The Grill From Ipanema — Restaurant in Washington

My parents were in town and I wanted to take them somewhere special to enjoy a nice, family-oriented, but classy dinner. (Plus, it was also my step dad's birthday.)

I had visited "The Grill from Ipanema" once before during FIFA for the game and fell in love with the drinks and appetizers. Since it was restaurant week, I thought it would be another good chance to try more of the menu items. Let me just say...The Grill did not disappoint.

First, there is something to be said about a restaurant that can infuse flavors perfectly and taste like every ingredient (down the spices) were chopped fresh for each dish. This was the case of The Grill.

I dine out a lot in DC -- from upscale to casual and The Grill is on par w/ the freshest tasting foods of the 5 star restaurants in the area, minus the 5 star price.

Secondly, the ambiance of the staff and venue are very special. Imagine going to dinner at a traditional Latin family's home where they bring out the best linens, dishes and service they have. The tables had white tablecloths and napkins, candlelight for dinner, and the "Grill/Cafe" ambiance that makes you feel comfortable enough to wear a summer dress, or come a bit more casual.

The manager/co-owner (ESTER) visited our table several times and told us stories about the history of the food and the flavors of Brasil. She kept a watchful eye to ensure our dining experience was special and enjoyable. Our waiter (ALEX) was attentive and upbeat. He anticipated all our needs and was able to make several menu suggestions. Together (and without asking) they surprised my step dad with a candle and birthday dessert...then they sang to him. It was very sweet and he felt special.

Food - was amazing! We sampled a variety of Brazilian food since it was restaurant week. Our favorites were the Paella, the Galinha com cameroes, and grilled meats. Probably the coffee and desserts are also some of the best in the area. FRESH,...

One Word - BUGS! I recently dined at the Grill from Ipanema on Valentine's Day, this past Friday. After making prior reservations for our romantic dinner, we were seated next to a couple with toddler and in front of the bathroom. The hostess refused to move us to a different table, even though there were several open tables available - our reservations were at 9:45pm (so not to many other tables were going to come in after). We heard the couple next to us, complain about a majority of things until they mentioned seeing bugs on their food. My date and I couldn't see on their table, so we decided to give the restaurant the benefit of the doubt- even after they demanded the food be removed from their check and left. I ordered the Coxinha de Galinha, which smelled amazing but as I was biting into the croquette, two bugs emerged from the inside and crawled up my fork. Then I looked down on my plate, and there were SEVERAL BUGS sharing my plate with me. I immediately alerted the waitress, and she apologized and removed my plate. She was very nice and offered to move us to any table that I requested. She called the hostess, who once again was giving us a hard time on moving to another area, even after being made aware that there were bugs on the tables in our area. I had to remind her that she had to be accommodating to customers, especially in this type of situation. After going back and forth, the waitress finally convinced the hostess to move us to the front end of the restaurant. Never once did a manager come to apologize for the BUGS, and we were charged for every plate and drink, including our appetizers with BUGS. I am never returning to this establishment, especially after dealing with a difficult hostess and interesting...

A Taste of Brazil - Unforgettable Dining Experience!

I recently dined at The Grill from Ipanema and it was nothing short of exceptional! From the moment I stepped in, the vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality made me feel as though I had been transported to Brazil.

The food was the true star of the evening. The menu offered an array of authentic Brazilian dishes that were packed with flavor and creativity. The muqueca was melt-in-your-mouth delicious, a perfect starter that set the tone for the rest of the meal. The highlight, though, was the churrasco. The meat was perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection—juicy, tender, and served right off the skewer! Each cut had a unique flavor, and the variety kept things exciting throughout the meal.

To complement the savory dishes, the restaurant also had an impressive selection of sides like feijoada (a traditional black bean stew) and farofa, both bursting with flavor. The drinks were equally outstanding, with their caipirinha being one of the best I’ve ever had.

What really stood out was the impeccable service. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable, guiding us through the menu and offering great recommendations. They were attentive without being intrusive, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.

For anyone looking to indulge in Brazilian cuisine, The Grill from Ipanema is an absolute must-visit. From the authentic flavors to the inviting atmosphere, every aspect of this restaurant left me wanting to return for more. Highly recommend!

This review highlights key aspects like the food, service, and atmosphere to give a comprehensive yet personal take on...