What’s it like?

Now that the weather is getting cooler, Ramada Plaza JBR’s Brazilian churrascaria is the perfect choice for those wanting to enjoy an evening of good food and good views. The outdoor terrace on the 35^th floor boasts panoramic views of Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach, and serves as an impressive backdrop for a special dinner – definitely one to bear in mind if you have visitors in town!

When BBC Good Food Middle East visited on a Tuesday evening, the terrace area was pleasantly busy, with guests piling in as the evening grew later in readiness for the Latino band that comes on at around 8pm.

We were welcomed on arrival by executive chef Dermot O’Flynn, who explained that Fogueira is one of the “only outlets” serving over 21 cuts of the finest meats in town, while also being veggie friendly, so we couldn’t wait to get started.

What are the food highlights?

If you’re a carnivore like myself, then this is most certainly a must-visit. Fogueira’s core concept revolves around the two-sided placemat that each guest is presented with on arrival: flip it to the green side if you’re ready to indulge in continuous rounds of skewered, simmering meats – served tableside by Fogueira’s wonderfully accommodating staff, or flip it to the red side once you’ve come to terms with the fact your eyes are, undoubtedly, bigger than your stomach. Don’t worry, it happens to us all!

We began with a selection of appetizers at the table, which included cheesy garlic dough balls, plantain fritters and chicken coxhina – a deliciously moreish Brazilian street food dish, comprising shredded chicken and cream cheese, which is then coated in batter and fried.

We then ventured indoors to sample the expansive salad bar to pick side dishes for the copious amount of meat that was sure to follow. Mindful not to overload the first plate – a mistake I am all too guilty of committing at a buffet, I opted for a selection of roasted sweet potato, quinoa and feta salad and pineapple carpaccio. The pineapple is a must-try, as its light texture and sharpness cuts through what can otherwise be quite a heavy and rich meal. It is also the perfect palette cleanser between courses.

To my delight, the meat began to arrive within minutes of me displaying my green card to the waiters. Chef Dermot had already given us behind-the-scenes access to see how the meat is barbecued on individual skewers prior to us visiting the salad bar, so I was itching to try it for myself by the time it arrived. Rump steak, rib-eye, lamb chops, chicken wings, striploin, duck breast; you name it, and Fogueira’s 21 cuts of meat is bound to have it. The melt in the mouth rump steak was a particular highlight, and though it was served medium-rare, it can be cooked to your liking upon request. The lamb chops and barbecued tiger shrimps are also not to be missed. If cold pineapple carpaccio isn’t your thing, then Fogueira offers caramelised pineapple, presented tableside and coated in sugar and cinnamon, as a palette cleanser and welcome break from the meat rounds.

If you’ve got room, there’s an expansive dessert buffet on offer, with a variety of traditional Brazilian dishes to conclude the evening. Chocolate lovers will be sure to enjoy Brazil’s take on a sweet bonbon – made up of condensed milk, cocoa powder, butter and chocolate sprinkles, known as a brigadeiro. Deliciously rich, I found that half of one was plenty, so perhaps share one with your dining partner! If you’re after something slightly lighter, try the beijinho – which is essentially a coconut version of the brigadeiro, but equally as tasty.

How was the service?

There are a number of helpful staff on hand at Fogueira, armed with plenty of meat to go around, so rest assured – your plate will never be empty while your card is on green! They’re also very knowledgeable on each cut of meat that is served, so don’t be shy if you have questions.

The bottom line

A meat lover’s dream; but be sure to go with an empty stomach!

Want to go?

Packages start at AED 335 for access to the Brazilian buffet with soft drinks. To book, call +971 4 439 8888.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you may be interested in reading more of our reviews here.