Full Value REVIEW - Roda Viva Brazilian BBQ Steak House

Roda Viva Brazilian BBQ Steak House – Temecula, Ca

I would have to say that one of the best presents I got for Christmas was a gift certificate to Roda Viva. Like the name says, Roda Viva is a Brazilian BBQ steak house. As soon as I walked in the door, the aroma of juicy steaks hit me and sent my stomach grumbling.

We went on a Monday night, so there was no waiting for a seat. Immediately a very nice young Brazilian man seated us and took our drink orders (no comments on alcohol, we only ordered water, but very good water). Shortly after turning our wood block to green, a server came to our table holding a giant skewer of herb-crusted lamb. Before we were done with the lamb, we had BBQ chicken. Then peppered steak, top sirloin, steak tenderloin and carne asada, along with Brazilian sausages, pork tenderloin, duck and bacon wrapped turkey. As long as we still wanted more, they continued to bring it to us.

There was also a large cold buffet island full of green and Caesar salad with all the fixings, vegetables, sushi and pasta salad. Dinner rolls, mashed potatoes and gravy, rice and appetizers were all kept warm in another smaller buffet style area. If I could say anything negative about Roda Viva it would be that their selection of vegetables were limited to corn and green beans. However, I was definitely more concerned with the steaks and the fact that they were all cooked to medium well, just how I like it.

Whatever you do, make sure you save room for dessert! The two of us split the most deliciously rich Cappuccino Mousse Cake I had ever eaten, though the cheesecakes looked rather tempting as well. Roda Viva is open from 11 am to 2:30 pm for lunch and 5 pm to 9 pm for dinner seven days a week. Bring your appetite and your wallet. Meals per person are approximately $ 12 for lunch and $23 for dinner.

Roda Viva currently has two locations, in the Puente Hills Mall in the City of Industry, CA (ph: 626-839-9950) and the Promenade Mall in Temecula, CA (ph: 951-296-9858). I strongly suggest that the next time you are planning a nice night out, you consider Roda Viva.

- Jeney Kingsbury