Fogo de Chão Review: A Brazilian Feast in Manila Worth Coming Back For

Is Fogo de Chão worth it? We tried its Brazilian Churrasco Feast, and there’s one lamb dish we can’t stop thinking about!

From fire-roasted meats carved tableside to an impressive Market Table and a seriously indulgent chocolate dessert, Fogo de Chão offers a dining experience worth gathering around the table for. Some restaurants leave you satisfied. Others leave you already planning your next visit before you’ve even left your seat. Fogo de Chão turned out to be the latter for us.

I’ll admit, I didn’t walk in expecting to be quite as impressed as I was. I knew we were in for a Brazilian churrasco experience, with gaucho chefs bringing fire-roasted meats straight to our table. But by the end of our meal, I had already picked out the dish I’d happily return for, a drink I’d order again, and a dessert that deserves its own moment in the spotlight.

So, is Fogo de Chão worth it? After our visit, my answer is a definite yes, especially if you’re looking for a place to enjoy good food and even better company. And no, you don’t need a special occasion to make a reservation.

A Brazilian Churrasco Feast that comes to your table

One of the most exciting things about dining at Fogo de Chão is experiencing churrasco, a Brazilian tradition of grilling meats over an open flame.

Rather than having to get up to order each serving, you get to settle into your seat while the gaucho chefs bring freshly grilled meats to your table and carve them right in front of you. It’s an experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious, and there’s something particularly satisfying about watching a beautiful cut of meat being sliced just as you’re ready for another bite.

The kids loved this part, too! Having an ongoing parade of fire-roasted meats arrive at the table made the meal feel like an adventure of its own. And while the food was certainly a highlight, the service made the experience even better. The team was attentive without being overbearing, quick to accommodate our requests, and consistently pleasant throughout the meal. It’s the kind of service that lets you relax, enjoy your food, and focus on the people you’re dining with.

The Lamb Picanha Is the One to Remember

With so many grilled meats making their way to our table, choosing a favorite wasn’t easy. But if there’s one thing I would tell anyone visiting Fogo de Chão for the first time, it’s this: save room for the Lamb Picanha.

Actually, all the lamb cuts we tried were memorable, but the Lamb Picanha was the clear winner for us. It was the kind of dish that makes you pause mid-conversation because you need a moment to appreciate what you’re eating. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we discovered a combination that made it even more special: Pair the lamb with the grilled pineapple, which was sweet, juicy, and beautifully caramelized, then add a bite of the grilled Brazilian cheese with honey.

That combination was our favorite part of the meal. The savory lamb, sweet pineapple, and grilled cheese with honey worked so well together that I could honestly see myself returning to Fogo de Chão just for that combination. It’s a good reminder that sometimes, amid all the choices on the table, one particularly good bite is all it takes to turn a nice meal into a memorable one.

More than just meat: discover the Market Table

While the fire-roasted meats might be the stars of the churrasco experience, don’t overlook the Market Table. It’s a lovely part of the meal in its own right, offering a colorful selection of fresh ingredients and accompaniments to enjoy alongside the grilled meats.

There’s plenty to explore, from fruits, vegetables, and cheeses to artichokes, quinoa, broccoli, pasta, and jamón serrano. Whether you want something fresh to balance the richness of the meat or simply enjoy putting together a plate with a little bit of everything, the Market Table gives you plenty of options. I also appreciated having something for everyone at the table.

With such a variety of selections, diners can mix and match according to their preferences instead of feeling limited to one kind of meal. If you’re dining with a group, it’s another fun part of the experience to explore together.

Everyone can find something they enjoy, then get back to the main event: the churrasco.

Don’t Skip the Drinks

A good meal deserves a good drink, and we made sure to try Fogo de Chão’s bestselling Caipirinha.

For me, it was reminiscent of an upgraded mojito, with a refreshing character that made it a lovely companion to the meal. It’s a great option if you’d like to try a classic Brazilian cocktail while enjoying the restaurant’s signature dishes. Of course, there are other drinks to explore, too, depending on your preferences. Whether you’re catching up with friends, celebrating with family, or enjoying a long lunch with colleagues, having something refreshing to sip on makes the experience feel even more leisurely.

Save Room for the Chocolate Brigadeiro

By the time dessert came around, we had already enjoyed plenty of food. But there’s always room for something sweet, right? Especially when Chocolate Brigadeiro is involved. This signature dessert was rich, decadent, and deeply chocolatey without being overwhelmingly sweet.

It had the kind of intensity that makes every spoonful feel indulgent, so a little goes a long way. In fact, one serving was rich enough for four of us to share comfortably. If you’re dining with a group, this is a dessert worth ordering for everyone to try. It’s also a lovely option to pair with coffee or tea, especially if you’re not quite ready to call it a day.

We also tried the Crème Brûlée, which offered a lighter contrast. Its creamy texture and fresh berries made it a refreshing way to round out the meal after all that grilled meat. If you’re someone who likes ending dinner on a sweet note, both desserts are worth considering, depending on whether you’re in the mood for something intensely chocolatey or something a little lighter.

Is Fogo de Chão Worth It?  

Absolutely! Let’s talk about the question many diners will have before visiting: Is Fogo de Chão worth the price?

For us, yes, particularly if you’re looking for more than just an ordinary meal. The tableside churrasco service makes the experience feel special, the Market Table offers plenty of variety, and the attentive team helps make the entire meal enjoyable. Add the standout Lamb Picanha, the grilled pineapple and Brazilian cheese with honey, and the signature Chocolate Brigadeiro, and there’s plenty to remember long after the meal.

It’s easy to imagine Fogo de Chão as a destination for birthdays, anniversaries, family celebrations, and business dinners. The setting and style of service lend themselves well to occasions when you want to gather everyone around a table and take your time over a good meal. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait for a birthday or a milestone to enjoy it. It can be a dinner with friends you’ve been meaning to catch up with, a family meal where everyone gets to choose their favorites, a lunch meeting that deserves something better than the usual, or simply a treat for yourself after a long week.

You can even dine on your own and enjoy the churrasco experience at your own pace. After all, good food doesn’t always need a special occasion. Sometimes, the meal itself is the occasion. I went to Fogo de Chão expecting a good Brazilian steakhouse experience. I left pleasantly surprised, already thinking about the Lamb Picanha and that combination of grilled pineapple and Brazilian cheese with honey.

And that, to me, is a pretty good reason to come back.

The good news? More Fogo de Chão is coming! The brand is set to open its second Philippine branch at Okada Manila, giving more diners another opportunity to enjoy its signature Brazilian churrasco experience. Consider this another reason to keep Fogo de Chão on your dining bucket list!

Fogo de Chão is worth adding to your list if you’re looking for a memorable Brazilian churrasco experience, a generous selection of fresh accompaniments, and a meal best enjoyed with good company. Just remember to save room for dessert.

While the fire-roasted meats might be the stars of the churrasco experience, don’t overlook the Market Table. It’s a lovely part of the meal in its own right, offering a colorful selection of fresh ingredients and accompaniments to enjoy alongside the grilled meats. There’s plenty to explore, from fruits, vegetables, and cheeses to artichokes, quinoa, broccoli, pasta, and jamón serrano.

Whether you want something fresh to balance the richness of the meat or simply enjoy putting together a plate with a little bit of everything, the Market Table gives you plenty of options. I also appreciated having something for everyone at the table.