Mexican food tends to dominate the Latin-American food scene in southern California, but poke around a little and you can find Brazilian restaurants throughout the southern part of the state, from Los Angeles to San Diego. From the all-you-can-eat meat extravaganza offered by traditional Brazilian steak houses (known as churrascarias) to salads made from fresh traditional ingredients, Brazilian restaurants in Southern California specialize in all aspects of Brazilian cuisine.
Rei Do Gado
Lamb leg, pork loin, beef ribs, chicken drumsticks, sausage and ham are just some of the meats you will find carved table-side at Rei Do Gado. "Passadors," or meat waiters, wander the dining room with spits of meat and don't stop serving you until you say so. Rei Do Gado also features a salad bar and dessert.
Rei Do Gado
939 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-702-8464
reidogado.net
Taste of Brazil
This market and restaurant serves the full range of Brazilian cuisine, from a hearty stew of sausage, black beans, pork and collard greens to a light refreshing heart of palm salad. Steak, chicken and fish dishes round out the entree menu and sandwiches and burgers are available. Taste of Brazil also serves pasta dishes as a representation of the country's Italian population.
Taste of Brazil
4840 S. Huntington Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
323-342-9422
tasteofbrazil.info
Tropicalia Brazilian Grill
Named for a movement in modern Brazilian music, Tropicalia aims to bring the same spirit of creativity to their cuisine. One of Tropicalia's specialties is a traditional north Brazilian dish called "moqueca de peixe," which combines white fish and shrimp in a sweet savory broth of coconut milk, palm oil, cilantro, tomato and onion. Tropicalia's classic Brazilian salad features toasted cashews, plantains, avocado and hearts of palm with steak, chicken or shrimp as toppings.
Tropicalia Brazilain Grill
1966 Hillhurst Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-644-1798
tropicaliabraziliangrill.com
Picanha Churrascaria
"Picanha" refers to a choice cut of top sirloin marinated with garlic and hot red pepper. This and 14 other types of meat are found at Picanha Churrascaria's two locations in Burbank and Cathedral City. In addition to the beef, chicken and lamb offerings, Picanha has both hot and cold buffets featuring mashed potatoes, Brazilian rice and a selection of salads.
Picanha Churrascaria
269 E. Palm Ave.
Burbank, CA 91502
818-972-2100
68-510 Highway 111
Cathedral City, CA 92234
760-328-1818
picanharestaurant.com
Tags: Picanha Churrascaria, Taste Brazil, Brazilian cuisine, Brazilian restaurants, Cathedral City, Southern California
