What do we want? Meat. When do we want it? Now.
Ever had that feeling? Well your prayers have been answered by Fogueira, Dubai’s first Brazilian Churrascaria.
I’d heard a lot about this restaurant but had never visited; until now.
From all the awards it had won I knew it would be good but I didn’t quite realise how good.
Located on the 35th floor of the Ramada Plaza Hotel along JBR, the entrance is somewhat unappealing I admit compared to Dubai’s usual over the top, lavish style that we get accustomed too but don’t let that stop you. Even entering the virtually nondescript interior restaurant, you’re only glimpse of what’s to come is a rather generous salad buffet but as you’re whisked outside onto the al fresco terrace, this is where Fogueira comes to life. With views out across Dubai Marina that simply take your breath away, you’ll be clamouring for a table on one of the sides so you can gaze out onto the wonder that is Dubai as you dine. Once you’re finished (well for a moment) savouring the beautiful view you’ll realise that you are actually at an all-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue, is there any better dining concept than that?
The helpful waiting staff explain to you how it all works. Once you’ve gone to the buffet and chosen your salad dishes and starters (again as much as you like for the duration of the night) you indicate to the rotating meat servers parading around the restaurant holding giant cuts of succulent meat if you would like to be served or if you are taking a break due to meat sweats. So how do you do this? Well, this is the fun part. Each diner is given a coaster; red on one side and green on the other that symbolizes whether you would like to be served more food (green) or if you are temporarily full (red) and let me tell you the meat offering is relentless. From juicy beef medallions to tender lamb, you’ll be encouraged to try cuts of meat that you never would consider before, eating yourself into an indulgent food coma. In fact, 15 different types of meat cuts are on offer, our personal favourite was the chicken hearts and flank steak, both being absolutely delicious. Each type of meat comes with different marinations too; from rock salt to seasonal herbs so each and every new dish tastes completely different from the last.
What’s even better at Fogueira is that unlike other ‘brunches’ where all-you-can-eat sometimes means the quality of the food is sacrificed, it is absolutely delicious, in fact some of the best food we’ve had in Dubai. Team your food with classic cocktails (which are potent beware) a traditional Brazilian Caipiroska nearly knocked me off my chair!
This is a definitely a place where you get your moneys worth, ideal for larger groups, there is also a samba show Monday to Friday and a live band performing Monday through to Saturday making it as great fun as it is a great place to eat.
Friday Brunch: 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Dinner: Saturday to Wednesday: 6:30pm to 12:00am
Thursday and Friday: 6:30pm to 02:00am
The Insider UAE 