Rei Do Gado
Brazilian Steak House
About us
Since opening our doors in 1999, Rei Do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse has been dedicated to bringing the authentic spirit, flavor, and hospitality of Brazil to downtown San Diego. For more than 27 years, we have proudly remained San Diego’s first churrascaria and the only Brazilian steakhouse in the city grilling over authentic mesquite charcoal.
At the heart of Rei Do Gado is our traditional rodízio experience. Throughout your meal, our Gaucho chefs move from table to table with skewers of freshly grilled meats, carving each selection directly onto your plate. From Picanha, Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Skirt Steak, and Alcatra to lamb, Brazilian sausage, chicken, and other specialties, guests are invited to enjoy an unlimited variety at their own pace.
Our approach to churrasco is intentionally simple and authentic. Most of our beef is seasoned only with coarse rock salt before meeting the intense heat and natural smoke of our mesquite fire. Our Cupim, a traditional Brazilian beef specialty, is prepared with salt and butter, wrapped in foil and slow-cooked for approximately six hours before being finished over the open flame. Lamb is marinated with herbs and white wine, while our chicken thighs are marinated in beer and herbs, roasted over the fire, and finished with melted cheese.
The experience extends far beyond steak. Guests can discover authentic Brazilian chicken hearts, fire-grilled queijo coalho, our famous warm pão de queijo, a fresh gourmet salad bar, traditional hot dishes, seafood selections, and homemade desserts. For those looking to make the evening even more memorable, premium additions such as Wagyu, Tomahawk steak, roasted bone marrow, shrimp cocktail, and lobster tail offer another level of indulgence.
Our bar was designed to complement the bold flavors coming from the grill, featuring personalized craft cocktails created for Rei Do Gado, classic Brazilian drinks, top-shelf spirits, select whiskeys, and a carefully chosen collection of fine wines.
Rei Do Gado is also a story about people. Some members of our team have been with us since our earliest years, carrying forward the warmth, experience, and genuine hospitality that have helped make the restaurant a San Diego tradition.
Following an extensive restoration, Rei Do Gado is now more beautiful than ever. Our renewed dining room combines elegance and warmth with the energy and theater of a traditional Brazilian churrascaria—the glow of the fire, the aroma of mesquite charcoal, Gauchos moving throughout the room, and the anticipation of the next cut arriving at your table.
Whether joining us for a romantic evening, family dinner, birthday, anniversary, business gathering, or special celebration, Rei Do Gado is more than a place to eat. It is an experience built around fire, flavor, abundance, and hospitality.
From the first warm pão de queijo to the final carving of Picanha, every visit is an invitation to slow down, enjoy the table, and experience the tradition of Brazilian churrasco the Rei Do Gado way.
About us
Since opening our doors in 1999, Rei Do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse has been dedicated to bringing the authentic spirit, flavor, and hospitality of Brazil to downtown San Diego. For more than 27 years, we have proudly remained San Diego’s first churrascaria and the only Brazilian steakhouse in the city grilling over authentic mesquite charcoal.