Chamas Churrascaria Bar, Cigar Lounge & Restaurant

Chamas Churrascaria Bar, Cigar Lounge & Restaurant brings the authentic spirit of Brazil to Abu Dhabi’s vibrant Corniche. Nestled inside the iconic InterContinental Abu Dhabi, this is the capital’s original and most celebrated churrascaria. The moment you step inside, the sizzle of premium meats over an open flame and the rhythm of a live Latin band set the stage for an unforgettable evening. It is more than a meal — it is a sensory journey built around the centuries-old gaucho tradition of roasting prime cuts on skewers and carving them tableside.

Guests are welcomed into a space that balances rustic warmth with refined luxury. There is a lively indoor dining room, a breezy terrace overlooking the marina, and an exclusive upper bar and cigar lounge for after-dinner indulgence. Every corner of Chamas reflects a deep commitment to South American hospitality; the passadores — skilled meat carvers — move through the room with sizzling skewers of beef, lamb, chicken, and more, pausing only when you turn your card to red. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a night out, Chamas delivers a feast for all the senses.

What Sets Chamas Apart

As Abu Dhabi’s first authentic Brazilian churrascaria, Chamas defined the concept in the region and remains the benchmark for quality. The restaurant features a continuous rodizio-style service, an abundant salad bar, and a decadent dessert buffet. A genuine Latin band plays throughout most evenings, creating an energetic, celebratory atmosphere you simply won't find elsewhere in the city. The addition of the Cigar Lounge makes it a truly multifaceted destination — start with sunset drinks on the terrace, move inside for the full churrasco experience, then retreat upstairs for a fine cigar and a nightcap.

Signature Churrasco & Culinary Excellence

The heart of the Chamas experience lies in its 18 premium meat cuts, each seasoned simply with rock salt or a house marinade to let the natural flavors shine. Passadores circulate continuously, offering selections cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill. Highlights include richly marbled Wagyu beef, robust Black Angus, tender lamb picanha, spicy chicken hearts, and the ever-popular grilled pineapple dusted with cinnamon. The process is simple: a green card signals “bring more,” while a red card gives you a moment to savor.

• Wagyu & Black Angus: The stars of the show, prized for their intense flavor and buttery texture, carved in thin slices right onto your plate.
• Picanha (Cupim): The classic Brazilian cut, featuring a generous cap of fat that bastes the meat as it grills, delivering exceptional juiciness.
• Chicken & Lamb: Succulent chicken thighs wrapped in bacon, herbed chicken legs, and tender lamb chops provide variety beyond beef.
• Grilled Pineapple: A legendary house specialty — caramelized on the outside, juicy within, and often cited as a “must-try” in guest reviews.

Vibrant Salad Bar & Decadent Desserts

While the meats take center stage, the journey begins at the extensive salad and hot buffet. Far from a simple green selection, the Chamas salad bar offers imported cheeses, charcuterie, freshly baked pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), feijoada (traditional black bean stew), seafood salads, and a rainbow of seasonal vegetables. Many guests enjoy a light first round before the main event, then return for a second pass between cuts.

The dessert buffet is equally indulgent. Expect classic Brazilian sweets like brigadeiro and pudim de leite, alongside international favorites such as chocolate mousse, cakes, and fresh fruits. The dessert station is included in the churrasco experience, making it an integral part of the evening rather than an afterthought.

The Chamas Series — Themed Evenings & Weekly Experiences

Chamas has elevated its offering with The Chamas Series, a curated lineup of theme nights that combine the signature 12-cut churrasco experience with distinct beverages and entertainment. Each evening brings its own flavor, so there is always a reason to return.

Caipirinha Wednesdays

Midweek gets a Brazilian kick with free-flow caipirinhas paired with flame-grilled cuts at AED 245 per person from 6 PM to 11 PM.

Vinho & Churrasco Thursdays

An oenophile’s delight — unlimited churrasco plus 50% off bottled wines at AED 245 per person, 6 PM to 11 PM.

Carnival Fever Fridays

Chamas transforms into a Rio-style carnival with live percussion, professional samba dancers, and the full rodizio experience from 8 PM onward at AED 245 per person.

Hospitality Mondays & Tuesdays

The upper bar welcomes industry professionals with 50% off drinks from 4 PM to midnight. This is an ideal spot for networking or winding down after a shift.

Cigar Lounge — A Sophisticated Retreat

The upstairs Cigar Lounge at Chamas is one of Abu Dhabi's most refined spots for an après-dinner drink and a premium cigar. Stocked with a curated selection of Cuban and international cigars, the lounge features plush leather seating, a well-stocked bar, and a climate-controlled outdoor terrace with marina views. From June 1st onward, the lounge opens earlier at 9 AM, serving coffee and light bites for those who wish to start the day in style.

Live Entertainment & Atmosphere

Music is woven into the fabric of Chamas. A resident Latin band performs throughout most evenings, their rhythms creating a warm, convivial energy that complements the dining experience. On Carnival Fridays, samba dancers and percussionists take the floor, encouraging guests to join the celebration. Even on quieter nights, the playlist stays true to South American roots, ensuring the ambiance never feels flat. This commitment to entertainment transforms a simple dinner into a destination event — one of the reasons Chamas remains a top-rated Brazilian restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

Location & Directions

Chamas Churrascaria Bar, Cigar Lounge & Restaurant is located within the five-star InterContinental Abu Dhabi, set directly on the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, facing the Corniche and the marina. The hotel sits in one of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, close to major landmarks such as the Etihad Towers and Emirates Palace. Valet parking is available at the hotel entrance, and ride-hailing services provide easy drop-off. For precise navigation, the Google Maps location code is F84H+VF Abu Dhabi.

Hours & Reservations

Chamas welcomes guests for dinner six nights a week, from Tuesday through Sunday, 6 PM to 11 PM. The restaurant is closed on Mondays, though the bar and cigar lounge may operate under separate hours. With its immense popularity — reflected in over 1,400 Google reviews and a 4.4-star rating — reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for themed evenings and weekends.

Bookings can be made via:

• Phone: +971 56 680 2161 (also available on WhatsApp)
• Email: reservations.icabudhabi@ihg.com
• Hotel Line: 800 ICDINE (800 423 463)

Why Abu Dhabi Diners Return to Chamas

In a city famous for its culinary diversity, Chamas stands out by delivering consistency, warmth, and a genuinely unique experience. Guests repeatedly praise the service — professional yet approachable passadores, attentive waitstaff, and a management team that visibly cares. Whether you are a meat lover seeking the perfect Wagyu slice, a couple marking an anniversary, or a group of friends ready for Carnival Fever, Chamas offers an environment that feels both celebratory and intimate. The combination of high-quality ingredients, a stunning waterfront setting, and the infectious rhythms of Latin music creates a dining tradition that keeps locals and hotel guests coming back year after year.