Although Toronto boasts numerous authentic Brazilian steakhouses, such as popular choices like Copacabana and Rodeo, the city’s midtown area has recently welcomed two new Brazilian spots offering a new take on the country’s cuisine.

Samba Brazil Eatery

In July, Samba Brazil Eatery opened at 2109 Yonge Street. Owned by Brazilian native Paulo Canabrava, here you’ll find an array of both sweet and savoury pastels, along with other popular Brazilian street foods. For those not in the know, pastels are fried pastries most commonly filled with an assortment of ingredients including cheese, chicken, shrimp, hearts of palms or ground beef. Sweet variations often featuring ingredients like chocolate, bananas, or guava jam. However, these sweet versions are not as prevalent as their savoury counterparts. Other popular menu items include coxinha, a tear-drop shaped croquette, filled with chicken, cheese and broth and for something sweet, the traditional Brazilian dessert brigadeiro, a bite-size chocolate sweet that falls somewhere between a bonbon and a truffle. This is the third location for Samba — they also have locations on St. Clair and another inside the World Food Market near Yonge and Dundas Square. “I want to sincerely thank the entire Brazilian community which, since day one back in 2019, has supported and encouraged us to keep bringing our warmth and wonderful cuisine to these chilly lands,” Canabrava captioned a post on Instagram. 2109 Yonge St.

Açaí Concept

Açaí, a quintessentially Brazilian fruit, stands out as one of the most delicious and most popular choices among Brazilians. Beyond its taste, this fruit offers a wealth of health benefits. It’s praised as an antioxidant, aiding in reducing inflammation, regulating blood sugar and boosting the immune system. Recently opened Açaí Concept in Toronto crafts South-American inspired smoothie bowls and juices as well as savoury and sweet crepes like the ham and cheese or the banana and cinnamon. They also offer Brazilian bites, including cheese buns and croquettes. 2039 Yonge St.