One of my ex-girlfriends mentioned this place when I said I thought Esplanada Grill was great. "I think Giuseppe Grill is better."

Okay, so it took me more than a year to get around to finding it, but I have to say, this place is GREAT. Located at Rua da Quitanda, 49 in Centro, it's an easy stop on the way to or from 4x4. Basically, you can walk out of 4x4, make a left, then make a right on the first cross street. Giuseppe Grill will be about 3 blocks up on the right hand side.

First off, it's a steakhouse--a FABULOUS steakhouse. Fantastic cuts of meat, all the best stuff. All entrees come with one side item of your choice, and there's quite a lot to choose from. Several kinds of rice, baked potato, french fries, boiled potatoes, steamed vegetables, and much more. And the creamed corn here is at least as good as that at Esplanada. The cuts of meat are large and the portions quite generous.

There is also a Churrascaria page. The items on this page area all slow cooked for 6 to 8 hours. One thing that wasn't apparent at first to Don or I is that the items on this page all come with a second serving. In other words, since the meat has been slow cooked for several hours, they will serve you half a portion of meat at first, then bring the other half when you are ready for it. Serving it this way keeps the meat warm, and saves waste.

Ambiance is fabulous, much nicer and more atmospheric than Esplanada. Service was great--many of the staff in both locations seemed to speak fairly good English--and they also have one of the most extensive wine lists in the city.

Best of all, prices overall were about 1/3 to 1/2 of what you would pay at Esplanada Grill. Nearly everything--except the prime rib--is between R$40 and R$50 reals, side item included. And the meat is much less salty, as can sometimes be a problem with Brazilian steakhouses.

All in all, I HIGHLY recommend you check this place out. Great for a late lunch before your downtown terma trip, or an nice dinner after.

They also have a new location in Leblon which is open on weekends, whereas the centro location is only open through the week. Addresses listed below.

Giuseppe Grill

Rua da Quitanda, 49
Tel.: 2507-6740
M-F noon-9:30pm
Credit Cards: All

Av. Bartolomeu Mitre, 370 - Leblon
Phone: (21) 2249-3055
Time: Mon-Thurs, noon-10pm Fri-Sat, noon-1am Sun, noon-11pm
Credit Cards: All

(Message edited by gibletpie on March 18, 2007)