Houston • Brazilian steakhouse
Chama Gaúcha Houston: Ribeye, Endless Meat Service & Bread I Couldn’t Stop Eating
I hadn’t been to Chama Gaúcha in years, so I went back for lunch to see how it compared with what I remembered. The meat was better than I expected, but that little cheese bread kept stealing my attention. I may have filled up on it before trying every cut!
What I ate
Salad bar and ceviche
I started with a few things from the salad bar, including beets, asparagus, cheese, salami and white-fish ceviche. The ceviche was my favorite of that first plate. It had just the right amount of lime, with avocado, onion, tomato and cucumber.
Later I tried shrimp ceviche, bacon and smoked salmon. The shrimp ceviche was juicy and bright. I still prefer fresh salmon to smoked salmon, but this one wasn’t bad.
Ribeye and chicken
I asked for rare ribeye, and it was soft, tender and nicely salted. I’d expected something tougher or blander, so this was a good surprise. I also liked it with the green herb sauce.
And yes, I got a chicken wing at a steakhouse. I can’t help it! It had a nice charred outside and a sweet, tangy marinade. I really enjoyed it.
Lamb chop and shrimp
The lamb chop had a nice lemony flavor and no gaminess, but my piece was a little tough. The shrimp was cooked well, although the seasoning was a little heavy for me.
Cheese bread and sides
The bread was fluffy and cheesy with a chewy center. It came out fresh, and I kept telling myself I’d have just one more. By my fifth piece, I knew I’d used up a lot of room that could have gone toward more meat.
I also tried grilled cheese with honey, which worked surprisingly well together. The mashed potatoes were fine, though I would have liked them creamier and more garlicky.
How much was it?
- Lunch: $52 per person before tax and tip during my December 2024 visit
- Included: Unlimited meat service and the salad bar
I thought that was pricey for lunch, but reasonable for an occasional splurge or special occasion. Check Chama Gaúcha’s Houston page for current pricing and meat selections.
What would I order again?
The ribeye, white-fish ceviche and cheese bread. I liked the chicken, too. Next time I’d try to pace myself with the bread so I could sample more of the meats.
Restaurant details
Restaurant: Chama Gaúcha
Area: Houston / Westheimer
Address: 5865 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77057
Cuisine: Brazilian steakhouse
Best for: A hearty lunch or special-occasion meal
At the table, the green side of the card signaled that I was ready for more meat. Turning it red gave me a break to eat what was already on my plate.
Use the map to plan your visit and confirm its hours.