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Casa Ipanema
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Casa Ipanema
8.3
Opened in early 2025 inside the historic Millennium Biltmore, Casa Ipanema brings a high-energy, steak-forward Brazilian Latin concept to Downtown. Picanha, tomahawk, and wagyu steaks share the stage with seafood and tropical plates, framed by house music, cocktails, and lush décor built for nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha Steak, Tomahawk Bone-In Ribeye, Shrimp A La Casserole
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Brazilian-led steak and seafood house blending picanha and tomahawk cuts with tropical cocktails and clubby downtown energy.
Who should go: Diners chasing steak with cocktails, music, and scene.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend dinners for full music-and-lighting effect.
What to order: Picanha, tomahawk ribeye, Shrimp A La Casserole.
Insider tip: Book around an event at the Biltmore and linger at the bar for post-dinner DJ sets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet at the Millennium Biltmore is the most reliable option (typically $15–$20). Limited metered street parking exists but is difficult after 6pm and often restricted during events.
Dress code: Smart casual with a nightlife tilt; guests tend to dress up. Jeans work if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: High-energy. Music-forward room with a club-adjacent soundtrack; expect lively conversation but not quiet intimacy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer if there’s a hotel event; bar seating opens up faster.
Weekday lunch: N/A — lunch service is limited or not offered; for early-evening dining, waits are typically under 15 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but doable — salads, sides, and a couple of seafood-adjacent plates provide options.
Vegan options: Very limited — expect to rely on simple sides; not a strong fit for fully plant-based diners.
Gluten-free options: Multiple naturally gluten-free items (steaks, seafood, many sides); staff can flag modifications but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, stylish atmosphere where energy does the heavy lifting. Not ideal for a quiet, conversation-heavy first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible early evening or late night, but prime weekend hours require reservations. Bar seats are the best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly. The lighting, volume, and late-night feel skew adult; teens may enjoy it, but younger kids won’t have amenities or quiet space.
Best For
Better for: High-energy steak nights with Brazilian flair, strong cocktails, and a scene-forward setting that leans social and celebratory.
Skip if: You want a traditional, quiet steakhouse; you need robust vegan options; or you prefer minimalist dining over nightlife ambiance.
Casa Ipanema
8.3
Casa Ipanema, on the corner of the historic Biltmore Hotel, brings contemporary Brazilian Latin cooking, DJ-driven nights, and a steak-friendly menu to the Financial District. Tomahawk and Wagyu cuts share the stage with seafood and tropical plates, turning steak dinners into lively, cocktail-forward date nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tomahawk Steak, Wagyu Four Cheese Filet, Shrimp A La Casserole
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Brazilian Latin restaurant where Tomahawk and Wagyu steaks meet caipirinhas, DJs, and lush, tropical interiors in the downtown Financial District.
Who should go: Couples wanting steak with nightlife energy and cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend evenings during DJ sets for full Rio-inspired atmosphere.
What to order: Tomahawk steak, Wagyu four cheese filet, Shrimp A La Casserole.
Insider tip: Time your reservation around scheduled fire-dance or DJ nights to turn dinner into a full evening out.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet is typically available at the Biltmore Hotel entrance; nearby paid garages range $10–$20. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—think elevated date-night attire. Jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Loud during DJ nights with limited quiet pockets; moderate earlier in the evening when music hasn’t peaked.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during DJ or fire-dance nights.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including salads, vegetable-forward starters, and a few Brazilian-inspired mains.
Vegan options: Limited—typically 1–2 dishes can be made vegan; call ahead for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Multiple proteins and sides are naturally gluten-free; staff can guide adjustments for sauces and marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want energetic, cocktail-driven vibes with strong atmosphere. Not ideal if you prefer a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weekdays or early evenings, but weekends and DJ nights fill quickly—reservations strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for adults; the energy skews nightlife-oriented. Older teens may be fine earlier in the evening, but it’s not ideal for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Lively, tropical date nights with strong cocktails, theatrics, and Brazilian-style steak cuts in a nightlife-forward space.
Skip if: You want a quiet steakhouse, a traditional white-tablecloth experience, or highly robust vegan options.