Taurinus Brazilian Steakhouse in Downtown San Jose

Taurinus has just opened up where Nazca Peruvian Restaurant and Zenon's Peruvian were previously located at 167 San Fernando. They made some great renovations to the space by opening up the walls and ceiling and creating a giant open space. The new owners also greatly enhanced the bar space.

Taurinus is now the second Brazilian steakhouse in San Jose, where a couple months ago we had none. It compares quite favorably to Fogo do Chao in Santana Row and is slightly more traditional. There has only been one other Brazilian Churrascaria Downtown in the past, and it was Maceio on 1st Street. I think Taurinus manages to top Maceio at every level.

There are 14 different meats, which you can find listed below. They even have one of my favorite delicacies, chicken hearts! My favorite meat is usually the Sirloin/Picanha, but at Taurinus the Pork Ribs blew me away. As is expected at a Brazilian steakhouse, the meats keep on coming until you feel like you are about to fall over. They also serve you a side of Yucca, fried plantains, and awesome cheese bread.

As good as the meats were, their sidebar was equally as good and is perhaps the best side-bar for any Brazilian place I have been to. I highly recommend starting with a plate of rice, topping it with some beans, adding farofa (the powdery stuff), and topping it with some spicy oil. This will go well with any of the meats served at the restaurants and could even be a standalone meal. The side bar also features an assortment of cold cuts, veggies, salads, and deviled eggs. I would be willing to come back for the side bar alone.

Save some room for dessert as well. My wife and I shared a caramel flan (Pudim) which was delicious. I also have to mention that the service was exceptional throughout the meal. Fantastic addition to Downtown San Jose--the owners should be proud and I wish them a lot of success.