Review: Rodizio Rico

The Brazilian barbecue restaurant has a very simple concept - eat as much as you like for a set price, a perfect recipe for these cash-strapped times.

With a lunchtime barbecue menu at just £12.95 this is the place to fill your boots. And vegetarians aren't forgotten with a set menu of their own for just £9.95.

The idea is to graze at the extensive array of dishes, both meat and vegetarian, from the central food bar while being regularly served with 16 different courses from the churrascaria barbecue grill. And what a barbecue it is.

Huge chunks of sizzling steak are brought to your table on sword-sized skewers before the waiter carves off strips of prime rump, sirloin and rib to order.

The temptation is to grab a huge plateful straight away but that would be a mistake - take your time to savour the flavours of the meat. Your waiter will soon be back with more so you won't miss out.

Familiarise yourself with dishes like feijoaba, a delicious, thick stew of black beans and pork; and creme de milho, succulent sweetcorn cooked in cream with coconut, and you'll see why one couple stayed here for eight hours recently.

Oriana Rafael, day manager at Rodizio Rico, explained the philosphy behind the restaurant.

She said: "This is a typical way of eating in Brazil. For example, the feijoaba is traditionally eaten on Sundays when all the family get together to share a meal.

"The churrascaria is also very typical. Brazilians are very sociable and simply love to barbecue. And because we don't overspice the food it can be enjoyed by everyone."

The wine list is extensive and won't overstretch your wallet. An Argentinian Shiraz at £17 is ideal to accompany your meat feast, while white drinkers could settle for a Chilean sauvignon blanc at just £18.

And if you really want to get into full Brazilian mode splash out on the national drink, the Caipirinha, for £6.

With winter on the way put some sunshine in your life and try this carnivorous carnival. It's a riot.

Rodizio Rico
Entertainment Avenue
The O2
SE10 0AX

Tel: 020 8858 6333