Fogo De Chao Brings A Bounty Of Brazilian Meat To Downtown Los Angeles
Originating from the Brazilian countryside, Fogo de Chao opened its 34th restaurant worldwide in downtown Los Angeles in February in the space that formerly housed Roy's Hawaiian restaurant. Fogo de Chao was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre Brazil and expanded into the U.S. in 1997.
Housed in a wide-open 8,000-square-foot space with dark tones, natural wood, a floor-to-ceiling wine storage system, large windows facing 8th and Figueroa streets, and historical wall murals.
The steakhouse offers 15 different cuts of meats cooked over open fire pits. Guests use a green and red sided disc to indicate when they are ready to eat and when they have had enough. Gauchos cut sizzling top sirloins, filet mignon, beef ribs, lamb, chicken, and sausage tableside for each diner.
In addition to the huge variety of grilled main dishes, Fogo de Chao offers an extensive salad bar with pastas, green salads, cheeses, deli meats, artisan breads, and fresh vegetables. Side dishes include warm cheese bread, crispy hot polenta, garlic mashed potatoes, and caramelized bananas.
The casual Bar Fogo located in the front of the space features smaller plates including sirloin sliders and grilled spiced shrimp skewers, as well as a variety of beverages including their signature caipirnhas, a mango refresco, and a Brazilian martini as well as beers and wines. The downtown location also offers a special light lunch option where diners can take unlimited trips to the salad bar and can order a main dish featuring a single protein.