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Samba Taste of Brazil Reviews List
Samba Taste of Brazil
Enjoy the flavor of Brazil in a large variety of dishes with Brazilian and its European / African / Mediterranean cuisine influences : Picanha , Churrasco, Feijoada ( black beans stew ) Moqueca ( shrimp , fish or veggies with coconut milk and palm oil ) Seafood, Pastas, Risottos , Salads , Paellas and much more. Lots of options of Low Carbs , Low Calories , Veggies , Gluten Free . Live Music Fridays and Saturdays .
Cozy place for a date and family or office parties!
See more Samba Taste of Brazil details
58 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 58 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(24)
3 stars
(9)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(41)
- fit for foodies(21)
- good for groups(17)
- great for lunch(11)
- kid-friendly(10)
- romantic(8)
Samba Taste of Brazil Reviews List
Review 1 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Samba is Exotic
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food is different than we normally sample and very good. Well worth a visit and we will return with frineds!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Samba Taste of Brazil - A Surprise
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Just down Main Street from the Hopkins Art & Theater Complex, this little restaurant & limited Brazilian grocery was a very pleasant surprise. The tomato & cheese pastel was perfect. I had the seafood Moqueca, which was excellent. Everyone in our party of four had good food. A special treat was a Brazilian guitar player singing softly in the background. Good food, good service, good prices. This is not a fancy place, but we will definitely recommend it to anyone."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: late-night find, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
No gauchos needed here
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is great. We will be back."
Dined on 4/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Casual yet Authentic Meal
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I had my first experience with Samba Taste of Brazil during Summer 2012 for Mpls-St.Paul Restaurant Week. Having studied in Brazil during college, I have expectations that surpass the overpriced churrascaria experience of the Fogo de Chaos and Texas de Brazils of the world. In Samba Taste of Brazil, I was seeking the simple, authentic tastes of the kilograma dining that I so enjoyed while in the Portuguese-speaking South American country. Samba Taste of Brazil surely delivered. Located in the charming downtown Hopkins area, street parking was simple, my meal arrived to the table quickly, and the taste was reminiscent of that to which I'd grown familiar during my time in the land of samba. Bonus: The owner is Brazilian, not corporate."
Dined on 7/13/2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent lunch spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a great place for lunch - the food is really good, at a great price, and it does not take long to arrive. Also, you have the benefit of a small store where you can buy Brazilian food and extras to take home"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 6 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Hidden treasure
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Tucked away in the little town of Hopkins, Minn., is the Brazilian flavor of Samba. Located on the small town's mainstreet, it's a fun spot for groups, welcoming to families and kind of romantic. Fantastic food (you must try the cheese bread!), wonderful desserts (the flan is to die for) and one of the best selections of Brazilian wine/beer I've found, this place has found a spot in my heart -- or more notably, my stomach!"
Dined on 3/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was wonderful, flavorful,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was wonderful, flavorful, and authentic. We love finding places like this...not chains, not bland, not; stuffy...but with well thought out and crafted food! We will put this on our list. The service was professional but personal and fun!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 8 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
First time as a Brazillian
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"First time as a Brazillian Restaurant and we would definately go back!
Loved the Shrimp Bobo!"
Loved the Shrimp Bobo!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Second time at this restaurant,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Second time at this restaurant, it was still great brazilian food. Yum!"
Dined on 04/15/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is a little gem in the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This is a little gem in the heart of Hopkins. Food was fabulous. Service was friendly and prompt. Music provided perfect atmosphere. Amazed that not more people frequent this location. Perfect."
Dined on 04/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
food was great and already
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"food was great and already recommended it to friends"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
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Review 12 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was appetizing. Music
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was appetizing. Music was OK to amateur, wasn't ready to be cued up to pay extra for musician when the bill came. Otherwise nice local restaurant. I'd go again."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 13 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Staff was amazing friendly,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Staff was amazing friendly, helpful, and accomodating!"
Dined on 04/12/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good restaurant. Good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very good restaurant. Good food and nice staff. Glad to see a full house by the time we finished. Ate early to attend a performance at Hopkins Center for the Arts which is one block away. Great location."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 15 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The staff and the food make
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The staff and the food make a great combination!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2008
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Review 16 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I really like Samba and will
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I really like Samba and will go back again. Very friendly atmosphere and staff. I really enjoyed my dinner and night, and so dinner the remainder of my dinner party."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food and good atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food and the service was prompt and personal. The server took the time to explain what made brazilian food unique and specialty dishes. Our whole group enjoyed their meals. Prices were medium to high but definitly worth it."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I took my mom here for her
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my mom here for her birthday, along with my cousin and his wife. Everyone loved their meal. The only thing I'd say is that my rice had some hard pieces, and the collard greens very bland. Other than that the steaks were done nicely and had very nice flavor."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 19 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Good food, terrible service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our service at Samba was dreadful. The first thing I noticed was that when we walked in, the hostess walked us near our table, pointed at it and told us it was ours... a little odd but no big deal.
After this, it took far too long for someone to come and get our drink orders and finally, our food took FOREVER. This entire time I could see the one waiter on at the time sitting at the bar, playing with his phone and talking to a guest seated there, and the hostess was texting behind the counter. When she finally came over to bring a salad I asked how long our food would be, she asked if I was in a hurry... When we did finally get our food it was great.
If they offer their food to go, do that. Do yourself a favor and don't eat there."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2012
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Review 20 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Good place to stop, for example,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Good place to stop, for example, after a movie for a late, informal meal."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2005
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Review 21 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our first visit went very
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our first visit went very weel. We were seated promptly. The service was quick and polite, taking the time to explain the various menu items. We thought the food was excellent -- especially the empanadas and the feijoada. We thought it would be a fun place to take our wine group to. Want to go back for dinner and live music."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Everything (food, service,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Everything (food, service, ambiance) was above average, but nothing made me say "I have to go back and have such and such". All was good and I would go back, but nothing particularly memorable. A good, solid restaurant experience."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 23 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Good price for decent Brazilian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love Brazilian food and this place did not let me down. We came for valentines day and had a great evening."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We have been here for lunch
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We have been here for lunch a number of times, and have always enjoyed it. There are never very many people there, which is a shame because it is quite good. Very kid friendly menu, and the Brazilian soda is always a big hit. I had the seafood soup and it was very good. One of these days I will have to try it for dinner."
Dined on 02/18/2013
2005
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was very good. The service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was very good. The service was prompt, questions about the unique cuisine were answered, and a great time was had by our multi-generational group. I would recommend this restaurant to friends, familyh and acquaintances"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 26 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Did not enjoy food. Seafood
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Did not enjoy food. Seafood dish was missing 2 of 4 mussels. Risotto seemed to be just rice, not actual risotto. Over-priced for what they delivered."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2013
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 27 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A tropical gem hidden in Hopkins
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not the same old neighborhood restaurant. Good food and friendly service. Most of the menu is Brwzillian fare and well worth being adventurous."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Host/waiter was wonderful,
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Host/waiter was wonderful, attentive and accommodating. Food ranged from good to fair. The meat lovers in the group were pleased with the quality and preparation of their entrees - but nothing elaborate. Two of us had the bacalhau (salt cod hash tossed with grilled onions & peppers) which was presented with lots of starches - both rice and fried potatoes. Sadly, salt was the predominant note. The paella was more flavorful but still very salty. We all loved the sides, wonderful collard greens with garlic, and the beans served with meat. Loved the corner of the restaurant devoted to Brazilian products. If we were near Hopkins I would stop again but probably wouldn't make a special trip there."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2008
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Review 29 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Wow! Spectacular Brazilian
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Wow! Spectacular Brazilian cuisine and personalized service."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This was our first visit to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was our first visit to the restaurant - we were celebrating my mother-in-law's 88th birthday. She absolutely loved it as it was something that she had never had before. The food and waitstaff were wonderful. For the two members of our family who are not willing to try something new, there were things available for them. We are already trying to figure out the next time to visit."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food is very good. Our
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food is very good. Our Brazilian guide says that the food is very authentic."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2012
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Samba Taste of Brazil
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
One of few Brazilian places
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"One of few Brazilian places in Twin Cities. Good variety in menu for those of unfamiliar with Brazilian fare - including rice and manioc-based dishes, paella and Brazilian pizzas. Tasty empanadas. Nicely, live one-man Brazilian music started early at about 6 pm. Some multigenerational Families withbwere having birthday parties as part of the relaxed ambience."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Samba Taste of Brazil
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
4 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic