Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse

Brazilian restaurant · Irvine

Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse

Brazilian restaurant · Irvine

1830 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614

Highlights

18 grilled meats including gold steak, gourmet salad bar

1830 Main St, Irvine, CA 92614 Get directions

galpaogauchousa.com

@galpaogaucho

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

@eater

Napa Valley’s Best Brazilian Steakhouse Galpão Gaucho Expands to Irvine - Eater LA

"Southern California’s own patch of gaucho country with the newest branch of Galpão Gaucho, the eighth location of the Northern California-based Brazilian churrascaria chain. Founded in Napa in 2016, Galpão Gaucho joins global juggernauts Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão in Orange County’s master-planned city, hoping to take a slice of the grilling competition. The inspiration for this new Brazilian steakhouse comes from the founder and director of operations Jovani Gava’s hometown of São Miguel do Oeste in the state of Santa Catarina, which is located close to the Argentine-Brazil border. The restaurant’s design emerged from the beating heart of Gaúcho country, cultivated inside barnyards and corrugated metal buildings where the galpão (shed) served as a gathering place for music, family, and churrasco (grilled meats). Gava’s passion for this southern Brazilian history and tradition was nurtured in the birthplace of the exalted rodizio, or rotating grill, the Brazilian steakhouse popular around the world for its parade of roasted meat skewers fitted with prime cuts. Armed with a love of the churrascaria, Gava began his professional career at São Paulo’s Jardineira Grill at the age of 17, where he learned hospitality in the Brazilian capital’s highly competitive churrascaria field. Marrying the rustic charm of the south with big-city sophistication has guided the fast-growing franchise since its opening eight years ago. Galpão Gaucho’s dimly-lit elegance combines round stone walls with wood beams above white tablecloths, where diners can take the restaurant’s 18 select cuts — including the flashy 24-karat golden steak — all carved with a facón (gaucho knife) by uniformed servers. Churrascaria aficionados can put in a special request for grilled chicken hearts, one of the trademark specialties that the best Brazilian barbecues serve. A full dining experience (meat, salad bar, and sides) costs $75 a person for dinner and on weekends. Weekday lunch is available for $55 a person. Those who want to eat lighter can do the salad bar and hot items like feijoada for only $36. Upon sitting down, warm, fluffy pão de queijo (cheese bread) arrive at the table. Must-order salad bar items include vinagrete (tomato salad), maionese (potato salad), beans, farofa (toasted manioc flour), and rice. Those who want a kick can ask for molho de pimenta malagueta (hot sauce). Also, don’t skip the garlic bread or the queijo assado (grilled cheese with honey). In addition to Brazilian cocktails and a tequila cart roving around the restaurant floor, there’s a wine list that favors Napa Valley reds and Argentine malbecs, all of which to pair with Galpão Gaúcho’s three particular preparations of picanha (top sirloin cap). Like all Brazilian barbecues, just turn over the churrascaria cards to green to get the action started." - Matthew Kang

https://la.eater.com/2024/10/28/24282054/galpao-gaucho-brazilian-barbecue-steakhouse-irvine-opening-los-angeles

View Postcard for Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse

Yalcin Aslan

Google

Absolutely fantastic service! We arrived around 5:30, and despite how busy it was, the staff handled everything seamlessly. The gauchos were incredibly well-trained, always attentive, and quick to serve freshly cooked meats. I also really appreciated the thoughtful detail of having a 'No Pork' sign for the table—such a considerate touch! The meat quality was excellent overall. The only one I didn’t enjoy as much was the gold-covered meat. It lacked flavor, possibly because the salt base made it too dry or drained the juices during cooking—but that’s just a minor issue. All in all, the service was phenomenal. You’ve got a regular customer now—keep up the great work!

Sunny

Google

Had a wonderful dinner here. A nice variety of meat selection. My favorite was the gold steak! Yum yum! The cheese rolls and garlic rolls were so good too. Along with the other complimentary side dishes. We finished it all off with a delicious molten chocolate cake. Our server was Gio and he was terrific.

Tone Castellon

Google

I've been to several Brazilian BBQ joints throughout the years, and most have OK at best( not a fan of buffets or the concept) Galapo Gaucho was one of the best dinning experiences I've ever had. Everything across the board was over the top. Food,service, and ambiance. The wait staff!! My god, over the top. Not once did we ask for water or refills. They anticipated our every need. Both waiters and waitresses were friendly and informative. One person George explained the top self liquor items 👌 the meats!! Not a bad cut whatsoever!! I recommend the Golden steak, bottom round and garlic steak. All were full favored and robust!! Side items were good quality choices especially their baked goods. Barely had room for the creme Brule!! We're definitely coming back.

Diana Rey

Google

I’ve been a fan of this place since it was Agora Churrascaria, and I was so sad when it closed. But now that it’s back as Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse under new management, it’s even better than before! I’ve already been three times since the reopening, and every visit has been consistently excellent. While I’ve also dined at Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chão, Galpão Gaucho always stands out. The attention to detail, customer care, and overall experience are simply unmatched. Yesterday, I went with my daughters and mom to celebrate Mother’s Day. We didn’t have a reservation and the place was busy, but we were seated right away. A server came by immediately to take our drink orders, and throughout the meal, staff checked in regularly to see if we wanted to try anything specific. I mentioned the gold-wrapped meat that’s cooked tableside—and it was at our table within a minute! We got drink and cheese bread refills without even needing to ask, and when I requested the bill, it was brought quickly. We truly felt taken care of from start to finish. To top it off, I received a complimentary plate card for my next visit. The restaurant itself is beautiful, the salad bar is fresh and generous, and the food is absolutely delicious. This place has won me over all over again—I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-tier Brazilian steakhouse experience.

Jamie Lee

Google

Galpao Gaucho went well beyond our expectations! We came here without a reservation (on a Tuesday evening) and got seated immediately. The food was so yummy! In my personal opinion, it’s better than Fogo de Chao. All the sirloin cuts were seasoned so well and the pineapple added the perfect warmth and sweetness! The servers were ALL amazing and kind. Anahi was the best server and Gio was very helpful. We will definitely come back!!

Y G

Google

Galpão Gaúcho is a Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which translates to “rustic cowboy hall.” It’s an all-you-can-eat style dining experience. The meal includes access to a fresh salad bar and a wide variety of meats—such as sirloin, picanha, sausage, chicken, and shrimp—served tableside. The steak cuts were juicy and delicious. Beverages were a bit overpriced. The staff was friendly and attentive. The restroom was clean, though upgrading to touchless faucets and dispensers would improve hygiene. There is plenty of parking available outside.

Russel samson

Google

The food is amazing! Top notch! Meats are perfectly cooked and the service was impeccable. Our servers were amazing. Special mention to Gio, Juliano, Amanda and Fernando. This is our favorite Brazilian restaurant, ever!!!!🥰 Thank you Galpao Gaucho for a wonderful experience❤️

Richard Fung

Google

The best Brazilian steakhouse chain in OC. The service and food quality are spectacular, as it's in its own tier. Food/Drink- 5 stars The meat quality is a notch above its competitors. Very flavorful and I didn't get much of the meat sweats afterwards as well. The picanha and ribeye are the stars of the show. The golden steak is a photo-worthy experience, but sort of meh quality. Everything else was pretty good as well. The salad bar is slightly smaller than other Brazilian steakhouse chains, but the food was fresh and delicious, nonetheless. They also have the best cheese bread of the Brazilian steakhouse chains Service- 5 stars Everyone was very helpful and gracious. Service was impeccable Bottom Line I enjoyed Galpao Gaucho so much that I signed up for their text club afterwards

Ajluci ..

Yelp

Incredible food and experience! We've been to the Vegas location too, but this one is even better! They don't skimp on bringing any of the nice meats around like other restaurants can do and they will take requests if you want a particular meat. All the wait staff was very accommodating and considerate especially Tony and Alex. It is a great atmosphere for a date. We will definitely be back.

Chelsea L.

Yelp

Our waiter Rafael was great, very attentive! Food was amazing, loved it and would def come back!

Chris H.

Yelp

I usually don't do reviews but I can't complain about this place. The staff was great, ambiance was great. Best service I have received at any restaurant and all employees were great to talk to. Food was amazing too with the variety of meats and the salad bar. Will definitely be coming back!

Shannon C.

Yelp

I cannot say enough good things about my experience here this past Valentine's Day. Food was amazing, but it was honestly the service that made our experience the best I've had in a long time. They were so busy so I was sure we wouldn't get much attention, but they really treated my fiancé and I like loyalty. All the small things such as the linen sheet they put over my jacket hanging on the chair so it wouldn't get dirty, them pulling my chair out back in for me everytime I came back to my table to sit down. All the staff members were so attentive and made us feel so welcome and like family. My favorite things I ate: garlic bread balls, chicken hearts, gold wrapped steak, shrimp, and some steak cap that had a lot of fat on it. We kept asking for more! The price is high but it's comparable to other Brazilian bbq places, it's worth every penny! I will definitely be back!!

Nima N.

Yelp

We have been regular weekly customers at Galpão Gaucho since they opened this location five months ago. Initially, the food and service were great, but in the last three visits, things have gone downhill--each time worse than the last. The first time, we were overcharged but didn't have time to ask for a refund. The second time, they completely forgot our drink order, bread, sauces, and bananas. And tonight, on my daughter's birthday, was the final straw. Once again, they forgot our bread and sauces. We were barely served any meat--only four times in total--while the rest of what we received was garlic bread, pineapple, and cheese. The service was slow and disorganized. We ordered a birthday cake for my daughter, and it took 15 minutes to prepare. When they finally brought it out, the server was confused and took it to the wrong table. After waiting another five minutes, we asked a staff member what was going on, and she was just as lost. By then, my daughter was in tears. We left without singing happy birthday or even having the cake. This was by far the worst dining experience we've ever had, and it was especially disappointing on such an important night. We won't be returning.

Kristi H.

Yelp

Headed here for my bfs birthday. Didn't know what to expect, but decided to give it a shot. On a Tuesday night there was NO crowd, although I did get a reservation on Yelp it wasn't necessary. It was a nice dining room, very clean and large. I was surprised to find out it was SOLELY all you can eat for $75 a person. They offered complimentary cheese bread with chimichurri and salsa, this melted in your mouth and it was hard to stop eating. We got one drink each at $19 a piece. They also provided complimentary potatoes and plantains. The salad bar was underwhelming. They had many options but nothing I was too excited about. But the normal items, salads, soups, cheeses, fruits, veggies. The servers came around to give you meat. However, most of the meat was dry. The gold steak was the best, grilled right in front of you! I also liked the grilled cheese/honey and grilled pineapple. I must say service was 10/10, but not sure if it's cause it wasn't crowded or that's how it is normally. They offer a complimentary dessert, the molten lava cake was AMAZING, melt in your mouth. The sparking water provided was $7, which I didn't expect. Make sure to ask for extra charges before agreeing to it. All in all it was an expensive meal ($240 total with tip). Not sure if it was worth it and not sure if we will be back. But there were some pros, just not sure if the quality of the meats were there. Could have been because we got there at 830, and they close at 9. I would give it a shot if you're in the area and looking to compare an AYCE Brazilian meat place.

Janna C.

Yelp

This was such a disappointment. I had high expectations and especially given the price I would have expected to enjoy this meal. We went on Saturday for date night. Perhaps it should have been a sign when we arrived at 6pm that it wasn't even half-way full. Their competitors always have lines at the doors and a wait. The salad bar was not up to standard. The best part was the cheese but who goes to a steakhouse for that? There wasn't much that was hot and the steamed vegetables were overdone and flavorless. They didn't have warm mushrooms but rather disgustingly cold. The caprese had tomatoes that were grainy and past their prime. Their big thing is their real gold steak. We requested it and they did bring it promptly but it is such a gimmick. The steak is a mediocre cut that they wrap in the gold to help disguise the poor cut. The first time we got it despite asking for medium well the guy served it to us raw in the center. We couldn't even bring ourselves to taste it because it was so raw. I flagged him down again and showed him and he said his mistake and he would make it again. So we appreciated that. He made it again and this time did cook it through so it was medium but the steak then was so chewy and tough. The servers were a bit pushy with their upsells of drinks. After coming by and pestering for drinks despite us saying we were just having water they convinced my husband to get a capirinha. He said it ended up being the best part of the meal which is really saying something. Then again, spending $26 on a cocktail - I would hope it is amazing for that price. The guy wasn't satisfied and kept coming trying to entice. He brought over several glasses of flavored champagnes pushing those next. My husband almost agreed that I should get one not realizing that they were not included and the way he was phrasing it made it sound like he wanted to just offer me a drink when in reality he just wanted to sell another overpriced drink. The cheesy bread was brought out already cold. It obviously was premade and then sat out waiting for a table. The parade of meats is usually fun but many were overly salted for our taste. The bacon wrap was greasy and it wasn't crispy bacon. The saving grace was the filet mignon that they brought. Thankfully it was cut well without gristle and cooked to perfection. They only brought it once and we got the last two pieces they had. I also enjoyed the cinnamon pineapple. The flambéd cheese that is brought around was excellent and those 3 items are why I am even giving two stars. Were those enough to warrant $75 per person? Not really. I would rather go to Oceans 48 or Flemings...

Erica C.

Yelp

This was def not worth the $75 for dinner. As soon as you're ready to eat, they bombard you with all sorts of meats. We got all the ends, so most of the meats were dry and over cooked. The other ones were way too salty. The salad bar was meh to me too. At that price point for dinner I expected a little more. The bbq pineapple was really good though. Nice to try one time but will not be back.

Catherine T.

Yelp

Where do I even begin! My husband took me here for my birthday tonight around 6:30p. We were seated immediately and every one from the hostess to the management to the service staff were amazing. It was our first time at this restaurant and we already have a favorite server, ALEX! He was so very attentive and personable. His kindness and knowledge of all the food was top tier! He made us feel welcomed and special! Also, shout out the the wonderful woman in red on the staff that always made sure our drinks were full and our bellies were happy! Again, thank you so much Alex! We had a great time and I had a wonderful birthday!

Becky C.

Yelp

An amazing experience from start to finish! The service was excellent--attentive, friendly, and fast. The inside felt new and the buffet section so clean. The meats arrived at our table almost as soon as we flipped our card to green. Every cut of meat I tried was tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. My personal favorites were the chicken hearts, and the ribeye, which was juicy and packed with flavor. They also had a golden steak, which was fun to watch as it was served with flair. Although it was a bit salty for my taste, it added to the unique experience. The grilled pineapple was the perfect dessert--sweet, cinnamony and a refreshing end to the savory feast. Overall, I enjoyed this experience even more than Fogo de Chao.

Kathy S.

Yelp

Brazilian steakhouse at its finest!! Amazing service and even better meat! This ACYE Brazilian steakhouse took over Agora Brazilian steakhouse in Ventura Park by John Wayne Airport. Plenty of parking spaces! Reservation was easy to make online because this place is new, but meat lovers/carnivores will soon frequent here. We dined here for my mom's birthday on a weekend and there were so many cuts of meat to choose from- we're talking pechana, sirloins, filet mignon!! Lamb shank, pork ribs, sausages, wings, grilled cheese with honey, and grilled pineapple were some of the many options! Don't forget the cheese rolls and garlic bread. Oh and the star was the "Golden Steak" wrapped in 24k gold seasoned in Himalayan salt and cooked at your table- it was awesome! The salad bar includes veggies, cheese, bread, and soup!! Service was amazing!! Staff all worked together to check in on us and made sure our experience was positive. We could request for specific meats and cuts if you want seconds or thirds of anything!! After awhile we were all super stuffed and the meats kept coming. The servers looked disappointed when we couldn't eat more. They're all so hospitable there! The decor is classic steakhouse with warm lightings and Christmas music for the season. It's casual and formal as the staff were all very professional. I'd definitely come back to celebrate a loved one bc they will make you feel welcomed and loved! A plus: complementary dessert (tres leches was my mom's pick)! Thank you again for the great experience! See you again soon!

Ken C.

Yelp

Galpao Gaucho is located close to John Wayne Airport in Irvine and delivers the best churrasco experience in the OC. The meats are very well-seasoned and the service is over the top. Their ribeye outshone the wonderful picanha cuts. My wife really enjoyed the pork ribs. You also can't go wrong with their lamb chops and their 24K gold covered steak. Yes... you read that correctly. They took a page from salt bae. They took a picanha and wrapped it in 24K gold foil, before cooking sliced pieces tableside on a hot salt block. It's showmanship at its finest. Gold foil does nothing for the steak, but it definitely is a fun talking point when you dine with company. (Maybe consider breading the steak gyukatsu style under the gold foil so that there's a functional, textural component?) Service was over-the-top. I'd actually call it too attentive, which is a first for me. As soon as we flipped our sign from red to green (meaning we were ready to go), we would get three to five portions of meat within a few minutes! When we needed to take a minute to let food settle, we'd get asked by three to four servers about whether we wanted a clean plate, a refill of beverages, or meat requests. While I appreciate the help, getting asked the same question several times within a minute or two can feel like too much of a good thing. For the most part, however, we were appreciative of their service, their generous portioning of food, and their hospitality. Salad bar at this churrasco was good, but it wasn't as outstanding as their meat. I highly recommend that you take advantage of some of their pickled vegetables, peppers, and salads so that you can enjoy them along with your meats. The acidity of the pickled onions, salads, and peppers can make the meats taste 10x better. At the end of the meal, don't forget to enjoy the cinnamon and sugar coated grilled pineapple. We were appreciative that they gave really nicely portioned slices when we requested them! Lastly, I did like getting Acqua Panna water, but didn't necessarily love paying an a la carte price for the soft drinks/water. If there was an option for regular/tap water, then they didn't state that was an option. (The servers had the unopened bottles of Acqua Panna still water and San Pelligrino sparkling waters on the table as we were sat down and an alternative option for water was not offered). Nevertheless, I do think that this is an outstanding churrasco and it is a new favorite in Orange County. Definitely bring your appetite and you're guaranteed to have a great experience if you come here with company!

Cat N.

Yelp

I don't know why my last review for this place got deleted but here I am again. I was really sad when I found out the old spot that use to be here closed down but very grateful Galpao opened up. I probably have Brazilian food twice a month so it was natural I wanted to check this place out. I came here with one other person for a late lunch on a Saturday and there was no wait. We didn't have to make reservations. It is similar to other AYCE Brazilian BBQ spot but Galpao Gaucho even had chicken hearts, grilled cheese, and their popular gold steak. Oh and they shrimp and grilled cinnamon sugar pineapple as well. The food was really excellent. I love that they ask you how you like your steak cooked to make sure you are happy. All the meats were good and seasoned well. They had chimichurri, creamy horseradish and regular horseradish to eat with your meats. The self service bar was also cool. But they didn't have much for hot items besides some simple foods. The service was top notch. They were very attentive and good about taking about dirty plates. I also liked that they took care of us before we even asked for anything. The inside is very large and great for intimate small groups or large parties. Parking is easy since they have their own lot. I recommend if you love Brazilian food and are in the area.

Sean P.

Yelp

Excellent food and service. We had a team, but Brenda made a great drink table side! Our party of six has a great time!

Eric H.

Yelp

First visit, the staff rocks! They are very attentive with your water cups, dining needs and more. They brought sides to the table, clean plates loads of meat. They even had chicken hearts and pineapple. Thanks For The Great Dinner!

Aura S.

Yelp

Came here on Oct. 26 (Sat Eve) with my fiance and mother for an early dinner. We were all very loyal to where Agora used to stand, but we are also very open to the idea of trying new places and giving restaurants a fair shot! As always, there was a wide array of selection for meats, and to our surprise, the gold steak was included in the menu item! It was absolutely delicious, and I found myself going back to the beef ribs a couple of times after the initial time. Carlos was our server and we was amazing, extremely attentive and knowledgeable. He even let us hang out after our meal to sit and chat with each other because the restaurant was at a steady pace. It was very well appreciated. One thing I will say is that at one point, there were an overwhelming amount of servers at our table offering us things. And while we do love the attention, it became a bit overstimulating to have drinks being showcased/upsold to us as well as about 2-3 gauchos at a time at our table offering us meat. I do love the enthusiasm from the team, but I just needed a second to breathe before I could agree/disagree to the next item. The layout of the restaurant is very simple and straightforward, something I can never complain about. Everything you need is right where it should be, the serving stations were kept clean and well stocked, and the tables weren't too close to each other to where you could hear another couple's conversation. Overall, while I am sad to see Agora go, I am very grateful and excited for Galpao Gaucho to take on the building and showcase their best foods!

James H.

Yelp

Place is where the old Agora used to be. I came early on a chill Friday right during opening a couple weeks back and oh man... the service was impeccable. Everyone was so nice and attentive. The meats were great. The gold covered steak was included in pricing and we also requested the chicken heart which they happily made for us. The ribeye per usual was my favorite. The buffet was your typical offerings. Hope to be back!

Paul N.

Yelp

The food here is so good!!!! The steak is so flavorful and cooked so well!! HOWEVER that is not why you should come here. The SERVICE is beyond anything I would ever expect. My family has a year and a half old and it is difficult at times for us to have a nice dinner. The staff here is something else. Our waitress Amanda was on top of everything and Debbie was so wonderful. I love the staff and can't recommend this place enough!!b

Shanice W.

Yelp

Amazing restaurant. I love the all you can eat aspect of the dining experience. The salad bar is great also. You have to try to gold steak and the best flan I have ever tasted. I will be back soon. This is a must try again and again.

Ellen K.

Yelp

We decided to come here for lunch to celebrate my birthday. OMG, the food was amazing! Our server, Tony, was so friendly and professional, and Alex was also extremely nice. Alex and Tony took good care of us :-) The customer service definitely made the experience great. I highly recommend getting the grilled pineapple, too!

Anthony W.

Yelp

TLDR; amazing picanha, service and environment; meh lamb I love Brazilian steakhouses, but this one is amazing! Cuts of juicy picanha (4-4 different types too), a bottom sirloin coated in 24k gold, wonderful service (you will never find yourself looking for meat; there is always someone ready to offer you some). They even grill the entire pineapple like it was a steak, covered with molten cinnamon sugar. My comply complaint is that the lamb was a bit too acidic and almost had an off putting taste to it (almost plasticky? Hard to say), but everything else was wonderful. Papaya cream was somehow both rich but not too heavy. Loved it!

Jane S.

Yelp

AMAZING ! Amazing service, amazing food, amazing everything ! We've tried Texas de Brazil and Fogo de Chao and we're very disappointed. We are so so happy that Galpao Gaucho opened ! Received the best services ever at any restaurant and the food quality was superb ! The golden wrapped sirloin was *chefs kiss* I cannot rave enough about the service ! 5 stars for all the workers !

Zoey T.

Yelp

Food was delicious. Nice full selection of meats and salad bar. The salad bar was fresh and clean. Meats were tender and tasty. I loved the grilled pineapple. You certainly get an abundance of food. Exceptional and friendly service all around. Alex our server made us feel welcome.

Danielle C.

Yelp

Food and service was AMAZING! That staff is extremely attentive and fulfilled every request we had. The salad bar so many options and the meats were to die for. Alex, one of the managers I believe was constantly checking on us which was highly appreciated! New meats were constantly coming to our table, and they were always so delicious and tender. Will definitely be back here again.

Melissa G.

Yelp

10/10! Great service from Deborah and her team. Tons of different options of food. Everything was delicious. Great wine selection too.

Brittany E.

Yelp

Came here for valentine's day dinner with high expectations and Galpao Gaucho did NOT disappoint!! This place used to be Agora Churrascaria, which was another favorite of mine. All of the meat cuts were so tender - specifically, the spicy picanha, top sirloin, 24k gold steak, and filet mignon. There was a good variety of vegetables, meats and cheeses at the serve-yourself salad bar. They also offer a wide selection for their drink menu. The ambiance is also nice with medium lighting, not too dim to the point where you can't read the menu, but not too bright for a romantic atmosphere. If you're looking for a nice dinner for date night or a special occasion, this is your place!

Bryant N.

Yelp

Incredible customer service that included small details like covering my significant other white jacket so it didn't get dirty and sliding the chair to seat us. The meats is the star of the show and this place didn't disappoint. Not too salty but yet tender. The only suggestion is pace yourself and don't be afraid to ask for what you want.

Darrell P.

Yelp

Red meat galore! My brother and his o'hana were in town. AR & I met up with them at Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse for an early dinner. (Reservations for 4:45pm on a Saturday.) If you're in the mood for an endless parade of succulent meats, paired with an impeccable salad bar and warm Brazilian hospitality, Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse is the place to be! The restaurant captures the essence of a traditional churrascaria, offering a rodízio-style dining experience where servers bring skewers of expertly cooked meats directly to your table. The selection is vast - everything from juicy picanha (top sirloin cap) to tender lamb chops and garlic-infused beef. My top favorites were the Picanha Apimentada (spicy top sirloin) and the ribeye. Each cut is seasoned and cooked to perfection, with flavors that highlight the quality of the ingredients. The only disappointing meat we tried was the cubes of lamb. Overly salted; inedible. The salad bar was equally impressive, offering a diverse range of options including fresh greens, smoked salmon, imported cheeses, and hot Brazilian dishes like feijoada (Brazilian Black Bean Stew). While it's tempting to fill up here, remember to save room for the main event: the meat! Service was excellent, a standout feature at Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse. The staff was attentive and friendly, frequently checking in to ensure you're getting your fill of your favorite cuts. We were asked several times if we wanted any specific cuts of meat. They were able to manage the delicate balance of being available without hovering. The ambiance was upscale yet inviting, with a modern decor that complements the warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a feast, the experience feels luxurious but not pretentious. At $75 per person for dinner (not including drinks or dessert), it's not an everyday meal for most, but the quality and variety make it well worth the price for a special night out. Pro tip: Don't skip the pão de queijo (cheese bread) - it's delicious. Menu Prices - Salad Bar & Hot Sides ($36) Full Experience - Lunch ($55) Mon - Fri Full Experience - Dinner ($75) Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse is a must-visit for meat lovers. Come hungry, leave happy, and plan your post-meal nap accordingly. (i.e. - Food coma) AR & I had a great dinner with my brother and his family, all while in red meat heaven! Overall rating: 4 1/2 Stars (Rounding up) - Big Aloha! Food: 4+ Ambiance: 5 Service: 5 Value: 4 Overall rating; 4 1/2 Stars

Heather T.

Yelp

We went to Galpao Gaucho on Thanksgiving and had such a wonderful time! Everyone we interacted with was so friendly from the hostess on the phone when making the reservation to our main server Tony and the rest of the team. Have been to the other AYCE Brazilian spots in the area and what really stood out for me at Galpao was the service. Seriously such kind and warm group! I also loved how they have many salad options. The meat and drinks were delicious. So tasty and such good quality. Definitely worth the price for the quality of food and service received. Will come back again!

Bryant N.

Yelp

The best brazilian steakhouse i have ever tried hands down! Came on a monday night, so I was already expecting it to be a little slower, and thanks to that i had the best service experience ever! The servers were all attentive and checked up on our table every 10-15 mins and refilled the amazing cheese bread. Had 5 rounds of meat where it all tasted amazing and not dry except for 1 round where we felt the lamb was over cooked and a bit dry. My favorite cuts were definitely the lamb chops and garlic picanha. Only bad thing i could say was they charged us for water while being offered it as if it was included. Do try the brazilian lemonade, our table loved it and kept getting refills. This place blows fogo de chao out of the water and is now my go to brazilian bbq spot!

Jiyeon K.

Yelp

Best of the best!!! Hidden Gem in Irvine The best Brazilian barbecue restaurant for Christmas. The atmosphere, service, and food quality were exceptional. The servers were incredibly friendly, and the salad bar was fresh. My favorite, picanha, melted in my mouth. I'm so happy to have such a perfect restaurant.

Aaron B.

Yelp

Huge shoutout to our waiter Pedro! I took my girlfriend out for dinner on Sunday 2/16/25 to celebrate Valentine's Day. He said it was a good day because it wasn't as packed as the previous 2 days. He made us feel super comfortable and welcome. I've been here once before, but it was for a work dinner so I didn't really get to experience a more intimate date night here. That's why this time was even better! Pedro made the whole experience feel so personal and he kept checking in with us the whole time. He made me this awesome coffee cocktail that included a flambé. It was such a cool experience! The food was unbelievably delicious. Pretty much everything you can ask for from a Brazilian steakhouse. Amazing cuts of meat. Delicious sides. Heavenly dessert. This was definitely a great choice to celebrate an intimate occasion.

Paul Y.

Yelp

Service is on point ... I didn't go 2 mins without servers asking me what else would you like to try next.

Anyssa R.

Yelp

This food was delicious. The staff was remarkable and amazing. The salad bar was phenomenal

Mina B.

Yelp

So far so good. First time! I am enjoying the food. I highly recommend and we just got here.

Shahrzad B.

Yelp

The food is good. But I don't like the way of the service. All employees have been in rush and nervous. Once we finished the food they gave us the check. Even did not ask about desserts So unprofessional.

Deanna T.

Yelp

Service was excellent. Food was Meh it wasn't bad just not worth the price. The salad bar was not good at all.

Kimberly H.

Yelp

My hubby is Brazilian and we live 5 minutes away from this place and we have been waiting to try it since its grand opening. I'm happy we finally had a chance! We made a quick online reservation just 15 min before going and walked straight in on a Friday night at 8pm where every other restaurant around Irvine is full with a 1 hour wait. We frequently eat at fogo de chao and used to eat at Agoura. It is similar to them, but better, higher quality and more upgraded. The steak selection is high quality and the buffet selection is fresh and healthy. The service is amazing, everyone is very kind and quick and efficient. Many servers are Brazilian or Latin American and are very friendly! They will bring filet mignon and golden steak to your table multiple times along with any other meats of your choice like picanha or bottom sirloin. They also serve lamb, shrimp, bacon wrapped chicken and sausage. The pao de quejo is bigger here! They also have sweet banana and mashed potatoes. You have to try their abacaxi or roasted pineapple with cinnamon and grilled cheese with honey which are my favorite! Everything is super tasty and freshly made. The golden steak is such an experience, carved in front of you from a seasoned natural salt stone with gold on top and cooked on another hot stone. It's super fancy!! The ambiance is low lighting, fancy, romantic, and luxurious. We had a very delicious dinner for our anniversary and they gave us a happy anniversary tres leche cake to go since we were too full to eat there! We definitely have a new favorite restaurant and will definitely come back sometime with friends and family!!

Eddie C.

Yelp

We've been to several other notable Brazilian steakhouses, but this visit has been by far the best. Firstly, the customer service was absolutely phenomenal. There were times that I genuinely thought the staff had me mistaken for some type of celebrity or food critic. Everyone, from servers to managers, seemed to have your comfort and needs as their top priority. The moment we mentioned any particular cut of meat, the message would go out via headset and in less than a minute or two the request would arrive to our table. Secondly, the selection of meats and other grilled sides was terrific. Never had a golden leaf sirloin cooked table-side on a Himalayan salt slab, but let me tell you...that was worth the visit itself! And to taste some grilled pineapple with the tasty cocktail drinks made us feel as if we were on vacation. Lastly, their cheese bread. Only my wife's homemade recipe is better (she might read this, so have to say that). Seriously though, it was so good that we were forced to buy a dozen to take home. They were delivered in a heat-sealed travel bag, which just kept adding to the overall experience. No, I'm not an employee or own stock in Galpao Gaucho, but I'm just happy that we found this place. I'm certain I'll regret telling so many friends and family about it since it will likely make it harder one day to get a table on short notice.

Karen S.

Yelp

Delicious food and great atmosphere. Perfect for family gatherings or a date! My favorite was the picanha. Service is amazing and everyone is extremely friendly and attentive. Really enjoyed my night here, special thank you to Juliano and Debby! :)

David M.

Yelp

Went to try this place out. The previous business Agora was our favorite by far but this exceeded our expectations. All of the meats were very flavorful and tender. This is the first place we've been that actually had fish so that was a nice touch. The sides were also delicious. The service was incredible. We were all impressed. The staff were very friendly and attentive. They answered all our questions and the managers were making sure everyone was being take care of. This is the only Brazilian steakhouse we'll be going to

Bruce W.

Yelp

I had lunch here for my 21 anniversary. The place was epic. It set the bar for Brazilian steak house.

Edgar A.

Yelp

Great service, our server Deborah was excellent. Went Above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed and wanted. Food was great. Some of the meats felt a bit under seasoned in comparison to other comparable restaurants, but nothing a little salt couldn't fix. Definitely worth coming back.

Natalie G.

Yelp

Food: 100 Service: 100 Ambiance: 1000 You guys! Ask for the good skirt steak and the old fashion! The cart foods are worth the experience. Shout out to Alex and his team! You are all amazing!

Sokna S.

Yelp

Food: 5/5 super delicious, tender meats, such a large variety including your expected beef variations, lamb, shrimp... Service: 5/5 attentive, quick, nice. Ambiance: 5/5 warm colors, dim, felt very comfortable. Enjoy with a group of 7! Overall: wonderful spot for a group dinner or couple. Couldn't ask for more. Also try the golden steak haha .

Erik S.

Yelp

My wife and I where looking for new place to eat, and came across Galpao Gaucho Brazilian. I have to say we were beyond impressed with the hospitality and the service and of course the food and the drinks was delicious. We had a amazing service by Alex! Let me just say there lucky to have a employee like him working in this establishment, he was very informative and know how to treat the customers very profesional he recommended certain food and drinks! We will be back because of him and the service, superb!! I highly recommend this location to anyone who wants to try something new and different and ask for Alex!!

Elizabeth H.

Yelp

This is place is definitely top of the line when it comes to customer service and the food. The ambiance is very romantic. I came here for my bday. Service is excellent.

A T.

Yelp

Fresh meats, quality and unique food choices: grilled pineapple, cheese and honey, and GOLDEN STEAK! We're definitely coming back here. On top of all this it's the service! Service is impeccable!!!

Colin O.

Yelp

First time here, didn't get the opportunity to take pics. But I will say this, they got some good cuts of meat. Their "golden steak" and rib eye were really tender as was their bottom sirloin. Lamb chops were also very flavorful and cooked to perfection. Service was by far the best of the Brazilian steakhouses that I have been too, and I have tried them all. Will definitely be back.

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Napa Valley’s Best Brazilian Steakhouse Galpão Gaucho Expands to Irvine - Eater LA

https://la.eater.com/2024/10/28/24282054/galpao-gaucho-brazilian-barbecue-steakhouse-irvine-opening-los-angeles

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Chelsea L.

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Our waiter Rafael was great, very attentive! Food was amazing, loved it and would def come back!

Chris H.

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Shannon C.

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Nima N.

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Kristi H.

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Becky C.

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Kathy S.

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Ken C.

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Cat N.

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Sean P.

Yelp

Excellent food and service. We had a team, but Brenda made a great drink table side! Our party of six has a great time!

Eric H.

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Aura S.

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James H.

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Paul N.

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Shanice W.

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Anthony W.

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Jane S.

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Zoey T.

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Danielle C.

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Melissa G.

Yelp

10/10! Great service from Deborah and her team. Tons of different options of food. Everything was delicious. Great wine selection too.

Brittany E.

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Bryant N.

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Darrell P.

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Heather T.

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Bryant N.

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Jiyeon K.

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Aaron B.

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Paul Y.

Yelp

Service is on point ... I didn't go 2 mins without servers asking me what else would you like to try next.

Anyssa R.

Yelp

This food was delicious. The staff was remarkable and amazing. The salad bar was phenomenal

Mina B.

Yelp

So far so good. First time! I am enjoying the food. I highly recommend and we just got here.

Shahrzad B.

Yelp

Deanna T.

Yelp

Service was excellent. Food was Meh it wasn't bad just not worth the price. The salad bar was not good at all.

Kimberly H.

Yelp

Eddie C.

Yelp

Karen S.

Yelp

David M.

Yelp

Bruce W.

Yelp

I had lunch here for my 21 anniversary. The place was epic. It set the bar for Brazilian steak house.

Edgar A.

Yelp

Natalie G.

Yelp

Food: 100 Service: 100 Ambiance: 1000 You guys! Ask for the good skirt steak and the old fashion! The cart foods are worth the experience. Shout out to Alex and his team! You are all amazing!

Sokna S.

Yelp

Erik S.

Yelp

Elizabeth H.

Yelp

This is place is definitely top of the line when it comes to customer service and the food. The ambiance is very romantic. I came here for my bday. Service is excellent.

A T.

Yelp

Fresh meats, quality and unique food choices: grilled pineapple, cheese and honey, and GOLDEN STEAK! We're definitely coming back here. On top of all this it's the service! Service is impeccable!!!

Colin O.

Yelp

Galpão Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse

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Napa Valley’s Best Brazilian Steakhouse Galpão Gaucho Expands to Irvine - Eater LA

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Napa Valley’s Best Brazilian Steakhouse Galpão Gaucho Expands to Irvine - Eater LA