Pampa Brazilian Steakhouse — Restaurant in Calgary

As a quick summary: Do not go if you don't eat pork, it is not worth it given pork is half of the meats they bring to the table. It is very expensive for what you get. This is not a good date spot. You will be happier with the meat at a nice steakhouse or grille.

So... Let's start with the good. The staff were all friendly and it was very clean. And the 'stroganoff' at the salad bar was very good.

Next the Bad, First consider everything in the context of this is supposed to be a nicer restaurant, and is also expensive.

It is very loud, not somewhere I would recommend for a romantic date, or anything where you would want to have conversation, like a family occasion. It is however, not as loud as some places and you can hear those close to you to some degree, I imagine being situated near a corner might...(?) be better). Perhaps within tolerances of a corporate appreciation dinner.

The food was very mediocre. Especially the salad bar, which was the worst part and what they ought to want you to have more of. There was only one pasta salad... And jt was like what you might expect to see at a school potluck from a parent who can't cook. Heavy with the mayo (too much), not particularly interesting ingredients, and unsophisticated flavour. But it at least had more flavour than the potato salads which were also mayo-y and extremely bland. The rest of the salads were similarly unremarkable if not a flavourless waste of ingredients. Frankly, the warm end of the table had the only things really worth eating. That said, nothing was horrible, and the beef 'stroganoff' was quite good. It almost reminded me of more of an un-spicy (heatwise) curry.

The skewers... while the style of serving was unique, and the meat was largely cooked nicely the servers come around quite infrequently. (Again, especially if you don't eat pork). Several of them were disappointing flavour wise, but as it was nicely cooked meat it had that going for it. At the end of the day even if free, I would rather buy a nice steak somewhere rlse.

The deserts were pathetically small. Though one was nice and light (still small). And the newyork style cheesecake uninspiring (though having made many cheesecakes myself perhaps I simply have higher standards).

They did have some good drinks.

Overall, I would give it a 1.5-2. Were the atmosphere more romantic and were there even just some of those decorative foldable walls, it would be better and I would give it another star. Improve the salad bar even just in adjusting the recipes of what is there, I would give it another half star, but better variety (not necessarily more, but better) and it would be a full star.

So were it not for those 2 things we would be looking at 3.5 -4. But the price to quality or the price to quantity would have to improve for me to not then dock points. Providing exceptional value however is an easy shortcut to 5 stars, but likely unrealistic for the number of staff this approach takes.

So would I recommend it? No. Would I go again if free?... Yes, but I would still try to convince them to go to another restaurant. Would I chose to go there? No.

But, I do believe that the unique experience itself has some inherent value and that with a small amount of alterations they could make it vastly...

🥩A Lively and Delicious Experience – Straight from a Brazilian

Pampa Calgary delivers a vibrant, full-of-life dining experience that’s hard to beat. From the moment we walked in, we were met with warm, professional service, there are so many staff circulating that you’re never waiting long for anything. It’s a well-orchestrated rhythm of food and care.

🥩Thank You, Calvin – And the Entire Team

A heartfelt thank-you to Calvin, our host for the evening, and to every server who made this experience exceptional. The attention to detail, friendliness, and genuine care really stood out. It was also a special treat to find that many of the passadores (meat cutters) are Brazilians themselves, bringing authenticity and pride to this true Rodízio experience.

🥩 The Meats: Top Sirloin Reigns Supreme

As a Brazilian, I must say, the picanha (top sirloin cap) is the undisputed queen of the meats. Tender, juicy, packed with flavor, truly the highlight of the evening. Other memorable cuts included the garlic steak, parmesan-crusted pork, and several others that were equally well-prepared and generously served. The grilled pineapple? Always a favorite, sweet, caramelized, and the perfect break in between meats.

🥩 A Word of Advice: Come Hungry

If you’re planning a visit, do yourself a favor—don’t eat much that day (or even the day before!). You’ll want to fully enjoy what you’re paying for: the high-quality meats. And while the salad bar is beautiful and abundant, with plenty of fresh and diverse options, I’d gently encourage guests to go light on the breads and potato dishes. Those are delicious, but they fill you up fast and take away from the main experience.

🥩 One Honest Note: Not a Fan of the Sausage

If I’m honest, the sausage was the only item I didn’t enjoy, mainly due to the strong cumin flavor. It’s not representative of all Brazilian cuisine, and while some may like it, it’s just not for me.

🥩 Atmosphere & Ambiance

The space is modern, clean, and welcoming. A great place to come with friends, colleagues, or family for a celebration or simply to enjoy a good meal together.

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🥩 Final Thoughts & A Word of Blessing

Pampa is a five-star experience in Calgary’s restaurant scene. As someone born into the culture that inspired this restaurant, I’m grateful for places like this that bring people together around the table. May your team be encouraged and strengthened. May the joy of gathering and serving others continue to fuel your success. Keep delighting your guests, one perfect cut at a time.

Muito obrigado! 🇧🇷🥩✨

FIRST REVIEW: Exceptionala Service! High quality cuts of meet and several options for side dishes. The flow of food and service was perfect.

The staff are very friendly. Most meet cutters/waiters are Brazilian (I do not think a good waiter/waitress need to be Brazilian) and this is a good bonus since they understand the “spirit of the rodízio”.

Wishing Pampa Calgary...

We recently had a Christmas Dinner for our business at Pampa for the 3rd time and it ended with tension and as well as disappointment. With exception of 2020, we were there for Christmas dinners on 2019, 2021 and this year. On 2019 we purchase gift cards at Costco for a staff of 20, and we were able to use it towards the bill without any hiccups, and everyone had a fantastic evening. On 2021, the gift cards were not available at Costco, but this year it was. Therefore, we proceeded to use it for this year’s Christmas party like in 2019. The evening was fine until the staff told us there was a $1000 limit in usage of the gift card per party. The owner came to speak to us and said that it clearly stated this rule when we were purchasing the cards at Costco. We told him that there were no signs specifying this limitations and that in 2019, Pampa honoured all the gift cards purchased at Costco without limitations. He than said that he is losing money because of this gift cards and therefore the $1000 limitation was imposed. We told him that there were no details on gift cards at Costco and any other Pampa sites, and therefore it was unreasonable to lay this rule at the last minute. We also told him that to tell us that they are losing money through gift card is irrelevant and unprofessional to clients who purchased the card fair. The conversation was very awkward and was developing into tensions that they were unwilling to listen. Finally, owner of Pampa said that he will compromise by taking the limit up to $1500 instead of $1000…just like that. We were quite surprised by his changes in rules spontaneously without legitimate posted rules at their restaurant and Costco. We decided to end the night without more friction. Also, we made this Christmas dinner reservation in advance and specifically requested 6pm. Pampa called a week ago and said that we had to move our time to 7-8pm because there was larger party who wants our time. We told them the time and date was previously confirmed and we cannot to agree to their request to change our time because they have a larger party who wants our time. Pampa then said to keep our time. These two things that we experienced with Pampa, left us with disappointment and as well feeling of not wanting to come to this restaurant in the future.

Previously, we have enjoyed Pampa’s food, service and ambience who regularly gave them businesses. However, these two unprofessional experiences have confirmed that we will be doing...