Churrascaria Paranoá is the oldest operating restaurant in Brasilia and a place that just oozes history. When you drive past it you are forgiven to think it is just an old run-down shack in the middle of nowhere at the side of the dam. But how wrong you are.

The restaurant was built in 1956 to feed the workers that build the dam. It is said that at its heydays it fed over 5000 workers daily and that President Juscelino Kubitschek visited the worksite every week to check on the progress of the dam.

In and outside of the restaurant you can see many pictures showing the building of the dam and how it was in the old times. And the current owner Fábio Martins Santos, who is the son of the founder, will happily talk to you about the history of the place and dig out more photos for you.

The menu of Churrascaria Paranoá lists over 50 different dishes, including lamb, free-range chicken and exotic dishes with frogs and alligator meat. But what they are famous for is their grilled picanha. And what a treat that is; it melts in your mouth.

The prices are extremely good and there is plenty of room for children to play on the original playground from over 65 years ago. And if you go on weekends in the evening, you can see one of the great sunsets in Brasilia.

All in all one of the best hidden secret restaurants in Brasilia. You will not be disappointed.