Esplanada Grill — Review by Eating With Tod
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Brazilian Steakhouse
Esplanada Grill is a legendary traditional Brazilian steakhouse operating since 1988 that offered the reviewer their first-ever filming opportunity inside the establishment. The restaurant impressed with perfectly cooked panha and beef shoulder cuts, served with an authentic retro atmosphere complete with a classic cocktail bar and vintage decor that transports diners back to the 1980s.
What was great: Perfectly cooked meat cuts (panha and beef shoulder), tender and juicy with excellent flavor, classic retro atmosphere with vintage cocktail bar, authentic traditional Brazilian steakhouse experience, high-quality beef preparation
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Esplanada Grill showcased two exceptional meat cuts that became the highlight of this final stop on the Rio de Janeiro food tour. The panha, traditionally known for its generous fat cap, was presented here in a leaner preparation that allowed the quality of the beef to shine through without overwhelming richness. The beef shoulder complemented it perfectly, offering a different texture and flavor profile. Both meats were cooked to absolute perfection with a beautiful sear from the grill that added depth without charring excessively. The panha proved tender and buttery, while the shoulder delivered intense beefy flavor with remarkable juiciness. The restaurant served the meat Brazilian steakhouse style, where blood from the meat is poured over as a sauce to enhance the rich, savory depths of flavor. The plating was generous and beautiful, arriving at the table as part of a banquet-style feast that kept coming throughout the meal.
The Experience
Stepping into Esplanada Grill feels like traveling back to the 1980s, with the restaurant maintaining its original aesthetic since 1988. The space is dominated by a proper classic cocktail bar at its center, surrounded by beautiful wood paneling, black and white photographs, and concrete details that create an authentically nostalgic atmosphere. The service operates in traditional Brazilian steakhouse fashion, with meat continuously brought to the table. The reviewer noted this was the first time the establishment allowed anyone to film inside, making it an exclusive experience. The ambiance is refined yet unpretentious, capturing the essence of old Rio de Janeiro dining culture.
Value & Pricing
Specific pricing was not mentioned in the transcript, though the experience was positioned as part of a premium Brazilian steakhouse experience in Rio de Janeiro's dining scene.
Notable Moments
I feel like we've just kind like stepped back to the 80s. I feel like this place hasn't changed at all.
Cooked to absolute perfection. Soft. It's so tender. But then I love the saltiness, the almost like depth in meat.
The reviewer was visibly impressed by how Esplanada Grill removes the traditional large fat cap from the panha, creating a leaner presentation that showcases the meat's natural beefy qualities rather than relying on fat for flavor.
The Verdict
Esplanada Grill represents the pinnacle of traditional Brazilian steakhouse dining, earning its reputation as the best churrascaria in Rio de Janeiro. After an entire day of exploring Rio's diverse food scene, this final destination delivered on its promise of exceptional quality and authenticity. The restaurant is best for those seeking a genuine Brazilian steakhouse experience with perfectly executed meat, nostalgic ambiance, and service that honors the country's dining traditions. This is where locals and serious meat enthusiasts come when they want the real deal.