Spanish or Brazilian recomendation in West LA?

[mkroman]

Hey All-

I hav some family members coming down next weekend and I wanted to take them to either a Spanish or Brazilian restaurant somewhere in West LA. I have had little luck so far finding a Spanish restaurant but have found a Brazilian place called Bossa Nova. Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Mike

[noahbites]

I'm a little disappointed by all the Brazilian in west LA. Brasa Grill's quality dropped pretty consistently since they first opened, plus they added a corkage, which was hurt the financial appeal of the place. Cafe Brasil is probably the best, but I'm never really tempted to go that much.

[wilafur]

i agree with the slight drop in quality of the meats. however, i have not been back since a trek out there earlier this year. imo, the $5 corkage is quite fair.

[travelingmansoul]

Bossa Nova is ok - simple but usually fair - one on pico east of sepulveda near the westside pavillion.

Cafe Brasil on venice is decent too.

I like cobras and matadors by the grove. You can bring your own wine/etc..
Bar Pinxto is hit/miss but nice wine selection though crowded as it's small

been to la paella in Weho - simple also but some good spanish favorites there

[Chandavkl]

Bossa Nova is Brazilian/Italian. I don't know how authentic it is, but stuff from both the Brazilian and Italian sides are quite tasty.

[Cinnamon]

Also see this tapas thread. I mentioned The Minotaure in Playa del Rey - check their Website and see if this is the kind of food you had in mind. Small place with some charm.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6063...

[J.L.]

West LA & environs:

Brazilian:
Cafe Brasil - good food; get the weekend feijoada
Zabumba - festive, party atmosphere, especially if a futebol match is on the telly
Fogo de Chao (Beverly Hills) - $55 per person feast - all you can eat churrascaria - Me like.

Spanish:
Bar Pintxo - OK tapas
Cobras y Matadores - OK tapas
La Paella - OK tapas, horrible paella (despite the joint's name)
The Bazaar - inventive, better than average nouveau-Spanish cuisine - it's booked 4 months solid in advance. Good luck.

[decadanna]

Cafe Brasil is a very casual place. Great sandwiches and great acai bowls (just ask them not to blend it too much).. I agree about Bossa Nova, not authentic but fun and decently priced.

[hboy]

I second Cobras though you will need to be prepared for a loud meal - not sure if that matters to you or not

I don't mean to be a hater but I find Bossa Nova to be pretty lacking if you're looking for anything resembling authentic Brazillian...that said, it's a fun place, and maybe you and your group don't care about authenticity...you might also try cafe brasil or zazumba on the westside - i've never been to either but I know people who enjoy those places

There's also a pretty good all you can eat place churrascaria place on Venice Blvd - I can't remember the name, having trouble googling it...the decor and atmosphere was a little plain, but their food was some of the better Brazillian I've had around LA

[wilafur]

the churrascaria joint on venice is brasa brasil grill.

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Brasa Brasil Grill
10022 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

[jdwdeville]

Bar Pintxo on Santa Monica btwn Ocean and 2nd is a solid tapas place. Some tapas do better than others, but then again, that's kinda the nature of tapas. They have been stepping up their game lately w/ specials and new additions. The other day they had fresh sea snails prepared daringly simply by a quick steaming and just a scattering of grey sea salt- delicious. Be sure to try the hams, or rather, jamons.

[Phurstluv]

Be warned - Bar Pinxto is very small and very popular. No reservations, either.

Have you looked at Fogo de Chao

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Fogo De Chao
133 N La Cienega Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

[decadanna]

Not sure how far west this is but Cobras and Matadors on Beverly is a great Spanish tapas place. Bossa Nova on Robertson and I think there is one in Marina as well is a pretty popular option for Brazilian. Their picanha steak is great!