I’d be surprised if the new two story Fogo de Chao Coral Gables is less than a big success. Joining the one in South Beach, and as the brand’s flagship, it promises to be a favorite neighborhood power spot, but also a dining destination worth the drive. The internationally known restaurant from Brazil specializes in delicious churrasco – high quality cuts of meat (14 no less) cooked over an open flame in full view, and then carved tableside by gaucho chefs. Meats of all kinds are the main event, eat as much as you want, and there’s also one of the best deals in town with their market table and feijoada bar that can be purchased separately for lunch or dinner. Then there are welcome new “firsts” for the brand in Miami , and seafood as well.
First, the main event – churrasco. Chefs bring fourteen different cuts to your table and you choose which ones (or all if you like) which are sliced right there. There’s everything from top cuts like rib eye and picanha to lamb chops, beef ribs, pork chops and much more. To accompany the meat are four sides including addictive cheese bread, polenta, caramelized bananas that I could eat for dessert, and mashed potatoes.
If that isn’t enough, included in the price of $41.95 at lunch and $59.98 at dinner is the market table and feijoada bar, the Brazilian black bean specialty with all its accompaniments. The market table features a very wide selection of salads, imported cheese, vegetables, cured meats, soup and smoked salmon.
For those who want a light lunch or prefer not to eat meat, the Market Table is offered separately for $15 at lunch and $30.95 at dinner.
They’ve obviously thought a lot about pleasing all palates as they offer an option at dinner to just choose one beef cut from a list of favorites for a lesser price $32-$37), sea bass or salmon, and vegetarian dish. There’s also raw bar with the star, a seafood tower with the works ($105). You can also choose uber prime cuts on the churrascao like dry aged tomahawk ancho, 26 ounce for $98 and premium dry aged Wagyu options.
To top off a delicious meal you can’t miss the desserts, and here find a mixture of Miami favorites like tres leches cake and key lime pie but also others with a Brazilian slant like chocolate brigadeiros and acai cheesecake ($10).
Great prices on beverages are offered all day including $8 South American cocktails, $6 South American wines and $4 beer. Want a classic American cocktail? It will run you $13 to $17.50 and other wines are in the low teens.
The 280 seat dining room has a clubby atmosphere and large outdoor patio for al fresco dining. New features for Fogo de Chao in Miami are the Next Level Lounge for premium liquors and South American wines along with cigars—Remy Martin and cigar anyone? There’s also The Butchery where one can purchase fine cuts of meats and wine to go at reasonable prices given the quality (e.g. 8 ounce filet mignon for $14) and packages for special events.
They offer several catering options including, for larger parties, one with a grillmaster, and there’s a private party room as well.
Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; brunch Saturday and Sunday at the same hours. Dinner is offered Monday through Thursday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2 pm. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Happy hour is Monday to Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 with deals on beverage, light bites and even small and large plates.
There’s a lot of street and metered parking and valet is offered for dinner for $12.
Fogo de Chao Coral Gables, 2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables.
While you’re in Coral Gables check out the Coral Gables Museum for what show is on tap. This month, too, with Miami Museum & Attraction Months running, there’s a discount. For more information, click here.
