Brazilian cuisine has officially made itself at home in Florida — and we’re not just talking churrascarias. The beloved restaurant chain Boteco do Manolo is celebrating the opening of its fifth location in Florida, this time in Tampa, and its seventh in the United States, including recent expansion into Cape Cod and Framingham, Massachusetts. With a total of 12 restaurants in Brazil — 11 in Rio de Janeiro and one in São Paulo — the group continues its flavorful mission of expanding Brazilian culinary culture across borders.
Founded over 20 years ago in Rio de Janeiro, Boteco do Manolo has built a reputation on more than just food — it’s a feeling. Think generous portions, and draft beer served Brazilian-style — chopp zero grau, chilled to 0°C (32°F) and poured into a specially frozen mug for the perfect creamy head and crisp finish — music in the air, and that unmistakable joy that only a Brazilian boteco can deliver.
With restaurants already thriving in Orlando, Windermere, Deerfield Beach, and North Miami Beach, the new Tampa outpost brings the full Manolo experience to Citrus Park Town Center, complete with a 360º bar and outdoor area for live shows.
But here’s what makes this place more than your average restaurant opening: it celebrates Brazilian food in all its diversity. The menu at Boteco do Manolo is as big and varied as Brazil itself — and that’s saying something.
In the U.S., Brazilian cuisine is often reduced to a few familiar names: churrasco, pão de queijo, maybe açaí. But do most people know what Catupiry is? Or that Brazil’s most iconic dish, feijoada, can also be enjoyed as a crispy, snackable croquette called bolinho de feijoada — no fork required?
This is where Boteco do Manolo shines: by introducing diners to the full spectrum of Brazilian flavors. From rich, comforting plates like picanha with Catupiry — a creamy cheese Brazilians swear by — to bobó de camarão, a silky shrimp stew with roots in Afro-Indigenous traditions from Bahia, every dish tells a story.
With over 100 menu items, from grilled meats and seafood to pasta and classic appetizers, there’s truly something for every appetite — whether you’re homesick for Brazil or just hungry for something new.
And then, of course, there’s the caipirinha — Brazil’s signature cocktail. The classic version, made with lime, cachaça, cane sugar, and plenty of ice, is just the beginning. Seasonal variations showcase tropical fruits and bold Brazilian flavors, offering a refreshing twist on tradition. And for those with a sweet tooth, the dessert menu doesn’t disappoint: from silky pudim de leite to rich brigadeiro and the nostalgic pavê, every bite brings a taste of home — or a delicious introduction to it.
In a recent review, The Infatuation praised Boteco do Manolo’s North Miami Beach location as a go-to spot for spontaneous group dinners — especially for meat lovers. The menu, described as “roughly the length of a Pixar screenplay,” stands out for its generous portions, which often feed more people than advertised. With six flat screens surrounding the bar and a lively atmosphere, it’s also a favorite spot to catch Brazilian club matches. Weekday lunch specials make it equally appealing for solo diners.
With nearly 600,000 Brazilians living in Florida, including about 40,000 in the Tampa Bay area, the arrival of a new Boteco do Manolo responds not only to a growing demand for familiar flavors, but also to the desire for gathering places that reflect the culture, rhythm, and everyday rituals of Brazilian life. But its appeal goes beyond the diaspora. By introducing lesser-known regional dishes and ingredients to a wider audience, the restaurant helps expand what “Brazilian food” can mean in the American imagination — one cold chopp and one pastel at a time.
Opening date coming soon — follow @botecodomanolo_tampa on Instagram for updates from Citrus Park Town Center.
