Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian restaurant located in Bishopsgate, has been nominated for a coveted Toast the City award in the 'Best Casual Dining' category for 2026. The nomination acknowledges the restaurant's commitment to delivering an authentic Southern Brazilian churrasco experience, noted for its warmth and hospitality, within the heart of the City of London.
Katherine Farquhar, the Relationships and Events Manager at Fogo de Chao Bishopsgate, has been an integral part of the business for nine years, joining the Bishopsgate opening team in August 2023. Ms Farquhar highlighted the restaurant's dedication to bringing 'a little piece of Southern Brazil to the Square Mile', focusing on the 'theatre of the authentic Churrasco Experience' alongside genuine hospitality. She stated that the primary aim is to make every guest feel 'genuinely special' from arrival to departure.
The restaurant prides itself on creating a memorable dining experience, with Ms Farquhar noting that 'what starts as a quick lunch often turns into 'just one more slice of Picanha''. This attention to guest satisfaction is a core element of their operational philosophy. Fogo de Chao also navigates the challenge of meeting growing demand while consistently maintaining an exceptional experience for a diverse clientele, ranging from weekday business lunches to weekend family celebrations.
The City of London itself is undergoing a transformation, evolving into a 'true seven-day destination', according to Ms Farquhar. This shift presents significant opportunities for establishments like Fogo de Chao, which are actively contributing to the area's appeal beyond traditional working hours. The restaurant perceives other new openings and businesses in the Square Mile not as competition, but as 'neighbours helping make the Square Mile more exciting', fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
Details such as the careful selection of wine glasses, intended to elevate the dining experience, exemplify the restaurant's meticulous approach. The most cherished feedback received, 'It tastes like home' from a Brazilian guest, underscores their success in delivering an authentic cultural experience. The customer base is increasingly diverse, reflecting the City's evolution from solely a business district to a broader social hub, accommodating business diners, corporate events, families, and friends.