We went to Samba during restaurant week. The normal price of a meal is $39.95 and it was advertised at $35 for restaurant week. However, when we got our bill it was $30 which pleased us -- and for good reason.
Turns out for restaurant week, Samba limits their available meats from the usual 9 to 6. This initially was a turn off but 6 was probably sufficient. They were:
- Garlic Roasted Chicken Legs (not Mango BBQ Chicken as stated on the website)
- Parmesan Pork
- Linguica (pork sausage)
- Leg of Lamb
- Flank Steak
- Picanha
The website also said garlic bread which wasn't served (no big deal) and of course they served the cinnamon dusted pineapple.
Also of note, the little rolls were no longer served on the table, you had to get your own at the salad buffet. I don't know if that was done just for restaurant week or if that is the way they are handling the rolls now.
Last night the meat was fantastic! However that has not always been the case as we have experienced dry pork and overcooked steak. The pork was tender and the beef was savory though a bit salty sometimes. The upscale salad bar was spot on as usual. Hot sides served last night were the beef stew, rice, garlic mashed potatoes and a tomato cream soup. They have had a black bean side in the past which I get, but I didn't miss it terribly last night.
Four stars simply because we feel at nearly $40 per person it's not worth it outside of restaurant week. Even $30 can feel a bit high and if they had a menu with standard entrees we might find ourselves ordering from that menu versus the all you can eat experience.
If you like meat, definitely try it out once, it a fun experience as a group!