Restaurant review: Dine like a Brazilian at Viva Brazil

Didn’t manage to get tickets for the Olympics in Rio? Not to worry, there is a place right on your doorstep where you can get all the Brazilian vibes you’ll need this summer. Viva Brazil is a Brazilian style dining experience, and it really is an experience worth trying for yourself…

My visit to Viva Brazil, which sits on the corner of Waterloo Street and Bennetts Hill in a Grade II listed building which was previously a bank, is one that I will not be forgetting anytime soon. The building has been completely transformed and was bright and welcoming from the moment I arrived. There are a generous amount of booths and seating and tables are lit by stylish and modern lamps hanging from the ceiling. However, despite the elements of modern décor in the building, a lot of original features have been maintained, giving it an incredible characterful feel.

Viva BrazilViva Brazil in BirminViva Brazilgham is the fifth in the company’s portfolio, but is set to be their flagship restaurant. Upon arrival, I was seated and given an overview to how the restaurant works. I soon realised that this is not your standard dining experience as there were no menus. Instead, a card with a selection of meats was handed to me and an all you can eat salad island close by. There are up to 15 meats available on the card and you can either choose to have all of them served to you or seven. Each time you receive a different meat choice alongside your salad, your meat card is stamped. It may be a simple concept, but it was incredibly interesting.

I chose from a selection of seven meats including Barriga De Porco (Pork Belly), Linguica (Brazilian Sausage) and Fraldinha (Flank Steak). Each meat was full of flavour, succulent and incredibly delicious. Meat carvers come along every few minutes to give you your next choice of meat and engage with you, telling you about the selection you made and because of this, there is a friendly and community feel to the experience. Drinks wise, there were a wide range of cocktails, spirits, beers and even sharing drinks available on the menu.

Viva BrazilThe service at Viva Brazil was exceptional and the workers couldn’t do enough for me. However, I found parts of the night fairly intense, as the meat carvers were simply too quick for a slow eater like myself. There wasn’t much of a gap between different meat options, which meant that every time a conversation began, we were interrupted. Because of this, I felt rushed. If the dining experience slowed down slightly, it would be perfect.

Andy Aldrich, managing director and owner of the Viva Brazil restaurant chain, told me that the chain has been delighted with the response so far. He said: “The people of Birmingham have quickly taken to the concept of Viva Brazil and it is proving to be a firm favourite with members of the business community and casual diners alike.

“Being based in the heart of Birmingham’s business district, we are witnessing a real growth in the number of people coming for business lunches or post work drinks. And with the Olympics in Brazil later this year, we’re expecting the restaurant to continue going from strength to strength.”

Viva BrazilThe meal came to £41 for the two of us which was very reasonable for the quality of food and service. It is clear why this restaurant chain has become such a success, and that is because of how personal it is and how different it is to other restaurants in the area.

Viva Brazil rating: 8/10

 

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