Step aside, Fogo de Chao – a fresh contender in the all-you-can-eat meat arena has arrived! Since its opening in late December in Rockville, Maryland, Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse marks the sixth establishment of this renowned chain, and it’s the first to grace the mid-Atlantic region.
Unlike many steakhouses that focus on bustling urban environments, Terra Gaucha has chosen to establish itself in smaller to mid-sized cities, starting its journey a decade ago in Jacksonville, Florida. Following that, they expanded to Tampa; Stamford, Connecticut; Indianapolis, Indiana; Omaha, Nebraska; and now, Rockville, Maryland (located at 1651 Chapman Ave, Rockville, Maryland). It’s worth noting that Fogo de Chao, a competing brand known for its AYCE meat offerings, has a location in North Bethesda, which is less than two miles away.
Stephanie Rizzon, the assistant marketing director, explains that the Maryland region is celebrated for its vibrant diversity, strong community ties, and a genuine appreciation for high-quality dining, all of which resonate with the authentic spirit of Gaúcho cuisine.
Her father, João Rizzon, co-founder of Terra Gaucha, has roots in southern Brazil, where this unique dining tradition began. “This heritage significantly influences our approach to everything we do,” she shares.
The restaurant’s menu draws from the culture of churrasco, originating in the Pampas grasslands of South America. This traditional gaucho grilling technique features open flames and skewers prepared with various meats such as beef, pork, chicken, and sausage. Terra Gaucha flavorfully roasts each selection with gaucho spices and carves them tableside for eager guests. With a full-service bar, the spacious establishment accommodates 200 diners, creating an inviting atmosphere with elegant touches.
“Our selection is unmatched, offering a wider array of meat cuts compared to any other churrascaria,” emphasizes Rizzon. Guests can indulge in at least eight different cuts of beef, including both filet mignon and large beef ribs, each seasoned solely with rock salt and slowly roasted on a traditional rotisserie. The lunch price is set at $39.95, while dinner costs $59.95. For a detailed menu, click here.
One standout item on the menu is the Picanha, the top section of the sirloin, revered as the most tender and juicy cut. “A key to our success is that we never trim the fat cap; this helps retain flavor and moisture,” she adds.
In addition to the impressive variety of meats, the menu also includes lamb, pork, and chicken options, such as delectable bacon-wrapped chicken breasts and Brazilian pork sausage. For seafood lovers, grilled salmon and shrimp glazed with a tangy passionfruit and mango sauce are available.
To complement the grilled flavors, guests can explore a gourmet hot and cold table with over 55 side dishes showcasing both Brazilian and international cuisines. Indulge in a warm bowl of lobster bisque or try feijoada, a traditional Brazilian black bean stew with pork belly. Other highlights include hearts of palm, a extensive salad bar, and a diverse selection of cheeses and charcuterie.
To enhance your meal, traditional Brazilian side offerings include pao de queijo, a naturally gluten-free cheese bread made with tapioca flour, alongside creamy mashed potatoes and fluffy rice.
For dessert, guests can enjoy a “colossal” New York-style cheesecake featuring a crumbly graham cracker crust, or a more traditional treat of creamy papaya blended with vanilla bean ice cream and drizzled with cassis liqueur. To wash it all down, Rizzon highly recommends trying their caipirinha cocktail, crafted with muddled lime, sugar, ice, and cachaça, Brazil’s renowned sugarcane spirit.
