It’s not often that I venture out to try Brazilian food, hence you can imagine my excitement to try Berimbau do Brasil NYC located in New York City’s West Village neighborhood.
If you’re lucky enough to snag a seat by the window, it is the perfect spot to people watch and enjoy Brazilian music. A cozy restaurant on the charming Carmine, don’t leave Berimbau do Brasil NYC without trying the traditional Brazilian cheese bread and Caipirinha cocktails.
Cocktails
Passion Fruit Caipirinha: Brazil’s national cocktail prepared with cachaca, sugar and lime, almost resembles a mojito. The Passion Fruit Caipirinha was delicious and hit the spot on a hot summer day.
Brazilian Mojito: Resembles a classic mojito, on the stronger side, and well made. A favorite!
Appetizers
Pao de Queijo: Traditional Brazilian cheese bread. The bread arrived warm, cheesy and gooey on the inside. Incredible. A favorite!
Coxinha: Brazilian croquette filled with chicken and catupirly cheese. The croquettes melt in your mouth… creamy on the inside combined with a light salsa on the side. Delicious! A favorite!
Tuna Tartare: Fresh tuna, hearts of palm, diced mango, pepper, red onions, potato sticks in a soy reduction sauce. The tuna tartare was light and flavorful, but it could have tasted more fresh if it consisted of more citrus. A good healthy option.
Main Courses
Moqueca a Baiana: A traditional seafood stew consisting of mahi-mahi, shrimp and calamari in a coconut and palm oil broth served a side of rice and dende farofa. The fish stew arrived piping hot in a cast-iron pot. Although I loved the fish in this dish, it was extremely rich and heavy for my taste. All I was able to taste was butter.
Frango Com Quiabo: Organic chicken stew with okra and fresh herbs served with rice. The chicken and okra combination was unique and one that I haven’t ever tried before. Although the chicken was tender and effortlessly fell off the bone, this dish could have been slightly more flavorful.
Dessert
Brigadeiro: Essentially these are Brazilian Chocolate Truffles prepared with condensed milk, butter and chocolate. Seriously, what’s not to love. Decadent, rich, and hit the spot. A favorite!
RESTAURANT REVIEW: Berimbau do Brasil
COST: $$-$$$
CUISINE: Brazilian
FAVORITES: Passion Fruit Caipirinha | Pao de Queijo | Coxinha | Brigadeiro
VERDICT: 4 / 5
If you’re looking to enjoy a good Brazilian meal in an unpretentious setting, head to Berimbau do Brasil NYC. It’s a great place to people watch, just make sure you request seating near the window. Be sure to try some of the popular Brazilian specialties such as Caipirinha, traditional cheese bread, croquettes and truffle chocolates. I hope to visit Brazil someday, but in the meantime it’s nice to enjoy traditional Brazilian cuisine at places such as Berimbau do Brasil.
LOCATION
43 Carmine St., New York City
(west village)
Have you tried Brazilian food? What’s your favorite Brazilian dish
John/Kitchen Riffs says
Love the West Village -- one of my favorite parts of NYC. Don't often have Brazilian food, but this looks wonderful. Fun post -- thanks.
honeywhatscooking says
Me too.. love the West Village. I could walk there for hours. It was good food. 🙂