Top Brazilian Food In Philadelphia

No one does steak quite like a Brazilian steakhouse. Roasted and sliced from large skewers and served with authentic sides, the meats from these top Brazilian spots are an experience like none other. From one of Philadelphia's newest food trucks to Center City's finest steakhouses, this is the best rotisserie-style meat you'll get in the area.

Picanha Brazilian Grill
6501 Castor Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19149
(215) 743-4647
www.picanhagrill.com

Named after a cut of beef that’s popular in Brazil, this steakhouse opened in Northeast Philadelphia in 2005. Here, the picanha is sliced from large skewers right in front of you, along with an assortment of other meats such as pork sausage, marinated chicken and short ribs. In addition to roasted meats, you can also try over 20 dishes from the buffet, a selection of salads from the salad bar and homemade desserts including rice pudding, Brazilian chocolate pave, truffles and more. As a BYOB, Picanha Brazilian Grill is a wonderful choice if you’re looking for a less expensive, more casual alternative to the Center City spots. Meats can be ordered by the pound or you can choose the all-you-can-eat option.

NaBrasa Brazilian Steakhouse
680 N. Easton Road (Route 611)
Horsham, PA 19044
(215) 956-0600
www.nabrasa.com

Just a short drive from the city in Montgomery County, NaBrasa offers the traditional Rodizio-style dinner with 15 cuts of fish and meat, including chicken wrapped in bacon, filet mignon, salmon and picanha that are carved and served tableside. Sides such as fried bananas, polenta, cheese bread and rice are available, as well as a sushi station and cheese from the Philly favorite, DiBruno Bros. Dine Sunday through Thursday at $37.95 or Friday and Saturday at $42.95. Or, enjoy the plentiful salad bar for just $22.95. (Prices do not include drinks, dessert, tax or gratuity.) Children ages seven to 12 years are half price, three to six are $5 and children under three are free. Visit on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for the special brunch menu featuring a selection of breakfast meats served Rodizio-style, an omelet station, carving station, cold station and more. Each meal includes a complimentary mimosa or bloody mary. Brunch is available for $22.95 per person with reduced priced for seniors and children.

Related: Top Steakhouses in Philadelphia

Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
1901 John F. Kennedy Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 525-3233
www.chima.cc

Located right in Center City, Chima offers a variety of dining experiences in an elegant, yet warm and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy the full Rodizio dinner, with 15 different roasted meats including filet, top sirloin, chicken, ribs, lamb and pork, all served tableside by authentic gaucho chefs, along with an impressive salad bar. Go for the salad bar and choose from a variety of Brazilian and American favorites including grilled fish, cheeses, salads, cold cuts, soup and hot dishes. Or simply order a few appetizers and cocktails in the chic lounge. Perfect for large groups, this is the type of dining experience you’ll want to share with friends and family.

Related: Top Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Philadelphia

If you love Brazilian rotisserie-style steak, but you don’t have the wallet or desire to dine at one of the fancier sit-down restaurants, you have to try BRAZ BQ. Philadelphia’s first Brazilian rotisserie truck can most often be found along Drexel’s food truck row. The signature dish is the hamburgao ($8) - a Kaiser roll with a quarter-pound of sliced beef seasoned with garlic that’s then smothered with smoked ham, melted cheddar, bacon and a fried egg before being completed with green onion, corn, lettuce, tomato, homemade mayonnaise and potato sticks. Don’t let the mobility of the food venue turn you off. This truck features a rotating charcoal roaster where racks of steak are roasted to perfection daily. Choose menu items such as burgaos, steak sliders, steak wraps or cheesesteak, and the beef is carved from a skewer as you order. Wash it all down with a refreshing guarana soda, a popular Brazilian drink

Michelle Hein is a copy editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery...perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer boyfriend would love to open.