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The restaurant is like a Brasilian churrascaria where the staff keeps serving meat to you until say no or just drop dead. There is also a salad buffet to go with the various meats or to be enjoyed by vegetarians. The salad buffet includes the traditional rice, black beans, farofa and pao de queijo.
You have to be a meat lover to really enjoy the experience here because it keeps coming fast and a plentiful. You will be served all kinds of meat and various cuts so feel free to ask the churrasqueiro about the piece that is in front of you.
There will be pork and chicken sausages, chicken wings legs and hearts, pork filet and rump steak and the best of all, the picanha (skirt steak). The special Brasilian cut that I understand is a mix of beef back and rump.
Various typical Brasilian delicacies and beverages are available so you can come here if you miss them too much or just want to try them for the first time. Caipirinha is a very simple yet potent Brasilian cocktail, made from sugar, lime, ice and pinga. Guarana is the wonderfully different soft drink that could become as big as Coca-cola if it was more heavily marketed. Then there is the pao de queijo (cheese bread) that is made from tapioca flour and has a wonderfully gooey texture.
Rodizio Rico is the best churrascaria experience in London but if you have been to a good churrascaria in Brasil (especially Sao Paulo) you will be disappointed by the quality of the meat and the rather small choice at the salad bar. If you want better quality meat and will not miss Brasilian atmosphere then check out one of the Gaucho restaurants instead, eg the one in South Kensington.
A meat buffet (all you can eat) is around £18 and with drinks on top of that expect a bill of £25-30 per person.
Update 09/03/2004
We went to Rodizio Rico the other day just to notice how much worse things had gotten. It was Sunday lunch time which may be a little excuse but not really.
During our two hours we were not served a single piece of meat, just chicken and sausages. This is unheard of. Only after heavy complaining and threatening with only paying the vegetarian price were we served our deserved picanha.
The black beans were mainly brown water with a few beans swimming around, disgrace.
The Caipirinha tasted just like sugary lemonade. Even the Brahma Guarana had been replaced by an unknown, Portuguese (!) version called Guarana Brasil.

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Every weekday there are short salsa classes followed by some serious dancing. Saturday evenings it seems like they throw in some popular music as well, even if in a rather peculiar mix. You better not be the jealous type because there are always some very good dancers around.
Don’t worry if you are odd couples as there are always individuals keen to steal a dance or two.
Best way to enjoy the food is by ordering many tapas (small dishes) and share among friends. Choose between fajitas, marinated potatoes, sausages, salads and don’t forget to try some traditional black beans.
A Cuban place would not be complete without some nice cigars and Bar Cuba does not disappoint. At somewhat high price unfortunately; cigars start at £10 a piece.
Busy little place if you are in the mood for Latin food, drinks and dancing.
11-13 Kensington High Street, W8 5NP, London
Tel: 020 79384137
Tube: High St Kensington

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We are regular visitors to Vama because of the high quality of food and the nice decor.
While I have tasted more authentic Indian food in London I still prefer the mellow yet succulent dishes of Vama. If you are new to Indian food, you can’t go wrong with the chicken Tikka and some garlic Naan (bread). Ask to for a spicy version if you prefer your food hot.
Other options on the menu include salmon, tiger prawns and lamb. As always in Indian restaurants, vegetarians are well catered for as well.
The restaurant has two levels where the ground (main) floor is more popular. If you book early in the summer, you might get the popular table by the large open windows.
Come well dressed as the other guests usually do. Jeans and Rugby shirt was ok for me last night but I did not feel comfortable.
web: Vama
438 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW10 0LJ (map)
Tel: 020 7351 4118
Tube Station: South Kensington

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This is the most romantic restaurant in London without doubt. The light is very dim and the atmosphere is oozing of French country side. Baskets full of roses hanging down from the ceiling and farming items hanging on the walls. Cozy sofas you can disappear into.
The place is crowded and an early reservation is a must. During our meal we saw several disappointed companies that had come without reservation and were not able to get a table.
It’s good to know at least a bit of French as the menu is all in the French and the staff doesn’t seem to realise it’s London; they speak French too. If in trouble, go for the tuna steak (thon cru), it’s grand.
The menu is fairly small which makes it easier picking a dish. I prefer smaller menus full of delicacies to large manus where you have to look for something nice. The main dishes are around £15.
About the staff: they are very French. If you are lucky, and they like you, you end up being served very well and recommended food and getting extras. If on the other hand you start of wrong with them, it will probably spoil your night. You have been warned 🙂
31 Ebury Street, London, SW1W 8UT (map)
Nearest Tube Station: Sloane Square
Tel: 020 7730 7763

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