Mangai

Brazilians love their buffets. Mangai happens to be one of the best that I have tried. The food is always fresh and good quality and the atmosphere at the lake location is quite cool. Very open and spacious.

The location is great, service is awesome and the desserts are amazing. It's tempting to remove a star because it is, after all, a buffet. There's an enormous amount of options, but they're all regional northeastern Brazilian food, which is heavy on oils, sun dried meats, and cassava. You pay by the kilo, which keeps you from overeating, which I appreciate.

Really popular kilo restaurant. It’s setup like a big food hall. The decor inside is really nice. There’s a ton of food options in the buffet line. It moves quickly even when it’s super busy. Great food and service. We were told this is one of the best kilo restaurants you can go to. It’s on the water so the outside has great views.

Veeery expensive place, this restaurant has great food, great service, but a non welcoming atmosphere. It is totally ridiculous, not to say something else, about the service staff having to wear a "sertão" themed attire. You will almost exclusively see white people here, be aware.

Plates are plentiful and ordering is simple. Be careful not to lose your card as it is needed to verify you paid for your meal and leave through the turnstile.

I can't accept going to any other Mangai when I can come to this one. It's so beautiful, big and with an incredible view. One of my favorite restaurants in the world!

***** Here’s What You Need to Know ***** From an American Tourist * The entrance isn’t as well-marked as for the seafood restaurant to the right. There is an elevator on the left side and stairs further left. * You get a plastic card when you come in, one for each person. You will need it to exit. * You’re probably the only #Americans in the place. * On a Friday afternoon, it was empty at 12:00 and packed by 1:00. * Dramatic, high ceilings, you stay cool even on a hot day. * The place has a purposeful NE Brazil vibe. Think their cowboy country around Minas Gerais. * A real mixed clientele, suits at one table, tank tops and flip flops at another. * You pick a table AFTER getting your food. * You take a plate and go down either side of two very long cafeteria-style rows. I couldn’t figure out if they are one way or not. * There are small English translations of the Portuguese descriptions of the food items. “carne de sol” is “sun-dried beef.” Think shoe leather. However, you’re bound to find options you like. * Your plate is weighed and you are charged by the #kilo no matter if it’s #picanha or beans. * There are gaucho-themed servers who will take your drink orders at your table using the four-digit number on your card. Yes, they have Diet Coke. * You pay by tapping your cards on machines on the wall on the way out. Then you drop your cards in the slots at the exit turnstiles. * 2 of us got out for ~ $30 which included a #mojito and dessert. * I’m dead serious, you can nap in a hammock on your way out. * I’m glad we tried it. Nothing like it in the States. Not sure if I go back. Maybe try the seafood place next time.

Never seen so many dishes on a buffet!! Great meal though and spoiled for choice. Excellent value for money - and they even have hammocks to relax on after you’ve finished!!