It would be bad form to have a World Cup-focused issue and not talk about the incredible food that one can find in the back alleys of Rio and the rest of Brazil. But since you’re not in Rio, we’ve compiled a quick roundup of a few local spots in the Hub to head to when looking nosh like a native.
Muqueca Restaurant
Clay pot cooking is a long-standing tradition in Brazil, and you can land a fantastic traditional fish stew here. The seafood is poached in a rich broth seasoned with tomatoes, cilantro, onions, olive oil, annatto (a natural coloring seed), and coconut milk with fish and shrimp, fish, shrimp and mussels, or a combo of the three. Always go for the threesome.
1008 CAMBRIDGE ST., CAMBRIDGE, 617-354-3296, MUQUECARESTAURANT.COM
Gauchao Brazilian Cuisine
A favorite among locals and Brazilian transplants (most of the staff speak little to no English), this super casual house of grand piles of sizzling meat is also loved for its interesting authentic stews, beans, and fried plantains from the buffet, featuring daily fresh desserts.
102 BROADWAY, SOMERVILLE. 617-625-6100.
Oasis Brazilian Restaurant
Cheap eats and daily specials have been filling stomachs and causing meat sweats in Medford denizens for some time now, and the simple décor is dwarfed by the loads of flavor coming from the different options for Brazilian BBQ. Tip: Go for the 22oz Picanha Inteira steak. Or don’t. Freedom is great.
373 MAIN ST., MEDFORD. 781-396-8337. NEWOASISRESTAURANT.COM
Midwest Grill
A Cambridge staple since 1993 for killer Brazilian BBQ and all the kielbasa, chicken hearts, lamb, and Brazilian sausage your gullet can handle. The Rodizio style is the way to go for hot protein that comes via waiters wielding long skewers full of meat off the grill, which you’ll take down until you tap out.
1124 CAMBRIDGE ST., CAMBRIDGE. 617-354-7536. MIDWESTGRILLRESTAURANT.COM
Braza Bar and Grill
An Everett-y family-owned restaurant and nightclub with raucous live Brazilian bands. We’d like to imagine that if a fight breaks out there it’s required to happen by way of Capoeira. Anyway, Brazilian nightclub.
158 SCHOOL ST., EVERETT. 617-544-3772. BRAZABARANDGRILL.COM