Churrascaria Ponteio Morumbi — Restaurant in Região Imediata de São Paulo

O serviço foi ruim!

Almost 20 years ago my wife suggested South’s Place for a large gathering and we’ve (family, friends, and colleagues) visited, at least annually, ever since. On 9/7, we took a small group (5 persons) to visit Churrascaria Ponteio – Morumbi and were greatly disappointed at the service.

The waiter missed a drink order from one of our group. Simple to correct. But, when we returned from the buffet, the waiter was irritated when we requested settings for 2-3 of our group. (When the host seated us, the table was missing a few napkins and utensils.)

The buffet had great quality and variety but, we had to wait for staff to clear our previous dishes. It wasn’t until one of the gauchos (garçons) called attention that staff cleared the growing mound of plates.

The garçons were attentive with their selections of meats but, no one returned to our table to inquire about additional drinks. Usually, waiters will pour wine/beer for the adults and open additional bottles (already in ice at the table). No one came to inquire. In fact, we found it difficult to get a waiter’s attention to order additional sodas and juices.

They brought the dessert cart (the adolescents’ favorite part), in the middle of the meal (not yet, please) but, never returned.

I thought, perhaps, we were the only group with such “service” until my wife pointed out an older couple, a few tables away, who appeared to have similar problems. A family (6 -7 persons) at the table next to us were complaining of similar difficulties.

On return from the restroom, I quietly sought management’s attention. The manager confirmed that Churrascaria Ponteio – Morumbi is the latest iteration of South’s Place. I noted the obvious decline in service and I presented my complaints beginning with the question, “Do we have to pay for service (tip)”. He pulled me aside and patiently listened to the story.

The manager asked how he could “improve” our experience. I noted that staff was removing the buffet, they had removed the dessert cart, and that table service had ceased. He promised us improved service at our next visit and, he asked that I post a review, to help “nudge” staff.

The food was great, as I expected. (I missed the bacon-wrapped chicken!) Service was poor. I’ll not host large gatherings as before but, based on this visit, I wouldn’t recommend Churrascaria Ponteio – Morumbi for family dinners either. For me, it was always the service and attention that brought us back.

Perhaps a good way to end this review is to note the words, spoken quietly, by one of the garçons to the staff huddled by the kitchen, “Gentlemen, are we...

Good food, but play area is a major letdown. We came here as we wanted a restaurant with a place for our 3 year old to play. And I wanted meat. This was the only place in the area that I called that had a play area for kids.

The food is good. Better than any O Matuto I have eaten at but not as good as Trevisan in Campinas. I'd give the food and service 4 stars.

It gets three because the play area, while large, is in disrepair. The trampoline has a big hole in the mat, and that's a safety issue. Some of the brinquedos are also not in good condition. So that knocked off one star. My biggest issue with the play area is that it is both unstaffed and not visible from any table in the restaurant. So if my daughter wants to play, one of us has to be in here with here. It's actually so hidden that I found a man in here sneaking...

For all my American friends out there that are looking to travel to São Paulo Brazil. This is the place you want to come and eat for just under $25. It’s all you’ll ever need as a Brazilian barbecue. Keep in mind that this is an all you can eat restaurant (Dessert & Drinks NOT INCLUDED) The food is amazing, the atmosphere is unbelievable, and the service is EXCEPTIONAL. Unmatched by any other restaurant that I have ever visited here in São Paulo or any other region while visiting Brazil. Both waiters Ruan & Cosme were always attentive to us. I cannot stop praising this place or their amazing service. It’s amazing!!! You will have an amazing time and a wonderful experience with them. Thank you so much for the attention and the efforts to maintain our family together in one table. You...