Houston Food Find: Tourao Churrasqueria in Montrose
For our anniversary, my husband and I wanted steak. Not the traditional wine and dine steak night, but packed with bold flavors, good meat selection, live music, and a lot of wow. That’s how we landed at Tourão Brazilian Churrasqueria at 4412 Montrose Blvd in Houston. We have gone to a Brazillian steakhouse in Malaysia twice before, but he wasn’t a fan on how the steaks were cooked. Usually, the meats were cooked well done and coming from Texas, that wasn’t the way. Tourao is a family-run Brazilian BBQ joint’s been firing up skewers since 2017, and it turned our night into a meaty, messy, unforgettable celebration. Here’s why it was the perfect call, and why we’re already thinking of going back.
Warm, Lively Vibe
We walked in to a live duo singing traditional songs and playing the organ. We were led to our table and was explained how the menu works. Tourao has 2 main menu: Gaucho Special & Rodizio. Both options offer a gourmet fresh salad bar with over 50 cold items to choose from such as cheese, veggies, cured meats, salads; and a hot brazilian bar with local delights like feijoda, farofa, yucca.
Gaucho special is at $39.95 but here’s the catch— it has a limited meat menu that includes picanha, sirloin, lamb, chicken. Rodizio on the other hand is $54.95 but offers 15 cuts of signature meats including prime top sirloin, ribeye, fillet mignon, brazilian sausages and more. YUMMY. We chose the Rodizio special, and the food started coming. The aroma of sizzling meats hits you right away.
The Food: Meat, Glorious Meat
It’s nonstop—beef, pork, lamb, shrimp, chicken, sausages, you name it. The picanha? That garlicky sirloin cap? Unreal. Everything’s juicy, smoky, perfect. The ribeye was so tender I barely had to chew. It’s all cooked over a fire, and you can taste it. I kept flipping that little card to “yes” for more. The meats were best eaten as they served you. We made the mistake of having 5 different cuts on our plates, but it was just so filling we needed time to eat and digest. By the time we were ready to resume, the meat served was already cold. My husband and I made sure to try all the cuts they offer. We saw some cuts on red fonts in the menu, inquired about it and turns out they are served upon request. Don’t worry though, as service was fast.
It was the night of Eid when we went, and despite the place being crowded, the service was amazing and fast. It was fun seeing celebrations, which I miss as Eid is a big event we celebrate in Malaysia.
Beyond the meat selection and salad bars, the cheese bread (pão de queijo) is a must. They were warm, chewy, and dangerously addictive. I think I had 3, and had to stop myself to make some room for more meat!
For our drinks, we had traditional brazilian cocktail, aperol sprtiz, and brazilian beer. The drinks were pricier than your usual bar, but the aperol spritz was filled to the brim that $15 for a drink was kind of worth it.
The Service: Above and Beyond
The staff at Tourão are the unsung heroes. From the moment I sat down, they were on it. Our server explained wine options, refilled drinks before we could ask, checked in without hovering, and explained the cuts with genuine enthusiasm. Our server even surprised us with a complimentary cheesecake dessert for our anniversary, a gesture we appreciated. The gauchos wield their skewers with precision and pride, making the tableside service a mini performance.
They’re open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Call (713) 395-1050 if you’re doing takeout or wanna reserve. It’s not cheap, but for the quality, our anniversary, and experience, it’s worth it.
The Verdict: A Montrose Must-Try
Tourão brings Brazil to Montrose with flair, flavor, and a big heart. It’s not just a meal, it’s a celebration of meat, music, and hospitality. . I’m already plotting my next visit. Those skewers are calling my name.
Rating: 4.7/5
Standouts: Picanha, cheese bread, service
Pro Tip: Go hungry, and don’t skip the salad bar.