Barraco
Butecos are social hangouts in Brazil where people go to drink, eat and catch-up with friends: the equivalent of our pubs. What we like so much about Barraco in Kilburn is that it isn’t just styled like a buteco, it actually is one. It’s in an area with one of the highest Brazilian populations in London and this is where many of them choose to spend time. Being so authentic, you'll find some meaty stews and tough, fatty cuts of meat that can prove hard work, but in most cases dishes are richly flavoured and generous, and the meat succulent. Steaks are a highlight, but ‘al dente’ chicken hearts and a chorizo-esque sautéed sausage are definitely worth a try.
10 Kingsgate Place, Kilburn, NW6 4TA
Cabana
There are six branches of Cabana across London. Bright colours fill the feel-good venues, while a menu built around spiced skewered meat is just as easy to enjoy. Variously colour-coded skewers are packed with steak, chicken, pork, seafood or veggies, while starters and sides feature cheesy dough balls, croquetas and fries laden with feijoada (a national dish packed with stewed beans and meats). If you’re hungry and on a budget, then Cabana is a safe bet.
Locations in Brixton, the O2, Covent Garden, Wembley, Westfield Stratford and Westfield White City
Café Brazil
It’s all about Brazilian pizzas at shabby but friendly Café Brazil. The concept was brought to São Paulo by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s and the locals haven’t looked back since. As in Brazil, the selection here includes some toppings that would get purist Italians hot under the collar, but we have nothing against a bit of cajun spice, a boiled egg or some pineapple. Traditional bean stews and steaks are also present and correct, but it’s the pizzas you come for.
511 Fulham Road, Fulham, SW6 1HH
Galpão
A charmingly friendly neighbourhood spot, Kensal Green’s Galpão is an easy place to fall in love with. Tapas-sized dishes (ideal as either starters or nibbles with drinks) show off an array of Brazil’s street food-led specialities, from meat-filled dumplings to salt-cod fishcakes and cassava fries, while bean stews, baked meats and steaks dominate the main courses. It’s worth noting that while the flesh might flow more freely at London’s eat-as-much-as-you-want churrascarias (such as Rodizio Rico below), the meat you’re getting here is notably superior. Just save enough room for dessert: warm caramel pudding as sweet as you like it.
1024 Harrow Road, Kensal Green, NW10 5NN
Rodizio Rico
There are branches of Rodizio Rico in Islington and the O2, as well as Birmingham. Replicating an authentic Brazilian churrascaria, it’s a case of eat-as-much-as-you-can, with £27.90 getting you unlimited access to a salad bar as well as a card that’s green on one side, red on the other. For as long as you display the green side, the waiters will continue to come round and carve meat from large skewers straight onto your plate. It’s every bit as brash and as greedy as it sounds, but it’s also great fun. The skillfully-grilled meat is also a succulent treat, though it does unashamedly lean towards the fattier cuts.
Locations in Islington and at the O2
Tia Maria
Set in a former boozer on South Lambeth Road, Tia Maria serves a range of stews, steaks and salads, but its selling point is its tapiocas: traditional Brazilian pancakes made from tapioca starch and filled with the likes of cheese, salt-cured beef and coconut, or palm heart and cheese. It’s these that Brazilian expats pop-in for, and many will also stay around for regular live Brazilian music when a party atmosphere takes over. If you’re keen to give it a go, there’s 50% off most main courses every Tuesday.
126 South Lambeth Road, Vauxhall, SW8 1RB
X Burger House
The concept is simple at Kilburn’s X Burger House: Brazilian burgers. Toppings include palm heart, Brazilian sausage and ham, while you can also swap your more typical beef patty for steak, shredded chicken, lamb mince or chicken hearts, should you feel so inclined. Cheese comes as standard. In fact, we’re told that the X in the name comes from the way in which some Brazilians commonly mispronounce 'X' in English to sound like 'xis' which sounds like 'cheese'.
40-42 Willesden Lane, Kilburn, NW6 7ST
Also try…
Brazilian Gourmet: Snug, friendly cafe in Fitzrovia, serving a pleasing variety of tapas-style dishes. Recommended by Londonist's Ruth Hargreaves. 70 Cleveland Street, W1T 6LY
Desejo Do Brazil: Another charruscaria option with an endless selection of rotating meats skewered and served at your table. Recommended by Londonist's Ruth Hargreaves. 168 Sussex Gardens, W2 1TP
Floripa: Elaborately decorated cocktails and cheesy music are good for a giggle, but the Brazilian food can easily be bettered. 91-93 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3HZ
Made in Brasil: Good times and colourful decor at this relaxed food and cocktail bar in Camden - recommended by reader Danielle. 12 Inverness Street, NW1 7HJ
Sushisamba: Brazilian dishes are fused with Japanese influences at this City restaurant which is the third highest in London. The prices aren’t much lower. 110 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AY
Yoobi: Sushi gets a Brazilian twist at this lunchtime hotspot in Soho. 38 Lexington Street, W1F 0LL