Note: if you are after a quick bite in a dull, lifeless restaurant then Smith Street’s Copacabana is not for you so do not read on. If however you are after a night out that’s colourful, vibrant, bright and full of life, please continue. Essentially a Brazilian themed cabaret, Copacabana is also a bar and restaurant (with dance lessons thrown into the mix too).
The perfect party location for large groups, start your evening with a sumptuous seven-course feast first taking advantage of the hot and cold buffet selection which includes salads and vegetables, rice and potato dishes, and all the accompanying condiments. Then settle back into your seat as course after course of churrascaria (a traditional Brazilian barbecue of grilled meats that includes succulent sirloin, chicken, lamb, pork, spicy sausage and ribs) is brought to your table. Meats are marinated and barbecued over charcoal, then served directly to you by a guachos (meat waiter). Finally your meal is completed with a selection of homemade desserts. If this isn’t enough of a show the lights are dimmed, but the room is then filled with colour as capoeira performers take to the stage for a tantalising floor show. Now that’s what I call a night out.
