Fogo de Chão

The story

Fogo de Chão San Jose | Brazilian Steakhouse on Santana Row

The Art of Churrasco

Since 1979, Fogo de Chão has honored the culinary tradition of churrasco, the Brazilian way of grilling. The restaurant’s roots trace to a family farm in the mountainous Rio Grande do Sul, where the founders learned to cook over open flames. After formal training as churrasqueiros in Rio and São Paulo, they opened their first restaurant—a wooden structure near Porto Alegre—that quickly drew a following from politicians, businessmen, and celebrities. That same dedication to quality and heritage now lives on Santana Row in San Jose.

What to Expect

This Brazilian steakhouse brings the full churrasco experience: servers circulate with fire-roasted cuts of beef, lamb, and pork, carved tableside. The menu also features a fresh, seasonal Market Table with salads, vegetables, and imported cheeses, plus Bar Fogo for Brazilian-inspired small plates and cocktails. The dining room is designed for both lively gatherings and quiet meals, with outdoor seating available.

A Wine Program Worth Noting

Fogo de Chão’s San Jose location earned a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2016, a nod to a thoughtfully curated list that includes South American reds and the Founders Tribute Wine Collection. Wines like the Jorjão Reserva Malbec and the 100-point VIK Red Blend are selected to pair directly with the menu’s signature cuts—Picanha, Fraldinha, Wagyu New York Strip, and more. The restaurant also hosts special wine dinners, pairing chef-curated courses with premium vintages.

The Tradition Continues

Every detail at Fogo de Chão, from the market-fresh sides to the slow-roasted beef ribs, reflects the founders’ commitment to the churrasco craft. The San Jose outpost is part of a global journey that began in Brazil and expanded to the U.S. with a Dallas debut in the late 1990s. Today, the restaurant remains a place where the fire is always ready, and the flavors of southern Brazil are served with warmth and precision.