Bamboo Island Bar — Restaurant in Brandenton Beach

This is my third time in the area and only discovered this place on this trip. My girlfriend is Brazilian so when I saw the description of Brazilian Fusion, I suggested we try it because it seemed like a very nice place. We were very pleasantly surprised. We had a very nice dinner, reasonably priced for the quality, ambience, and service. The owners are a family and they were extremely welcoming. Of course they loved speaking Portuguese with my girlfriend, but they also spoke with me. The owners really care and put a lot of effort into their place, and it’s challenging to maintain a good restaurant presence here as there are a lot of options in the area.

Some reviewers are saying it’s overpriced, but given the above I think the prices are reasonable; they are not the cheapest but if you want cheap, you can go somewhere else. Compared to some of the other nice restaurants on the island, it is definitely not the most expensive. My girlfriend says the food is authentically Brazilian, flavorful, and good. As a “fusion” restaurant they also have other items and combinations.

Very coincidentally, we met some other Brazilians the next day and we told them we had already pre-reserved a spot for their NYE dinner, which we thought would be a good option. We invited them to join us and they agreed so we all had a very nice time. It was a prix fixe menu and it was great: nice decorations, 5-course meal with wine (entree pic below), live music, everything was prepared well, served in a relaxed pace so you can sit and enjoy and not be rushed, which is also very Brazilian.

The only thing to note that is not in the menu is that they only have a beer/wine license and not a liquor license so the drinks are not as strong as you might expect, so the Caipirinhas are made with 40 proof vodka and not traditional cachaça, but they are still pretty authentic.

To the owners: thanks for a great time. Good luck and we will see you...

Rating: ★★★★★ (5 out of 5 stars)

Bamboo Island Bar and Grill is an absolute gem, a family-run treasure that blends their rich culinary heritage of Brazil with an eclectic mix of flavors inspired by a lifetime of travel. From start to finish, our experience was nothing short of spectacular.

The appetizers alone were worth the visit. The octopus was tender and perfectly seasoned, the buffalo chicken croquets were packed with flavor and just the right amount of kick, and the cheese-filled bread bites paired with a sour cream and cherry chutney, were unlike anything we’ve ever tasted. Even the complimentary fresh bread was delicious, setting the tone for what was to come.

Service was truly top-notch. Our server struck the perfect balance of professionalism and personality, providing vivid descriptions of the menu, thoughtful recommendations, and engaging banter throughout the evening. We never once felt rushed or neglected.

The setting was equally impressive. We enjoyed our meal outside with a stunning waterfront view, which only added to the charm and warmth of the evening.

For our entrées, my Brazilian steak platter was absolutely sublime, tender, flavorful, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect, complemented by sides that were just as thoughtfully prepared. My wife and daughter both raved about their seafood and pasta dishes, each bite reflecting care, creativity, and incredible taste.

The entire evening felt special, one of those rare dining experiences where every detail aligns to create something memorable. It was so good, I gladly doubled the bill as a token of appreciation. We will definitely be back, and I honestly can’t recommend Bamboo Island Bar and Grill highly enough. If you’re anywhere nearby,...

Hey you guys.....this is the Mojito Guy! I'm missing you all and your great food and drinks. A big shout out to Francesca, Romina and Rafaela. You three are the engine room of this great restaurant and if I could have brought you home with me I would have done 😍.

The chefs behind the scenes produce excellent food but the finishing touch is what you three bring to the client........personality, humour, a great smile and above all care for each diners experience so that it is the best it could be.

The sign at the bottom of the steps saying that it is the best Mojito in town is not a boast. I have experience Mojitos on four continents (including my own mix) and yours is the best Rafaela!

On our first night we shared Ipanema for our starter followed by Rio and Marseille. On our second visit we enjoyed Machu Picchu as a starter and Anna Maria. On both occasions the food was amazing. The menu reflects food from around the world and is very different from American Grill/BBQ style, it is a refreshing change. On our third visit we just had Mojitos 🍹and stumbled home.

Anyway.....I don't want you to forget me. The table setting you put out for me was amazing (pic attached) and you made me and my wife feel very welcome and valued.

In the famous cinematic words of the great Arnold Schwarzenegger..........I will be back! In fact I will be back next year (2023) at the end of April. Get ready with the Mojitos Rafaela and Francesca and Romina get ready with your wonderful smiles and service.

Hasta La Vista!

The...