First ever Brazilian restaurant opening in St. Catharines

By

Published April 14, 2022 at 12:03 pm

Want to know how you’re getting authentic Brazilian cuisine when you visit Brazgrill in the Merritton neighbourhood of St. Catharines?

Both owners were born in Brazil. Poliana Ribeiro and Eduardo Seleri both made their way to Canada at different times – Ribiero when she was 11 years old, Seleri just a couple of years back – but they brought their love of Brazilian cuisine with them, especially steak.

While chicken, sausages and pork are on the menu, their specialty is steak, steak and more steak. Featuring a traditional Brazilian “a la carte” style menu, the owners say while the menu is very heavily weighted toward their native land, there’s also some nice North American touches.

All-You-Can-Eat chicken wings every Thursday night certainly have that North American flavour to it!

The owners say they try to bring a lot of authentic dishes like farofa, black beans, cassava, but they also like to make some things for the Canadian taste, as well.

If you’re not familiar with Brazilian cuisine but want to give it a shot. They have you covered with their mixed Brazilian barbecue plate that includes picanha, chicken thighs, sausage, farofa, French fries and two sides.

And the reviews? These two are doing something very right!

Said one, “Excellent food and service. Had a delicious Brazilian steak and the most awesome salad. The special dressing they supplied was used on the steak and salad was a delicious treat. I whole-heartedly recommend. The price was very reasonable. Best of luck for this new restaurant in St. Catharines. I will definitely be back.”

Another was thrilled that even the finicky eater in the family loved it. “Absolutely the best Picanha I’ve had! So good that we didn’t even get a photo before we dug in to it. We ordered the Platter for two, fig salad with chicken, chicken fingers for our kids to share, and a couple of delicious apps. There wasn’t a single thing out of place and the patio was amazing. Even my picky son cleaned his plate. We will 100 per cent be returning for more!

Count St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendsik among their fans, as well! “It’s a large space, but you feel right at home as you walk in and if you go during a soccer game be prepared to cheer! Born in Brazil, Poliana wanted to bring her love of home and share her culture with others. The dishes are made in house, with the help of Brazmart (supermarket) to get the ingredients for the local flavours – like cassava – that can be made into delicious ‘fries’ or the crunch accompaniment with the picanha (delicious flavourful steak). Do not leave without having the condensed milk flan (you will not regret it) and a caipirinha to wash it all down!”

He added, “Congratulations to owners Poliana Riberiro and Eduardo Seleri for bringing an authentic taste of Brazil to St. Catharines.”

As an added bonus, you can wash all this delicious food down with beers from the Niagara crat breweries, Cold Break Brewing, Oast House Brewing and even Niagara College Teaching Brewery offerings.


St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik popped it to congratulate co-owner Poliana Ribeiro.

One reviewer pointed to the look of the restaurant. “The decor is industrial with a side of sports bar mixed in. The staff were friendly and welcoming. We chose the baked provolone as an app and it was very delicious. We decided to order the Brazilian BBQ Platter for two. The portion size was huge and there was enough left over for another meal for one. The food was very tasty and I would highly recommend!”

Brazgrill is located at 165 Hartzel Rd in St. Catharines. Phone: 289-362-1900. Website: https://brazgrill.ca/ Hours: Monday to Thursday 4 pm to 10 pm, Friday 4 pm to 11 pm, Saturday Noon to 11 pm and Sunday Noon to 10 pm.


  1. Brazgrill
insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising