Green Forest Churrascaria

My wonderful, loving boyfriend decided to surprise me during Pittsburgh’s Restaurant Week with reservations to Green Forest last night (Thursday evening). Such a supportive move knowing I started a very strict diet at the beginning of the week!!! In any case, our experience here was great.
It wasn’t very busy despite being Restaurant Week and a Thursday evening, but with the location, I’m not sure how packed it gets. It’s a strange location for such a place, but I am always a fan of restaurants that are off the beaten path (they’re the best!). We were promptly seated and everyone serving us was extremely friendly and polite. The two men serving the meats were cordial and appropriate without being overbearing or too formal and our waiter took great care of us.
I decided to not get the meats because I figured I would have more than enough options with the three food bars. The cold food bar included a lot of different salad mixes, sushi and other raw fish, plus vegetables. Everything I tried was really good. The side bar had cured meats and cheeses. All were excellent. The hot foods bar included rice and beans, a seafood in coconut, some type of chicken? dish and soup. I only tried the seafood in coconut sauce and it was amazing. It had was loaded with tender, fresh seafood in a Thai-​style sauce making it more of a soup/​stew. I could have eaten that as my meal alone.
Bobby ended up ordering the full-​service menu that included the meats ($ 35 for the week) and he had some REALLY good stuff. Rotisserie chicken, parmesan filet, filet in a creamy mushroom sauce, top sirloin, skirt steak, some type of garlic roasted beef were some of his favorites and that didn’t even include the things he didn’t try like the lamb. Everything looked really great and the servers remembered he preferred his meat more well done, so they made sure to circle back around to him for the end pieces. I tried a couple small bites and everything was extremely flavorful and cooked perfectly. My favorite, though, was the grilled pineapple!
I do have one complaint, however… and that is that it was absolutely freezing inside the restaurant. To the point where both of our hands were frozen and my nose was running. And there is nothing I hate more than sitting in a cold restaurant.
We will have to make another trip here on a planned cheat day when I can really go to town with all the food goodness. I just hope the heat it is warmer next time. Very good little hidden spot. 5 stars!

Green Forest is a special occasions restaurant. At least, if either your budget or your penchant for overeating delicious meats isn’t unbound. I’ve been there several times; I’d go back any time someone else was paying. And maybe if I was paying, once a year. The meats are cooked well and they have a nice assortment; the accompanying salad/​seafood bar is also pretty high quality.

Wide verity of choices from the Buffett. its worth the trip. all the meat was excellent. if u like ur meat. Rare, med., well, don’t be afraid to ask ur paying good money. So get what u like the way u like it. Don’t over eat enjoy the experience. i highly recommend.

Went here with Regulars on Halloween for the first time and was impressed. Delicious parmasean crusted filet, ribeye steak, lobster mashed potatoes, sashimi salmon was still thawing but sushi was decent. Will be back.

Best Brazilian restaurant in the burgh. Very nice wait staff. Food is delicious and you don’t have to wait for the next round. This is a continuous stream of meat. Yummmmmmmm

We have been going to Green Forest yearly for 6 years now and they never disappoint. Never. Even though the price seems steep, when I think about all of the food we get there and what normal restaurants charge for a basic steak dinner… I would rather go to Green Forest hands down.
Not only do they have superb service but the food is plentiful, high quality and interesting. The large array of meats they present is vast and the spices and styles they infuse are just as numerous. It also seems endless because they are constantly rolling out new carts or spits of sizzling, freshly cooked meats that make your mouth water.
When you are overloaded with meat and need a break, there is the cold foods bar, hot sides bar and the cheese/​bread bar I always hit up. The cold bar has some of the best oysters, sushi and seafood salads I have ever had. Hot foods are more of a filler with rice, potatoes and more… so as a small girl I ignore those. Cheese/​Bread has at least 6 different high quality cheeses and the bread assortment is great and homemade.
Favorites for our last visit was the filet mignon with mushroom cabernet sauce, prime rib, parmesan encrusted filet, chimichurri top sirloin and the sushi. All time favorite is the sword fish with passion fruit sauce. Sushi there as mangos, strawberries and so many other abnormal but delicious accents that you will have to pace yourself.
They are more of a dinner place during the week and they have odd opening hours on the weekend but it gets busy after 7pm. Make sure you get a reservation and eat a lot of food the day before to streach your stomach… as my husband akways says. :)

Amazing variety of everything. I really didn’t think they would give you as much as they do but it’s a constant barrage of meats coming at you. I tried things that I never would have otherwise and the staff is very attentive maybe overly attentive but that’s not a bad thing. Recommend highly

I have been to more than 10 Brazilian steakhouses all over the country, this is by far the best one ever. Based on my experience, this place is better than the most famous franchises (without mentioning any names). It is a family owned restaurant with real Brazilian people. We just missed skirt steak.

Located in Penn Hills Green Forest Churrascaria was much better than I thought it would be. Everyone was dressed business casual and the restaurant was busy but not full and loud. We were seated and then our friendly server informed us how the restaurant worked. It was a buffet of appetizers and sides and then you were to flip a card from red to green to have the servers bring you different selections of meat.
I started with the sides. I skipped the salads although they looked tasty carbs were calling my name. I choose to start with some sushi, cheese, lobster mashed potatoes and shrimp cocktail. The sushi roll I had was topped with what appeared to be Frenches Onion straws and it was excellent. Great flavor and perhaps not traditional (although I am not a sushi expert) it was the best I have ever had. What was also wonderful was the lobster mashed potato. When I scooped a spoonful onto my plate I was surprised to find and entire section of claw meat. They definitely did not skimp on the lobster.
When we flipped to green and began getting our meat it was all very good. My favorite was the filet. I had it with bacon wrapped around it but I was more interested in the flier which was tender melt in your mouth.
Some things to keep in mind for next time… The meat was very salty. I kind of got sick of it after a few rounds. The potatoes although filled with lobster were also very saltily. I am a big fan of salt but on the meat it was just too much. Also the meat was always medium or close to rare a few times. If you do not eat anything but well done this might not be the place for you. I was just selective and tried to ask for an end piece but a few times I could not eat what they cut because it was just too red for me.

Come here for the meat and with an extremely big appetite … they have a lot of different varieties for you to try. How it works is similar to other places — red indicates «no more,» green indicates «I’m game.» Salad bar also isn’t bad … now if only the price weren’t so high, but I guess that’s to be expected with a place that serves meat that is from another country. Surprisingly, the sushi that they serve in their salad bar is actually quite decent

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday as he is a big fan of Brazilian steakhouses and all the meat! We made reservations for a Friday night on open table but it seemed to get more crowded later in the evening-​after 7:30. The service could not have been better from being seated quickly to our waiter explaining everything (my first time at a Brazilian steakhouse) to the meat runners-​loved their outfits. The beer prices are very reasonable and I got a draft Blue Moon for only $ 3.50. My date tried the Brazilian beer Xingu which was very dark in color but tasted like a lager. Up first was the cold buffet which had a lot of seafood from shrimp to sushi as well as many kinds of salad including cesar, potato and pasta.. I enjoyed the meats cheese and bread spread. I opted not to get the meat or hot bar included and that option was $ 22.50-very pricey for a salad bar and for $ 20 more you get the hot buffet with potatoes, rice etc and unlimited meat. The amount and variety of meat options is pretty amazing from a chicken leg to prime rib. The meat is served medium rare but they will happily cook the meat to how you like it. The place was clean and the food all seemed very fresh. I highly recommend for a special occasion.

I like so much that I want go back again. Just two things that I didn’t like:
— the smoke inside the restaurant (because of the barbecue)
— the fact that they don’t have cheese bread (pão de queijo) that is mandatory to have in any brazilian restaurant (in my opinion).
But the food and service is really nice!!!
I love it.

Wonderful server (Anthony and he is the shit!) if you can get him.
The ONLY thing I’d want to be better is the thermostat to be turned up just a little more… was a bit chilly.

Excellent food and lots of it! Most of the time, food quality suffers when so many options are available, but not at Green Forest. I loved the variety — everything from leg of lamb to bacon-​wrapped turkey. The hot foods and salad bar were impressive too — lots of options and very clean.
The prices may seem a little higher than you’re used to for a meal, but the amount and variety of food make it worth every penny!
Pro-​tip: it’s a little hard to find at night as it’s in a small plaza without great signage…

The Green Forest Brazilian Restaurant is a great special occasion choice. It is an all you can eat style with a variety of fabulous food. I believe they have over 16 or 17 meat selections alone. They also have a hot and cold buffet, which is an expansive area in addition to the meats served table side. Our gang referred to the service as «swords of meat».
The cold bar consists of many salads shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, sushi and sashimi. The Portabella salad was delicious as well as the grilled asparagus.
On the hot buffet they have Lobster mashed potatoes and Paella.
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For dessert we enjoyed the coconut flan and passion fruit mousse (when tried together was the perfect combination of sweet & tart) which were both good. There were many other options too. Please be aware that desserts may NOT be included in your special, so please check. They also have a well stocked bar. If you have a big appetite especially for meat, this is the certainly the place to go.
Check out their website for specials. I have also seen GROUPON specials from time to time too. On Tuesdays and Thursdays they have an early bird special from 4 — 6 PM: $ 37 instead of $ 42.50.
Service was attentive and pleasant. Also be aware that this restaurant is not visible from the main road (Rodi Rd), but it sits up in an office complex, conveniently located right off the parkway east, Penn Hills exit.

This place was lots of fun for our son’s birthday. It’s a meat coma just waiting for you.
You know what you’re getting in to here. So anyone complaining about the price should be ignored. It’s going to be expensive. But, it’s fun with lots and lots of meats.
Full bar too.

After years of being guilty of «judging a book by its cover,» I finally caved and gave Green Forest a try. I thought, «there’s absolutely no way a Brazilian churrascaria in an old business park in Monroeville is going to be good!» Well, I was completely wrong.
Yeah, the small business park vibe, old building, and outdated décor paints an odd picture, but the food more than makes up for how far the first impression may set you back. The staff is wonderful, attentive, and very, VERY nice. In fact, once we told our server that one of the girls in our group was pregnant, they took extra care to make sure they brought her the fully-​cooked pieces of meat (even going so far as to bring around a smaller table-​side skillet to finish cooking her pieces while serving the rest of us.
As for the food… we didn’t really keep count on our first visit, but we counted EIGHTEEN different meat offerings the second time around: rotisserie chicken, ribeye, Brazilian sausage, top sirloin, flank, sirloin with chimichurri, picanha, parmesan filet mignon, thick-​cut bacon, pork tenderloin, leg of lamb, turkey wrapped in bacon, lamb chops, bacon-​wrapped filet, beef rib, baby back ribs, beef tenderloin, and filet topped with a mushroom wine sauce. Our previous trip also included a garlic-​infused sirloin that was incredible. Overall, the meats — while salty in their own right — don’t hit the overwhelming sodium levels that you get at some churrascarias. I ate nearly every cut of meat (most two or three times, actually), and left there feeling full, but not bloated and miserable. Of course, part of that may have come down to the fact that we got there right when the restaurant opened both times. In both cases, we barely had enough time to explore the salad bar before the meat began making its rounds, which means we didn’t fill up on the salad bar items. In fact, both times, I never even took a second look at the salad bar because the meat came around so fast and so frequently that all other items were quickly forgotten.
When thinking about the sides and desserts, I wasn’t in love with their pão de queijo, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. (also, meant that I didn’t fill up on bread!). Also, the fried yuca and bananas are quite yummy. You’ll need to ask for those items, though, as they don’t automatically bring them out to you. Dessert isn’t included in the price, and while decent and made in-​house, I wouldn’t recommend the tiramisu unless you really enjoy a liquor flavor. I found it quite strong in my serving. Perhaps a heavy hand, perhaps the norm… either way, I’d recommend having an extra cut of meat or two instead!
Now, while the salad bar and I didn’t spend much time getting to know each other, I can say that Green Forest does put out a commendable assortment of offerings. You standard beans and rice, hearts of palm, cheeses and charcuterie are on display, as well as some sushi, lobster mashed potatoes, soups and salads, etc. I have no complaints about the salad bar, but let’s be real here: If you’re at a churrascuria, you’re there to eat meat, and that’s truly where Green Forest shines.
It’s an unpretentious environment, with phenomenal service, excellent food, and reasonable prices. As people who live in the city, I can tell you that we are willing to drive the sometimes-​torturous «short» distance to Green Forest instead of the 5-​minute drive to Texas de Brazil any day of the week. It’s definitely worth it! Enjoy!

I have been to a few Brazilian Steakhouses in my time, but I have to say that the overall best experience that I have ever had at one was here at the Green Forest.
Is it a bit out of date looking? Is it in an obscure business park that you wouldn’t know would house this place? The answers are both yes. But the thing that is amazing about this place… Service, food taste, choices, and overall general experience. What you lack in aesthetics, is made up for in great meat, friendly and helpful staff (they made sure they cooked meats well done on a separate little grill for our pregnant friend), and a generally great time. We counted at least 13 different meat options, there were probably more. I think we actually ate 13. The salad and hot bar has so much to choose from too. And they have additional sides that you can get too (can you say cheesy bread balls and even French fries… Yes, fries… But I love all fries). Only thing not included in the price is the beer and liquor, and desserts.
Seriously, the service here was amazing. I definitely recommend checking it out!!!

Wow! Totally surprised by this one as the entrance/​store front made me nervous upon arrival. Once inside, I was still worried as the décor is somewhat dated… and that’s when you truly realize the old adage is true — you can’t judge a book by its cover. This place is a phenomenal churrascaria!
Over twenty varieties of meats, served gaucho-​style with a certified, rock-​star cold bar including sushi, various cold cuts and cheeses, salads, and more!
This place is certainly on par or better than ANY major Brazilian steakhouse I’ve ever been to in ANY major city around the US.
Come hungry and leave happy… with a belly full of meat. Truly delicious… just bring your appetite, take your time, and enjoy the variety.
Flavorful and plentiful food with super friendly service… sim, por favor!

Im not much of a carnivore but my hubby of course loves meat. I decided to try this place after a neighbor suggested it. They have a small buffet that consist of brazilian style side dishes along with some italian and asian favorites.
The interior has a calm intimate setting with plenty of seating enough for a party if you needed it to be. The server greets you immediately and if you’re a new comer as we were they inform you of what Churrascaria is and they bring out these tasty appetizers for your table even though you have a whole buffet and delicious meats waiting for you.
We ordered a brazillian beer called Xingu which is dark like a lager but smooth like a light beer. We loved it! the appetizers were like a fried banana, some kind of potato and even their version of what i would call cheese sticks only it was bread with melted mozzarella cheese inside. great!
So they give you this wooden coaster that has a red and green side to it to inform them that you want them to bring meat to the table. Green for go; Red for stop. whatever you do don’t leave the green side up cause that means they will keep bringing meat stick after stick. The best part is that there are over 20 different varieties of delectable juicy meats to choose from. Prime rib, bacon wrapped filet mignon and chicken and turkey for the non red meat eaters.
The salad bar was still my favorite because of all the exotic treats they had. Everything that i’d want in a salad they had it. Even sushi, mussles, ray oysters, crab legs, breads with olive and fresh olives, garlic and plenty of other fine toppings. Home made dressing and even hot sides like rice, scallop potatoes, seafood melody and 2 kinds of soup. It was amazing the choices they had and i would honestly suggest staring for a few days before going here. it’s about $ 40 a person without drinks so whenever you go make sure you get your moneys worth!