The Place
A pioneer in the world of South American meat, Latina first introduced Brazilian cuisine to China in 1998 when it opened its flagship location in Lujiazui.
Traditionally trained chefs and servers bring the freshest cuts of BBQ'd meats straight to your table and slice it to perfection to ensure the very best taste and freshness.
Latina provides diners with endless choices of beef, pork, seafood and a full self-service buffet that is filled with pastas, vegetables and stunning South American desserts.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
After more than 20 years of serving award-winning cuisine, Latina continues to thrive. And that is an understatement, considering that they just opened their fifth Shanghai location – this time in A La Town in Minhang – with an upscale steakhouse-style décor, designed by the famous Brazilian designer Fernando Bendao.
The elevated protein options are the key focus, with a strong emphasis on high quality over quantity.
The Food
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
If you’ve visited a Latina restaurant before, you know that you’re in for an epic feast – from a sprawling buffet of salads, soups, Brazilian appetizers and sides plus desserts to nonstop free flow meats, seafood, cheese, traditional Brazilian breads and snacks.
There are also drink packages covering cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Now, Latina at all locations are kicking it up a notch, with the addition of delectable delights like Wagyu beef, green lobsters, Vietnamese black tiger prawns, Black Label Jamon Iberico de Bellota and much, much more.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The menu sees three levels, of which diners can select the one that fits their palate.
First up, there’s the Original Brazilian BBQ (RMB198/lunch, RMB298/dinner) that includes access to the full Brazilian buffet of soups, feijoada (Brazilian black beans), pasta, traditional hot entrees, desserts, seasonal fruits and ice cream, a cheese board, breads, empanadas, chicken croquettes, fried polenta, deep fried bananas and fries.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Upgrade to the Deluxe Brazilian BBQ (RMB296/lunch, RMB396/dinner) that includes the Original set plus Angus beef cuts, ribeye steak, top sirloin cap, short ribs, bottom sirloin, grilled oysters, langoustine, scallops and salmon.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
For the ballers, there’s also the Prime Brazilian BBQ (RMB498) that includes the Deluxe set plus carved Jamon Iberico (48 months), Wagyu beef, green lobster and free flow cocktails, wine and draft beer.
All food options also have add-on beverage options that range in price from RMB68-128 based on what drinks are include.
Bonus: kids under 1-meter eat free all day and night, and kids under 1.4-meters eat for half price. Families are always welcome.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Ok, let’s get down to the meat.
Being a Brazilian steakhouse and BBQ joint, it’s all about the standout churrasco – grilled meat that slowly rotates on long skewers over an open flame to ensure it is uniformly cooked.
These same long skewers are then served directly to diners’ plates, allowing individuals to choose the best piece of meat in a rodizio style (all-you-can-eat).
It is a tradition that started centuries ago in the south of Brazil, and is one that continues strong today all over the country – and across the world!
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
At Latina, they use cuts from the entire cow, plus chicken, lamb and pork options, as well. The epitome of Brazilian steak is the picanha, of which Latina offers two kinds: top sirloin cap and picanha angus – the latter of which is on offer for Deluxe set diners.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
You’ll find waiters arriving tableside with juicy licks of meat in all forms, still sizzling from the grill – beef ribs, beef tongue, chuck roll, ox hump, homemade sausages – you name it, they’ve got it.
Not to mention some fun flavor combinations they are known for, like filet mignon with bacon, tenderloin with parmesan and beef kebabs.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Along with grilled meats, there are also roasted plantains, charred pineapple with cinnamon and steamed shrimp, to name just a few of the never-ending flow of utter indulgence available.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The meal concludes with an expansive spread of South American desserts – creamy corn pudding, dulce de leche, sticky coconut cake, rice pudding, sugar stewed plantains, ice cream sundaes, chocolate tart, caramelized flan and candied pumpkin... trust us, there are even more.
(But we admit wholeheartedly, it’s a true challenge to save room after the main feast, despite knowing how utterly scrumptious the sweet ending is.)
The Vibe
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
The space receives ample sunlight by day, streaming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, shining on the glistening slabs of constantly presented meats.
The extensive buffet is spread out like a banquet for a king, fresh and abundant with bits and bobs to satisfy all cravings. Yet, the tables still feel intimate, private – ideal for a dinner date or working lunch.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Compared to Latina’s other locations, this location is upgraded to fit the A La Town clientele; it serves a purpose as a catch-all for grilled proteins – South American style – that highlights the simplicity of meat sans the extra butter or oil.
And it’s a pretty damn pocket-friendly alternative to the New York or French steakhouses downtown, particularly for those with the appetite to match.
Image by Sophie Steiner/That's
Price: RMB198-498
Good For: Business lunches, date nights, family outings
Who's Going: Meat lovers, Brazilians craving home, those working and/or living near the Hongqiao Hub
See listings for Latina. Read more Shanghai Restaurant Reviews.
[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]
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