The team behind CopaCabana—a Brazilian-style steak house in Niagara Falls known for its currascso style of cooking and the knife-wielding waiters who carve meat at the table—has opened its first location in Toronto. The eatery, located near Yonge and Eglinton in a space formerly occupied by an Italian restaurant, opened in late April and will host its grand opening on Wednesday.
The restaurant’s specialty is referred to as the full rodizio, an assortment of 12 meats that are slow cooked over charcoal and carved at the table by waiters, referred to as gauchos. CopaCabana’s prix-fixe menu—$35 during the week and $40 on the weekends—includes an all-you-can-eat salad bar (with items like grilled vegetables, rice dishes, pasta, and seafood) and a selection of meats that includes herb marinated pork loin, braised beef ribs, peppercorn steak, and turkey breast wrapped in bacon.
General manager Jhon Munoz said the owners retained many of the features found in the former restaurant, including the tables and chairs, but updated the space by adding bright Brazilian-themed murals. Dark wood floors run throughout the space, and curved white walls add an airy feel to the dining room.
CopaCabana is open for lunch from noon to 3 p.m. on weekdays and dinner service begins at 5 p.m. A samba band and dance troupe entertain guests on Friday and Saturday nights. The restaurant holds 125 inside and an additional 25 on the patio. CopaCabana is available for private events.
