Local Brazilian ‘Rodizio’-style steakhouse, Picanha, which recently opened in Tooting, was borne out of a passion for steak itself from the team behind this new venture.

The ‘picanha’ is the most prized cut of meat in Brazil (known as the ‘rump cap’) where the fat is not removed from the cut until the steak has been cooked and the team of four (Achuthan, Sonairton (who hails from Ceará, a state in northeastern Brazil), Alex and Elango), behind one of the latest restaurants to Tooting’s buzzing food scene are excited to bring this new kind of food experience to the area.

The way that this meat (as well as other cuts of pork and chicken) is served is in a traditional Brazilian ‘Churrascaria Rodizio’-style, where in order to serve this quality meat at just the right temperature, waiters come to the table with knives and a skewer, on which are speared all these wonderful freshly-cooked meats, which are then sliced right onto your plate at the table!

Customers pay a fixed price for the food and can sample as much meat as they like until they decide to either take a break or signal that they have had enough, by using the green (more, please!) and red (enough!) disc on their table. 

Picanha joint-owner, Achuthan, said “I’ve lived just down the road in Mitcham for over 15 years and have been a regular visitor to Tooting over this time. I love the diversity and dynamism of the area and the evolving food & drink scene, with old established favourites such as the Sree Krishna South Indian restaurant sitting happily alongside great newcomers such as Brick & Liquor.

We are excited to be a part of this mix and really hope establish ourselves in the area, with a view to opening up ‘Picanha’ restaurants elsewhere in London in the future.”

As well as a stunning 13 different types of meat on offer (all sourced from top butchers such as Tom Hixson), fresh salads and traditional Brazilian deserts, the menu is complemented by sangria, a selection of wines and Brazilian beers, alongside tropical cocktails, such as the famous caipirinha.

We visited the Picanha Steak House on a Friday evening and it was buzzing with families, friends and couples. The food was excellent and very good value for money. The staff were superb and very passionate about the food they were serving.

The restaurant is based at 219 Tooting High Street (opposite The Manor Bar & Grill) and can be booked on 0208 355 0731 or on their website or Book A Table. You can follow Picanha on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

Picanha offers discounts of up to 15% off food to NUS, NHS and Private Hire Taxi Drivers on production of a valid ID and is well-equipped to cater for big parties and celebratory occasions!