Fogo de Chao

Staff was super knowledgeable and there are tons of options here. We have 3 members of our family with celiac, and we all eat here with no issues. One of our favorites!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

DO NOT EAT HERE IF YOU HAVE CELIAC. I did all that I could to ensure the staff knew about my Celiac Disease. I noted it on the reservation, I emailed the manager, I got a .PDF of the allergens, and I alerted our server.

She couldn't remember what was gluten free. That was fine because I had the .PDF with me. She checked with the manager and told me what was off limits. I went to the salad bar and fixed my plate and after I had started eating, she came back and in horror told me she had "FORGOT" to say the dressings contained wheat. I had already eaten most of my salad. She got the manager and he said "The dressings might have gluten." I repeated, in disbelief, "They MIGHT have gluten?" then he corrected himself saying "They DO have gluten." Offered to remake my salad but what was the point? I'd already come in contact with my allergen.

The server then stood awkwardly by our table for at least 15 minutes asking if I needed to leave. I explained I wouldn't need the hospital, I'd just get very sick for the next two weeks. She asked if we were going to leave once more and I said No, this is my husbands birthday and Im not going to ruin it for him.

After we finished dinner she brought us the check without a single word. I stopped her saying we wanted dessert. It's his birthday, after all. She said none of the desserts are gluten free. I knew Creme Brulee should definitely be gluten free, and asked her to check. I knew then that they had NO idea what gluten was. Why else would she tell me all desserts are off limits without even checking?

She brought the dessert and then the check without much of an apology. After all the trouble, they did not even comp my meal. I am the LAST person to ever ask for a manager, send back food, or raise a fuss, but this to me was ridiculous. After being given an outdated allergen .PDF (which is illegal by the way), server "forgot" my allergy, and the rude service, we will NEVER come back to Fogo de Chao.

Celiac friendly?

No

What an amazing experience... Nearly everything is gluten free (including the cheese bread!) and delicious! Come hungry because it's A LOT of food! Management knowledgeable about gluten free and accommodating. Delicious!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Manager didn't tell me everything that had gluten in it because I avoided all of the foods he said, but I still definitely got gluten some how. Food tastes great, but definitely made me very sick afterwards, and for 2 people at lunch on a week day and no extra anything except we had 2 teas, it was $100. not worth it for getting sick.

Called in an order and was told it would be ready in 5-10 minutes. Arrived 15-20 minutes later and it still wasn’t ready. Had to wait 15 minutes and the hostess was not helpful at all. Manager finally came out since I communicated to everyone I was in a rush and a car was waiting for me outside. He offered a promo for their mistakes. Disappointed with their service.

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

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

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

— Average

Staff is knowledgeable about gluten items and will prepare gluten free if requested

One of the only places I can go for some fantastic table breads. Their bread is made from rice and tapioca flour and is amazing.

Awesome salad bar!

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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

— Excellent

Totally worth the price! There literally were two things I could NOT have! Two! Celiac heaven! I haven’t eaten at a buffet since being diagnosed 6 years ago.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great food and great service. We walked in right after they opened for the day. Jose, the manager sat us down at a really great table with a beautiful view. He was able to answer all the questions we had about the food and made sure that my wife was taken care of because of her gluten allergy. Being gluten free is not easy but he made sure that her sea bass which was excellent, was definitely gluten free and if she wanted the all you can eat meat, that that was gluten free as well. Joseph behind the bar made one of the best Mojitos ever. Then Noel made really good conversation, super friendly to us, and made sure that the food was excellent. The service staff was excellent as well. So if your gluten free, want a lot of beef/lamb/chicken, or just an excellent mojito... this is the place.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Have been multiple times with my SO who is a Celiac. The staff was great! They knew which meats he could eat (all but 2) and which other menu items were safe. The market table and bar are mostly gluten free. We were able to find a checklist online with all the allergens listed for each item before we went for the first time. We have been back multiple times since. There have been no issues with cross contamination thus far.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent choice of gluten free food. Most meats and most of the salad bar was gluten free. Knowledgeable staff all around. Will definitely come back.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fogo is a great option for a group when GF is needed. Clearly the numerous cuts of meat and a large assortment of sides that are GF make it easy to keep everyone happy! The Brazilian Cheese “bread” is GF as it is made with tapioca flour and is addictive! There is an extensive food allergen menu on Fogo’s website and the servers are very in tune with those with celiac. Enjoy!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The waitstaff had no clue what gluten was, nor were they helpful in finding out anything. Wish I had read reviews here first. We were not told the cheese bread was gf or that the chicken was prepared with beer. For a vegetarian, the salad bar is extensive, but it's not an ideal restaurant for a gf vegetarian at all.

Celiac friendly?

No

No GF menu, but they had an allergen list and only 4 items had gluten in them. Even the salad buffet has great options. They bring meat around to the tables and the only thing I couldn't have was the chicken. All the beef, pork, and lamb were GF. Also, the side dishes they bring out were GF as well. Mashed potatoes, fried polenta, and cheesy bread! It was fantastic and I would love to go back!

Excellent! So much GF food to choose from. Gf cheese bread YUM! Terrific upscale salad & appetizer bar which you can make a meal out of. Highly recommended especially for special occasions.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The staff was great about knowing which items were gluten free and let us keep their detailed ingredient menu at our table while we ate. And their cheese balls are gluten free!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The menu is mainly gluten free, even the bread and croutons and meats except a couple chicken options. May be a bit pricy but being able to have bread and a nearly full menu is worth the price and experience.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

10/19: ate here again and had a wonderful experience! Highly recommend!

This was our favorite restaurant on our recent trip to DC. We actually ate there twice. It is expensive but worth every penny. Since we are GF and DF there were only 3 meats we could not have: crusted pork loin, chicken legs, and the sausage. There were probably at least 10 other meats we could eat and they were so delicious. They also brought out polenta with no parmesan on it for us. And they walked us through the salad buffet and explained what was safe and what was not safe. You will definitely be stuffed and really enjoy your experience - highly recommend.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This was our first time at this excellent restaurant. The food was outstanding - really, really good. Most of the food is naturally gluten free - even the dinner rolls. They provide an allergens list which makes it easy to find the few things to avoid - plus the staff was helpful. It is definitely Celiac friendly.

They have a large buffet, with both salad and other items such as sausage and cheese. At your table, you are frequently visited by a staff member with a skewer of meat - many varieties, one at a time. If you want one, a piece is cut off for your. This continues as long as you sit there - we got thoroughly stuffed. All of the food was excellent. The meat was spicy and very tasty.

We will return!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

My 8yr old daughter has celiac and we went here on vacation. The staff was amazing!! Most all food was safe and she loved it!!

The wait staff knew exactly what wasn’t gf, but there are tons of options for Celiacs!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Only 3 dinner items - French bread (kept at a side table separate from the salad bar) and chicken legs & pork sausage (both prepared in a separate area in the kitchen) - contain gluten! It was a great discovery since my family loved this restaurant pre-diagnosis. A number of desserts have gluten, but there’s never room for dessert anyway. If you’re looking for something sweet and still have room, order the caramelized bananas. Knowledge staff, yummy food, no reaction.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff was very knowledgeable and we had an amazing meal with no reactions. The manager even brought out the allergen list just to make sure I knew of any possible issues. Highly recommend

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Excellent food. Was told when I entered the restaurant that only two things on that night’s menu weren’t gluten free. Even the cheese bread was gluten free. Highly recommend

Celiac friendly?

Yes

So much food. Delicious gluten free Brazilian bread bites. So many meat options but always clarify if it gluten free or not!!

Everything I tested, the bread almost all of the salad bar, all the meats except the fish, and the creme brulee were safe. The only two thing i was told I could not have were the sausages and chicken legs (marinated in beer) and they will offer them to you i just politely declined. Great meal!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

This restaurant is extremely celiac friendly. Only two things in the whole restaurant have gluten. Even the cheese bread and the Caesar Salad had gluten free croutons.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Incredibly expensive, but so worth it. Everyone on staff was knowledgeable. Even the croutons were gluten free. The only thing not GF was the chicken. Everything else was. Didn't get sick. Such delicious food. Come hungry!

This is the first place I’ve eaten at since my celiac diagnosis that I felt 100% safe eating. They handed me a list of allergens as soon as I said I was celiac so I would know what I could and couldn’t eat. The “couldn’t eat” list was TINY. I would definitely recommend this place.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Super conscientious staff! They cooked everything separate being very careful with our allergies. Delicious food!

The staff is incredible. There are only a few gluten containing items. The Brazilian cheese bread bites and mashed potatoes really are amazing!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Everything at the buffet bar is GF- even the croutons in the Caesar salad! The only thing that has gluten is a basket of Italian bread and it is off on a different table. If you ask for the show-stopping sweet and spicy bacon, you can have them bring you a plate from the kitchen so it is not cc with the bread that’s the only thing you have to ask for. The bread basket you get on the table is GF, the polenta is GF. Celiac heaven. Yum.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

They always know what is safe and what is not (and it's no trouble to ask), and we've never had an issue with cross-contamination. Majority of the food is GF. Great service, delicious food. I'm vegetarian and I don't mind at all when carnivore DH wants to go here - the "salad" bar is to die for.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Pros: Loved being able to eat with everyone else without having to wait! Lots to eat! All the table platters are GF on a normal basis - Brazi bites are delicious and can be purchased in the freezer section of your grocery store - they are naturally GF and everyone at our table loved them. Cons: There are two areas of concern. One is the dinner roll section of the salad bar which is separated from the rest of the buffet. Not hard to avoid. Second is a platter of chicken/sausage that roams around alongside the meats. You have to be vigilant to make sure it’s not added to your plate when you’re receiving meat. It felt very stressful to me. Once I figured out what I was looking for it wasn’t so bad. The sausage is spiraled on the skewer so that waiter stands out from the rest. But I would have enjoyed the experience much more if I wasn’t constantly on guard for the beer battered chicken to accidentally land on my plate.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We had dinner here recently and noted a gluten allergy on the reservation. Our server was aware of this when we sat down and explained that the only chicken legs were off limits from the meat offerings as they are marinated in beer. Everything else, as well as the salad bar, was safe.

Were were given some small bread rolls which are naturally gluten free since they are made with cheese and tapioca. The meal also comes with mashed potatoes, polenta fries and fried plantains. I asked if they used a shared fryer and the manager came over to confirm that they do not fry any gluten items in the fryer.

Food was very good. The lamb options were incredible. Some cuts were a little tough, so start with small tastes and then settle on the best options. Salad bar had a mound of candies bacon which was addictive. I did see what I believe to be croutons near some of the salad options, so keep in mind some things could have some cc. I had no reactions other than being uncomfortably full.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The staff was knowledgeable about what was gluten-free. They had a large salad bar. There was bread but it was on a separate area where the rice and beans were. All the rotisserie meats were gluten-free except for the chicken legs and the sausages. I was told the sausages were made offsite and did not have any gluten ingredients but they couldn’t guarantee it so I did not have any just in case. I have not had any ill effects after 14 hours so I don’t think I got cross contaminated! I plan to take my dad here for his birthday in May

Excellent options for gluten free customers, unfortunately the pork, chicken, and lamb options were not gluten free today, but everything else was including the appetizers! Watch out for cross contamination at the salad bar/appetizer bar. The bread at the salad bar is not gluten free. This place was excellent on letting us know what’s gluten free and what’s not. They even brought us a creme brûlée for our anniversary!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

95 percent of the menu is gluten free. What a great experience. We had so many choices and the cheese bread was amazing. Not pricey if you consider how much you can eat here.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Manager came out and talked to us about what we can and cannot have. Could eat pretty much everything except for the chicken thighs. Manager told the staff when cutting the meat for us to bring a clean knife to cut with. We could even eat the Cheese bread! One of the places where I feel I don’t need to worry about what I’m eating!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Most meats are gluten free except for some chicken which is marinated in beer. Brazilian cheese bread is delicious and gluten free (made with cassava flour). Some locations have an allergy menu that is very detailed. Mashed potatoes and rice is also gluten free. Almost everything is gluten free. Great experience, but a little pricy

Celiac friendly?

Yes

When checked with the hostess, she informed us everything is GF except the baguette bread, and chicken leg marinade. Even the little bread things they serve you as an appetizer if GF. Great place to eat. Come hungry.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Ah...... Brazilian cheese bread! Everything was GF except one plate of bread (sep from the cheese bread). Everything was delicious but not quite up to par with the steakhouses in São Paulo (not expecting it to be). We went for brunch and were grateful for some other options.

The waiter came by with a list of everything that was NOT gluten free (mashed potatoes, the chicken, Italian bread and several items from the bar). Otherwise everything else is gluten free - just double check!! They bring around gf bread, bananas, and these fry like things. All the meats they bring around are gf with exception to the chicken (tho I saw several times where they brought a skewer of chicken and beef and were touching each other so I just stayed away from that beef option as well).

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I specified my gluten allergy to the waitress, she said All the meats except the chicken would be safe for me to eat. Personally I am highly sensitive to cross contamination and even after specifying this, she said all the other meats would be ok, however the Parmesan encrusted pork and the sausages are both prone to cross contamination. I got glutened here, so I would recommend either staying away from these foods or making it very very clear that you can’t have any cross contamination.

Eaten here many times and never had a problem. Food is awesome. Highly recommended, especially if you're hungry.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The food was amazing! Go hungry because you will be stuffed by the time you leave!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing experience!! Gave us the allergy menu so I could look over every item throughout the whole dinner. The bread was so good and I loved that almost everything there is gluten free! They were very knowledgeable and made sure to explain the ingredients in every item we got.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Breads were gluten free and almost all meats. Unfortunately the one chicken option was marinaded in beer. Still an excellent dining experience and they have a binder with all foods labeled for allergies

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Staff was helpful in showing me what was not safe. Fried chicken legs and the sausages were the only meats I had to stay away from.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Everything was soooo good! The marinated chicken contains gluten as well as the lava cake. The other meats AND the bread on the table are all gluten free!

This place is delicious and super friendly. They brought me an entire stapled packet to show all of the allergens and the waitress went over it with me in detail which was great. Super pumped I can still go here 😍

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Very nice and very delicious. Yum

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Not only was the food excellent, but they were very aware of celiac and did a great job. By the way first restaurant we have ever been that the bread on the table was already GF.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fogo is a great chain for Celiacs. Make sure to mention your condition to the host(ess) who will ask that the floor manager give you a tour around the salad bar to show you what to avoid. Everything that comes to the table (via the gauchos serving meats and via your waiter) are gluten free except: the chicken, the sausage, and the parmesan crusted pork due to cross contamination potential. So, please do go and eat all of the Brazilian cheese bread you can fit.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

There are only two things in the restaurant with gluten: beer marinated chicken, and bread they don’t bring to your table and keep segregated from the veggie/salad bar. You’d think that would be enough, but they also have warm cassava flour and cheese rolls that are simply. AMAZING. The only downside? $$$$$

Celiac friendly?

Yes