A homeowner’s culinary journey
We’re delighted to share our first guest blog post since we launched our initiative asking our wonderful home owners to share their Florida adventures and travel tips.
Many thanks to Liz Prowse who shares her recommendations for steakhouses in Orlando here.
Exploring Brazilian steakhouses in Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its theme parks and tourist attractions. For food enthusiasts, it also boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene.
Among the many dining options, Brazilian steakhouses, or “churrascarias,” stand out as a must-try experience. Two of the most notable churrascarias in Orlando are Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão.
These restaurants offer more than just a meal. They provide a unique dining adventure that combines rich flavours, cultural heritage and impeccable service.
The Churrascaria experience
What makes a Brazilian steakhouse special? The concept of “rodízio” is central to the churrascaria experience.
It is all-you-can-eat style dining. Your waiters, known as “gauchos,” roam the dining area with skewers of various meats, carving portions directly onto diners’ plates.
The meats are seasoned and cooked over an open flame, a technique which references the style of the Brazilian gauchos of the Pampas region.
In addition to the endless meat offerings, Brazilian steakhouses typically feature an extensive salad bar with a variety of fresh vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and traditional Brazilian dishes such as feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (cheese bread which is actually gluten free!).
Texas de Brazil
Texas de Brazil seamlessly blends the cuisines of Brazil and Texas, offering a unique twist on the traditional churrascaria. Located on International Drive, this restaurant is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Upon entering Texas de Brazil, guests are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is elegantly decorated, with dark wood accents, soft lighting and a spacious dining area that can accommodate large groups, making it perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.
The star of the show at Texas de Brazil is, of course, the meat. The gauchos serve a wide variety of cuts, including filet mignon, lamb chops, picanha (top sirloin – my favourite!) and Brazilian sausage. Each cut is expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection.
The restaurant also boasts an impressive salad area with over 50 items, from fresh vegetables to international cheeses and specialty salads.
You will get a table token either red / green and you use this to attract the servers to bring you the meats. When you have had enough… turn it over to red side. You will get the same type of token in Fogo. If you are anything like my kiddos…. they will wave the token in the air to get them to come quicker!
Texas de Brazil has an extensive wine cellar, offering a diverse selection of wines from around the world to complement the meal.
Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão is another top-notch Brazilian steakhouse. It has established itself as a premier dining destination in Orlando. Situated on International Drive as well, it offers an authentic and luxurious churrascaria experience.
Fogo de Chão exudes sophistication with its modern yet comfortable design. The restaurant’s interior features sleek lines, high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to flood the dining area. The ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger social gatherings.
Fogo de Chão prides itself on the quality and variety of its meats.
Guests can indulge in premium cuts like ribeye, fraldinha (bottom sirloin), and Cordeiro (lamb). The restaurant also offers a “Market Table” and “Feijoada Bar” which include a selection of fresh salads, imported cheeses, cured meats and traditional Brazilian dishes.
They currently have a special offer at $44 for dinner. My tip is to sign up online for their special offers so you are first to receive notifications about their discounts for Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.
Fogo de Chão differentiates itself with its commitment to authenticity. The restaurant imports many of its ingredients directly from Brazil, ensuring a true Brazilian dining experience.
Fogo de Chão also offers seasonal menu items and specialty cocktails, providing a fresh take on traditional flavours.
Why visit a Brazilian steakhouse in Orlando?
Orlando’s Brazilian steakhouses offer more than just a meal; they provide an immersive cultural experience.
The combination of high-quality meats, exceptional service and inviting atmospheres makes places like Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão stand-out dining destinations.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a unique and delicious meal, these churrascarias deliver an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Brazilian hospitality and culinary excellence.
Pricing varies and it can be expensive, but for a special occasion it is a unique experience. Lunch options offer a better value dining experience but they do have a more limited selection of meats.
Next time you’re in Orlando, I recommend that you venture beyond the theme parks to explore the rich flavours and vibrant cultures of Brazil at Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão.
Your taste buds will thank you!
About our guest contributor Liz
Liz was lucky enough to be born and bred in Devon, UK, and then moved to Iowa, USA, in 1999. This history is the inspiration for the name of her vacation rentals “Pilgrims Paradise Florida Villas”.
Liz is mum to two boys and has a wonderful husband who supports her in her holiday lettings venture. As a family, they have enjoyed many happy vacations in the USA. They have stayed in hotels, motels and villas but, following a horrible stay in 2014, Liz decided she could do better!
The family secured their first vacation rental villa in 2014, choosing the lovely community of West Haven. They added a second villa to their portfolio in 2019, this time in the fabulous gated resort of Solterra.
Liz says the experience of becoming a short-term rental owner has a sharp learning curve but she takes pride in creating an excellent experience for her guests. Both villas meet high standards for cleanliness and are professionally decorated.
She says of her guests, “We have been blessed to be able to share our lovely villas with our guests from all over the world and excited to welcome them return back each year….. So we must be doing something right!”
View Liz’s homes
You can view Liz’s homes on the White Rose Villas property management website.
West Haven Poolside Paradise
Sleeps 8. 4 beds, 4 baths.
Misty Oak Circle, Solterra
Sleeps 11. 5 beds, 4 baths.
