A new face on Edinburgh’s George Street is Fazenda Bar & Grill, the first Scottish restaurant to be opened by independent operator City District Group. Karen Peattie checks it out
INDEPENDENT restaurant operator City District Group, founder of Fazenda Bar & Grill, has opened its first Scottish restaurant.
The £2 million refurbishment of the site in Edinburgh’s George Street includes 175 covers incorporating a 40-cover bar plus a private dining room. The interiors feature banquette seating in tan leather upholstery with Brazilian flourishes reflected in the golden glow of traditional-style chandeliers.
Wine is prominently displayed throughout restaurant, with dramatic displays forming a central theme.
Co-founder Tomas Maunier said: “It has been an amazing start for us in Edinburgh. People have welcomed us with great feedback and we feel the city is a perfect match for us.
“Our unique dining experience is something the city has never encountered before and it’s quickly becoming a favourite for both locals and tourists.”
The “authentic gaúcho experience” embraces rodizio dining – a Brazilian way of serving a selection of grilled meats carved at the table. The set menu showcases successions of prime cuts, among them chicken, lamb, pork and beef.
A highlight is Fazenda’s signature picanha offering – a juicy, tender and flavoursome cut from the cap of the rump, popular in Brazil.
Fazenda ensures the experience is easy and enjoyable by allowing diners to eat at their own pace via a start/stop control card on every table. Diners can also visit Fazenda’s gourmet sides bar where they can choose from a selection of salads, sushi, smoked salmon, fresh cut vegetables, cured meats, and traditional Brazilian dishes.
Francisco Martinez, executive head chef for the group, commented: “The high quality of our produce is essential in delivering the authentic gaúcho experience.
“We carefully select our meats, just as we would if we were cooking for our friends back in Brazil, and limit the seasoning to the minimum so the natural flavours and textures of these great cuts shine through.
“The beauty of the experience is that you don’t get stuck with one cut – you go through a culinary voyage that allows you to enjoy a rainbow of flavours.”
Wine is a key component of the Fazenda experience and diners can choose from a carefully-curated wine list providing the perfect accompaniment to every cut of meat. While Fazenda offers a selection of award-wining wines with a focus on South America, its list also includes some of the great players from the old world.
Fazenda is committed to using the very best cuts of prime meats in all its restaurants, and whenever possible, Fazenda Edinburgh sources produce from Scottish suppliers, such as Millers of Speyside. All salmon sourced is certified by the Scottish Salmon Producers’ Organisation.
Francisco Martinez continues to meet local suppliers in order to include as many Scottish ingredients as possible. He has sourced salad dressings from Gusto Artisan, an Edinburgh-based condiment business that produces small-batch handmade products.
All bottled water served is from Scotland while the bar features a large premium selection of Scotch malts, spirits and beers, alongside bespoke cocktails with a Scottish twist.
Tomas Maunier added: “We believe passion is the driving force behind a great restaurant. In South America, where we come from, life is all about sharing, and we want to share our passion for our roots and traditions with the people of Edinburgh.”
City District Group operates another three Fazenda restaurants in Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Fazenda’s sister brand Picanha in Chester.
Fazenda is at 102 George Street, Edinburgh – click here to visit the website