naBrasa Brazilian Steakhouse

Went earlier this summer and got “glutened”. I put that my partner and I have gluten allergies in our reservation and not only did they not acknowledge it to start but sent out things that were obviously not gluten free. Only when I mentioned it did they correct it but we both still got extremely sick. It took almost two weeks for a manager to get back to my google review and they refunded the whole dinner.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Our waiter was awesome. He completely understood my condition and limitations. He showed us every menu item that contained gluten, checked with the kitchen when he didn’t know, and even had the cooks make me lamb without the seasoning (which possibly contained gluten). Let them know you’re a Celiac, and they will go the extra mile for you. Also, the food is awesome.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Wait staff very Knowledgable and attentive to our gluten free request. Chris and Sydney took it one step above and made lamb chops with no crusting or seasoning. 8 meat choices, chicken wrapped in bacon and salmon were all gluten free. Chris also took time to go over the salad bar and remind us of food choices to avoid and checked ingredients of others. Salad bar is loaded with many gluten free options, they also have cider options, gluten free beer choices and a large selection of wines and cocktails. Please stop by this amazing place when you are in town. Please make your server aware you need gluten free as well as noting the reservation online system.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We went here for my sons birthday. I looked ahead on the website to check that they were gluten-free friendly ( I am extremely sensitive). When we arrived the gluten-free list was much smaller than the website. Our server had no understanding of what gluten free even was let alone what the options were. The manager and cook had to come out to give me options they were very limited. I did wind up getting sick; the food was good but I will not be returning.

Celiac friendly?

No

Oh NaBrasa, I had such high hopes. This is very much the short version of what happened, there’s no way I can give the full story justice.

I have celiac disease, so I often call before going to a restaurant to be sure I can eat there. So I called, asked if there was anything gluten free on the menu, and was told that most of the meats are gluten free, and there is plenty of other food that is, too. Great!

Hubby and I finally went, and I was sure to tell our server first thing and ask what I can and can’t eat. He said that most meats were gf and that he would bring a listing of what I couldn’t eat. I asked about the buffet (apps/sides) and he assured me that there was no ‘hidden’ wheat - obviously the pasta and croutons are a no, but everything else is fine.

Got some food from the buffet. Our server was taking quite some time to bring the list, and the first foods came around. So, I asked the person carrying the meat (it was pork) if it was gluten free. He said yes. Great! Took a bite, tasted great! Server brought over the listing. Guess what was on it? You guessed it - the pork. I literally dropped my fork.

Shortly after, the manager, I’ll call him J, came over and said ‘I understand you have questions about food allergies?’ I’m thinking - no…the server took care of that, but I said yes, and explained. He showed me a different list. Different list. And yes, it was different. Example: the bacon wrapped chicken was not on the first list (meaning it’s gf) but was on his list as NOT gluten free. I had already eaten a portion of the bacon wrapped chicken. Upon further asking, the bacon wrapped chicken is supposedly gluten free. And this wasn’t the only thing (there was a discrepancy with the salmon and others). NONE of the sides were listed on the first sheet, they were listed on the second. I completely lost faith in NaBrasa’s ability to tell me what is and isn’t gluten free.

J was amazing. And very understanding. I do appreciate his help and knowledge.

We almost left. But I was on a rare date night with my hubby, and J offered to have the chef from their partner restaurant next store make me something. I took him up on the offer.

Moral of the story is, I did get sick.

And NaBrasa is not doing their patrons any favors with their misleading listings. It’s really not that hard to list what is or isn’t safe. But to say something is safe when it isn’t is inexcusable. I simply can not go back to this restaurant.

On the flip side, my husband said the food was quite good, and from what I tasted, I liked it too.

**I must note that I see that their website states something that is different even from what is listed at the restaurant, and from what J had. Bad bad bad NaBrasa..very misleading.

Celiac friendly?

No

this place is great. their whole menu is pretty much just meat so almost everything is gluten free. they make it a point to show what isn't and are very careful. if you love meat and have a little extra cash its well worth it to stop here