Fogo de Chao, Brazilian steakhouse in Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, US.
Fogo de Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, serving grilled meats cooked over open flames and carved tableside. A large market table with fresh vegetables, salads, and sides runs alongside the meat service, giving guests the option to build their own plate.
The restaurant was founded by brothers from Rio Grande do Sul, a state in southern Brazil known for its grilling traditions, who brought this style of dining to the United States. Their approach opened up a new way for American diners to experience beef and grilled meats.
Servers dressed in gaucho attire walk through the dining room with large skewers and carve portions directly at the table. This style of service comes from the churrascaria tradition of southern Brazil and turns the serving of food into part of the meal itself.
The restaurant sits in the Gaslamp Quarter, a walkable part of downtown San Diego close to many hotels and transit stops. Reservations are not required but are worth making ahead of time on weekends or around holidays when the dining room fills up quickly.
Every table has a small disc with two sides: green means servers should keep bringing meat, while red tells them to stop. This simple object gives each guest full control over the pace of the meal without needing to say a word.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
