhouse once before – I remember they had the most amazing yuca fries – did you happen to try those?
Looks like a beautiful place – with amazing food. Yum!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
OMG, I need this in my life! That food looks so delicious. Bacon wrapped what now?!
Pam says
My husband has always wanted to go to a Brazilian Steakhouse. This looks so good, especially the flan. I love flan.
Lindsey says
I almost have to be HANGRY to eat here. The last time I almost needed a wheelbarrow to get me out the door – I was stuffed to the gills with amazing food.
Kecia says
This restaurant looks perfect for a date night or anniversary celebration. I love that you have a choice of 16 meats that are carved table side!
Marcie W. says
We have had one Brazilian steakhouse experience and truly enjoyed ourselves. I appreciated that you get a bit of everything and stretchy pants are a total must.
Donna says
I love trying out new restaurants. This one looks so nice. The food looks really good too!
Liz Mays says
Oh wow, I totally need to have a meal here with my daughter on our annual New Orleans trip. Everything looks way too good.
Barbie's Beauty Bits says
This place looks amazing. I’ve been to a similar Brazilian themed restaurant in my area, but it does not compare to this one. Love try your place. Yum!!
Chasing Joy says
We hava a fogo de chao here in Philly. It is so much fun. I love it. The food is yummy.
Toni says
This restaurant sounds fantastic. Such a great review. If I’m ever in NoLa I want to check this out.
Nicole Escat says
I’m so glad that you and your family had a great adventure, I love those foods and drinks,they’re look so yummy.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I love your pictures here! New Orleans is on my husband and my to do list for sure.
This restaurant looks yummy.
Kelly Hutchinson says
This looks like such a lovely place to spend a night out. The food looks amazing and the overall atmosphere seems relaxing.
Candy O says
We love Brazilian steak houses! They are so delicious and we love the Caipirinhas too!!
Debbie L. says
I am headed to New Orleans in April for the Jazz Festival. I will check out the Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. I love NOLA food!!!!
ApriL says
Your photos made me hungry for Brazilian steakhouse! Yum! This restaurant is on my list for the next time I visit your city!
vanessa: BriteandBubbly says
That looks so fantastic. We love steak houses, so we’ll be sure to check it out if we every get to visit the city.
Kiwi says
Wow I never been to Fogo De Chao even in Atlanta but I have always wanted to! Now they have one in NO! I went there twice next year and I know I will be going this year so exciting to try!