This Is the Best Buffet in Arizona, Known for Its Brazilian Cuisine

It's not often I visit a buffet, but I do enjoy them for the variety, especially when it comes to a particular international cuisine I've never tried before. Recently, I realized I had never had Brazilian cuisine, specifically churrasco (barbecue), but I was curious to try it, and someone recommended Rodizio Grill in North Scottsdale. So, during the holidays, my husband and I made a reservation for a date night and, I have to say, we loved everything about it!

Rodizio Grill is known as "America's First Brazilian Steakhouse," with several locations nationwide, including two in Arizona. While there's one in Mesa, we opted to dine at the North Scottsdale location. Like me, maybe you've seen the Rodizio Grill sign just before the Tatum exit on the 101 heading east. It is located on Mayo Boulevard in a strip mall next to Trevor's Liquor, in the same parking lot as the Harkins 101 movie theater.

Rodizio Grill is a churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) serving churrasco, or grilled meats. Instead of ordering off a menu at Rodizio Grill, you pay per person, choosing either the Full Rodizio, which includes the rotisserie meats cut tableside as well as the buffet of unlimited sides and salads, or the Unlimited Brazilian Sides & Gourmet Salads. The Full Rodizio is set at a higher price point than the sides and salads options due to its inclusion of meats. I opted for the sides and salads while my husband chose the Full Rodizio.

Our server explained how it all worked—we can go up to the buffet for salads and sides at any time, as many times as we'd like. She showed my husband how the red- and green-colored marker on the table worked—the green end alerts the Rodizio “Gauchos," or meat servers, to bring meat to the table, while the red end meant that no meat was needed at the time.

The first thing we did was head to the buffet area. It's an ample space with several areas that include starches, fresh salads, and fruits. We grabbed plates and placed small amounts of as many items as we could fit on our dishes this first go-around. With an overwhelming number of items to choose from, I knew I'd be back at least one or two more times! We sat back down at our table and dove into what was on our plates.

Throughout my dining experience at Rodizio Grill, I enjoyed a variety of dishes, including Brazilian polenta, cinnamon-glazed bananas, Pão de Queijo (cheese bread made with yucca and a blend of cheeses), fresh mozzarella salad, shrimp ceviche, pickled beet salad, strawberries and blueberries with shredded coconut, and several other dishes. Everything was fresh and delicious!

My husband also enjoyed the salads and sides as well as the rotating procession of meats that arrived at the table whenever the wood marker was green side up. The Maminha, or tri-tip, was among his favorites. However, he also enjoyed the Bife com Parmesão (parmesan sirloin steak), Frango Com Bacon (bacon-wrapped chicken), and Galeto (slow-roasted chicken thighs).

After we finished our meal, the server came around to discuss dessert, which is not included in the price. We were stuffed and politely declined, although the gluten-free chocolate mousse torte sounded quite tempting! Maybe we will try it next time...

Have you ever had Brazilian cuisine or tried the churrascaria and buffet at Rodizio Grill? To view a menu and make a reservation (which I highly recommend as this is a busy place!), visit the Rodizio Grill website. While you're in North Scottsdale, make sure to visit the world-class Musical Instrument Museum to peruse its galleries or take in a concert—it's located just a few miles south of Rodizio Grill.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Scottsdale using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.