Fogo de Chão

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Rooted in Rio Grande do Sul

The story behind Fogo de Chão begins on a traditional farm in the Serra Gaúcha, the mountainous highlands of southern Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul. The founding brothers grew up cooking in the churrasco tradition, then left for Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to pursue formal churrasqueiro training before opening their first restaurant in Porto Alegre in 1979. Word spread quickly among politicians, businessmen, and celebrities who traveled from across Brazil to experience it. A second location followed in São Paulo, and eventually — at the request of loyal American guests — the concept crossed the Atlantic to debut in Dallas, Texas. Today, the Thousand Oaks location on Thousand Oaks Blvd. carries that same flame.

The Churrasco Experience

At the heart of every visit is the full churrasco experience: gaucho-trained servers carving fire-roasted cuts tableside in an unbroken procession. Signature Brazilian cuts like Picanha (prime top sirloin) and Fraldinha (bottom sirloin) anchor the menu, joined by indulgent options including Wagyu New York Strip and Beef Ancho Bone-in Ribeye. Alongside the churrasco, a freshly curated seasonal Market Table brings brightness and balance to the meal. Bar Fogo rounds out the experience with Brazilian-inspired small plates and cocktails — including the Caipirinha, Brazil's national drink.

Wine Worth the Recognition

The Thousand Oaks location earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2024, a reflection of a wine program that takes South American pairings seriously. The house Founders Tribute Wine Collection spans a Reserva Malbec from Mendoza, two red blends from Chile's Cachapoal Valley, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from California's Alexander Valley — each matched to specific cuts on the menu. The restaurant also hosts curated wine dinners pairing premium vintages with multi-course churrasco menus, making it a genuine destination for wine and Brazilian steakhouse enthusiasts alike.

Gathering and Celebration

The Thousand Oaks location is well set up for groups, with private dining, full catering, and outdoor seating available. Whether the occasion is a business dinner, a birthday, or a large celebration, the space and the format — abundant, convivial, built around the table — lend themselves naturally to it.