Viva Brazil Cardiff is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse situated on St Mary Street in Cardiff. The restaurant offers a rodízio-style dining experience, featuring over 15 different cuts of beef, lamb, chicken, pork, and sausages, all slow-roasted over a charcoal barbecue and carved at the table by 'Passadors'. Accompaniments include garlic mashed potatoes, polenta, fried banana, artisan cheese breads, and a selection of seasonal salads and side orders available from the buffet station. The wine list boasts more than 100 bins, and the cocktail menu includes the traditional Brazilian Caipirinha. The venue also hosts live music and samba dancers, bringing the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of South America to Cardiff.
What each source says
- Google 4.5 4,057
- Tripadvisor 4.5 3,975
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Attentive and Friendly Service Many reviewers highlighted the exceptional service, noting staff members like Dunia, Andrea, and others for being particularly attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable. They go above and beyond to explain the menu and accommodate dietary needs.
- Excellent Value for Money Many found the restaurant to be excellent value, particularly the lunchtime menu. With unlimited food options and attentive service, the price point is attractive for the quantity and quality offered.
- Extensive Meat Selection Enjoy a wide variety of expertly cooked meats, with servers regularly offering different cuts directly at your table. The unique dining experience allows you to sample many options, cooked on a barbecue and seasoned perfectly.
- Great Atmosphere The restaurant offers a lively and enjoyable ambiance, perfect for special occasions or a fun night out. The combination of the delicious food, attentive service, and vibrant atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience.
- High-Quality Buffet The salad bar features a vast selection of sides, including garlic mash, mushrooms, and diverse salads. The buffet is well-maintained, and items are constantly replenished, ensuring fresh and appealing accompaniments to the meat.
Criticised
- Can Feel a Little Grubby Some reviewers have commented that the restaurant can feel a little tired and grubby. This suggests that the restaurant could benefit from some updating, and a more thorough clean.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praised the food, some reviewers found certain meats to be too salty or tough. Buffet items can sometimes be dry, indicating potential inconsistencies in food preparation.
- Noise Levels Can Be High Some customers have noted that the restaurant can be very noisy, making it difficult to have conversations. This can detract from the overall dining experience if you are looking for a quiet meal.
- Seating Issues Some reported awkward table layouts or being seated near large, noisy groups. While not a consistent issue, it could affect the overall enjoyment of the meal depending on where you are seated.
- Service Can Be Rushed A few reviewers mentioned feeling rushed during their meal, with staff being too quick to clear plates or ask if they were finished. This can make the dining experience feel less relaxed and enjoyable.
The longer read
Viva Brazil Cardiff receives high praise for its unique dining experience, featuring a wide variety of meats and a substantial salad bar. Many reviewers highlight the all-you-can-eat rodizio style, where servers bring different cuts of meat to the table frequently, allowing diners to sample a wide array of options. The picanha steak, rump steak, garlic steak and lamb are frequently mentioned as standout choices. The cinnamon pineapple is also a popular item. Most reviewers find the meat to be cooked well and flavorful. The salad bar offers a vast selection of sides, including garlic mashed potatoes, crispy fried polenta, and various salads, with many noting the freshness and quality of the offerings. Several reviewers specifically mention the restaurant's attentiveness to dietary needs, particularly gluten allergies, with staff readily providing allergen information. Many reviewers also talk about the value for money. The restaurant is noted to be gorgeous and classy inside. A green/red coaster system allows diners to control the flow of meat service. Several reviewers commended particular staff members, including Dunia, Keyla, Andrea, Giovanna, Alex, Robyn, Divain, Donia, Luiz, Ivin, Taiwo, Claudio, Danae and Lucy for their exceptional service, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor, making the dining experience more enjoyable. Some reviewers mentioned that the restaurant can be quite busy, especially on weekends, and recommend booking in advance. A few reviewers mentioned that the noise level can be high, making conversation difficult. A small number of reviews mention that some meats were too salty. Some found the venue to be a little grubby and tired and in need of updating.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 29 2022 0255
- Website
- vivabrazilrestaurants.com/cardiff
| Mon | 12:00 - 21:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 22:30 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 59 places to eat we hold for Cardiff, where the most-reviewed is The Ivy Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- How does the rodízio dining experience work at Viva Brazil Cardiff?
- What is the typical duration of a dinner at Viva Brazil Cardiff, considering the endless meat service?
- Does Viva Brazil Cardiff have any dress code requirements or recommendations for diners?
- Do you need to book a table in advance at Viva Brazil Cardiff, especially on weekends?
- What types of side dishes and salads are available at the buffet station of Viva Brazil Cardiff?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.