It’s exciting to try the flavorful foods of different countries that are appearing more frequently in restaurants throughout Southwest Florida — from Vietnamese to Indian to Brazilian. Sampling the foods, experiencing the settings and watching the way the food is presented all adds up to a rich cultural learning experience while enjoying a delicious meal. Rodizio Grill in Estero offers a taste of Brazil.
At Rodizio, there are two basic menus to choose from. One is the Full Rodizio, where a variety of rotisserie grilled meats are carved table side, along with a gourmet salad bar ($36.99). The other choice is the salad bar only ($26.99). Both menu choices also come with a selection of desserts. The Full Rodizio for ages 7-11 is $10.99 and for ages 3-6 it’s $7.99. Children ages 2 and younger dine free. (Adults can also dine for less during Saturday brunch, noon to 3 p.m.)
Over the holiday season, my family and I decided to splurge a little and try Rodizio Grill. It was a place we had spotted off U.S. Highway 41 in Estero awhile back, and we had seen signs for it as well. Plus, TripAdvisor, our trusty friend, gave it four stars.
One thing that we noticed right away after sitting down, and right before heading over to the gourmet salad bar, was that Rodizio Grill is fully staffed. We enjoyed superb service throughout our dinner, making that a huge point of difference these days. Good service can make or break a meal, and when you pay a good amount for a meal, you expect the service to be up to par, and it was.
Each table is provided with a small wooden device that you turn up or down. Green side up means more meat, red side up means no more meat, and a horizontal setting means ready for dessert. When the device is set on green side up, a rotating server in a Brazilian-style uniform appears tableside and carves steak, lamb, ham, chicken and more. Also, the salad bar is filled with delicious sides, salads, breads and condiments like mixed olives. Seafood is also in abundance. Desserts, if you have room for any, are a choice of about eight items, such as chocolate cake or cheesecake. We were able to split a chocolate cake at the end of the meal but didn’t quite finish it — thanks to our numerous trips to the salad bar.
The setting is like what you would expect in a steakhouse with dark, rich colors and low lighting. There are vibrant pictures on the wall that remind you of the liveliness of Brazil. Most of the seating is inside at tables or booths, but there is also an outdoor patio. The coffee candy served at the hostess station was the perfect exit to our meal. And afterward, we hung out by the fountain to look at the turtles who call it home.
IF YOU GO
Rodizio Grill
- Location: Coconut Point, 8017 Plaza del Lago Drive, Suite 101, Estero (There are also locations nationwide, including Sarasota)
- Phone: 239-498-0018
- Online: rodiziogrill.com
- Hours: Dinner is served 5 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch is noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
- Price range: $21.99-36.99
- Kids’ menu: Full Rodizio for ages 7-11 is $10.99; for ages 3-6, $7.99, and free for ages 2 and younger with paying adult.
- Tips: Highchairs available. Sunday Brunch is $26.99 for Full Rodizio and $21.99 for Unlimited Gourmet Salads. Join Club Rodizio on Facebook for special offers and promotions.