FOGO South American BBQ Experience — Restaurant in South Island

I am giving my experience one star because I have to, not that this place deserves it. Had an absolutely awful experience with this place. I don't know how they would have kept that place opened, these people had no idea what customer service is. So my boyfriend and I were in town looking for a place to dine in this evening. Their sign and the decorative menu caught our eye. We were originally looking for Japanese food, but the menu looked very interesting so we abandoned our original plan. We went up the stairs and stood in front of the reception desk. There were around 2 or 3 tables of guests so NOT BUSY AT ALL. There were 5 chefs in the kitchen talking, and one girl standing behind the bar. We stood there for at least half a minute with NO acknowledgement from the staff. I made eye contact with the girl and the chefs were literally just a few meters behind the reception. I've been working in the hospitality industry for over 7 years now and love to go out to dine and tonight was the most shocking experience I've ever encountered. Customers come first!!!!!!!! Doesn't matter if you are busy or not or not busy at all, you greet them when they walk in!!!!!!! It's that simple. Just say something like "welcome, sorry we are busy at the moment, be with you shortly". Not that difficult! Whereas tonight there were 6 staff at this place with a mouth that appeared too shy to even do some greeting. We of course walked out after no one came to us, even though a lady chased after but that was just too late. The first impression is done, we haven't tasted the food, and we are not interested anymore. Would I ever visit that place...

Although we’ve been to Queenstown many times this was our first time trying Fogo Brazilian BBQ. It did not disappoint. From online booking through to payment everything was easy. Upon arrival to the restaurant (wonderful atmosphere) we were greeted by the friendly staff who were from all around the world (NZ, Australia, Italy and more). Although we were early we were promptly taken to our table, nice and cosy on the balcony that overlooked the bustling street below. We opted for the “All you can eat” experience at NZ$76.95 each. We were served sauces and salads almost immediately and the meats, of which there is more than 10 varieties, started arriving. No matter your preference, you are guaranteed to find something tasty! There was at least 5 different staff who often checked in on us, asking if we were okay, how was the food, did we need anything else etc. We felt so cared for. My husband is a big eater and he was more than satisfied. The BBQ cinnamon pineapple is a must to finish. We were so full but the BBQ pineapple seemed to settle our stomachs. Greta recommended the Brazilian cocktail Caipirinha and boy oh boy it was delicious! Hubby had the non-alcoholic berry blast and loved that too. We went back to our hotel drunk on the food experience. We will be back, and we will tell all our friends and family about this place too....

As Queenstown battles with a staffing crisis, Fogo's stands as a reminder of what separates a great meal from a true dining experience. We booked a Regular Table and opted for the All You Can Eat, but my partner can't eat any pork dishes which were about a quarter of the plates on offer.

We expected to make up for this ourselves, and to just say no to pork dishes as they were offered to the table. Their team went far beyond this to make sure we had a fantastic time.

We were not once offered a dish that wasn't halal, and the owner John came over not long after to inform us that the kitchen was specially preparing a chicken dish that wasn't on the menu to make up for the missing options.

Over the course of the evening, we were delivered two plates of delicious spiced chicken, and countless other delicious cuts of meat fresh from the kitchen, without a hitch. Every staff member that served us was polite, attentive, and a joy to talk to.

Eating here reminded me that visiting a restaurant isn't just about great food - of which there was plenty - but that it's also about creating an atmosphere and setting which leaves you feeling like royalty. It's rare to dine at a restaurant with dietary requirements and not feel like a burden. Fogo's was a breath of fresh...