Sinhá Elegant Cuisine Reviews

This is a homestyle gem for all of Chicago and tourists to treasure. If you're wondering how fine dining fits in the garden apartment of a three story house on the city's Near West Side...only tasting will tell!! After arriving at what looks like the warmest home on the block, everyone is greeted then seated for Brazilian cheese puffs and a lovely all you can eat sides buffet including hearts of palm salad, basmati rice and black beans with vegetarian option. I ordered the succulent cut chicken entree which arrived with a scored mango at the proper taste balance and perfectly sliced and sautéed collard greens. Fine dining requires food be visually appealing...my entree made both my nose and my eyes very happy. The final presentation of desert really takes the Brazilian cake! Lest I forget, the homey ambience is rounded off with properly set Brazilian music and the hibiscus tea was smashing. Although I was there on business, a patron caught wind it was my birthday and everyone sang happy birthday to me with the owner/chef Jorgina Pereira singing to me in Portuguese. Sinha is now on my very short list of reasonably priced favorites in Chicago.

We visited over the lunch hour during the week. The food was delicious and the service was top notch.

Sunday brunch at Sinha. Unique dining in the owners home. Jorgina the owner is an excellent hostess and makes this a truly unforgettable experience of home cooked Brazilian food. The appetizers served in the main floor among very elegant surroundings were outstanding. The sumptuous buffet served downstairs was a real delicious spread of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes with a variety of flavors-not a dish we did not like. The atmosphere was great and Jorgina went out of her way to make sure everyone was comfortable and well fed. We will certainly be back. Seating times are limited and be sure to make a early reservation.

If you can't go to Rio, Rio will come to you here. Are you adventurous? ...looking for something different to do? ...love exotic food? This is the place for you. Are you looking to celebrate an occasion? ...thinking of how to top off your next "number" with a client or that special person in your life? This is where to step outside your box. It is "underground dining" at its best ... open to the public, but only by reservation. The crowd: Mix of ages with an emphasis on Brazilians and Brazilophiles. Cost: $30, including tax, but NOT gratuity (all-you-can-eat buffet & dance lessons!) BYOB: Champagne for mimosas, cachaca for caipirinhas or vodka for caipiroskas. Your customized "punch" will be made for you. Jorgina, the “mistress of the house,” (hence the title, “sinha”), welcomes guests at 2 p.m. into her antique-filled first floor salon with appetizers and drinks, inviting them to the lower-level dining room when the brunch is ready. There, they find colorful fabric-covered tables bearing rows of pretty chafing dishes and counters of colorful salads and meats. Brunchers can gather at one of the large or small tables in the dining room or in the sunny back yard, which is mostly protected from the sun by a big canopy during the summer. Some may mingle at shared tables while others chat with friends—a group of students learning Portuguese are regular patrons. And if you think you are "done" after eating ... not a chance... the best if yet to come. After brunch, diners can return to the upstairs parlor for a dance performance by a hot Brazilian couple—donning feathers and all, Carnival style—who will teach you how to samba or salsa dance. Or, you can lounge around the house as the afternoon fades, enjoying the ambience and people on the dance floor. Menu highlights: Feijoada (Brazilian national dish of rice, beans and smoked and dried meat), collard greens with orange salad and farofa (cassava flour) and fried bananas. Wide assortment of salads, roasted and stewed meats, and rich coconut desserts. Dress light ... Come for the wild feast. Stay for the hot and steamy dance. To say that you'll be glad you did this ... is ... well ... putting it mildly. You'll think as though you have to catch the next "flight" home as you'll feel you've been away on vacation after this experience.

Food Was awesome, service was a bit slow. Was there on a Thursday for lunch, the owner was out running errands and was late coming back we were told. SO that left the cook and one wait staff, doing the job of waiting and trying to services 4 groups. Was too much for her. But was excellent and would go back again

The restaurant is actually a two story house in a residential area. Upon walking inside I was really impressed with the ambiance and homey feel. Before going downstairs to Bruch, we were served hummus, chicken stuffed pastry with hibiscus tea. Downstairs there’s seating for approx. 15-20. We were greeted by Ms: Jorgina who took the time to give an overview of the many selections. Excellent food with many choices to choose from black beans and rice, collar greens, salmon, salads, shrimp waffle cone, farofa, plantains, chicken, beef, dessert and excellent Brazilian coffee. Hands down best authentic Brazilian food in the city, a must visit. Will definitely recommend to all who will listen. Excellent food that’s not Overpriced.

The food was excellent! Many authentic entrées that we not tried before. Lots of flavor and variety. Great family atmosphere. Felt very much at home. Relax and enjoy.

WOW - Jorgina Pereira's cuisine is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G-L-Y delicious and artistically presented - the stewed Ox-tails were my favorite, however the sauteed collard greens and hibiscus tea were also stand outs - the brownstone is comfortable and a beautiful complement to Jorgina's exquisite hospitality - while some of the guest chose to dine inside next to the buffet - the real party was outside in the garden under real grape vines,who's aroma just added to the delightful atmosphere - there were salads, plantains, rice, black beans with and without meat, salmon, chicken, corn and string-beans and the most mouthwatering yucca flour and cheese mini muffins - the roasted pineapple, green/red pepper and onion relish served with pita chips was distinctive and so good I had to take some home. If I lived in Chi-town I am sure I would be at brunch here at least once a quarter.

I took my students to this restaurant so that they could try Brazilian food. I am happy to report that the experience was a total success! The food was absolutely delicious! The service was great and the ambiance a total delight. My students were even surprised with a "Happy Graduation" song! I can't wait to go back. Obrigada Georgina!

The food was quite delicious and the experience was really nice as it gave a real home dinner feel with friends and strangers together.

On Sunday, August 31, 2014, my husband and I had brunch at Sinha, owned by Jorgina, a Sao Paulo native who has relocated to the United States. There was a nice spread of several yummy items that we and the other guests delighted in. I had the vegi black beans, white rice, steamed cod in a great tasting sauce, mango coconut rice, string beans, cooked plantains, sweet bread,cheese biscuits, greens and bits of watermelon. My husband had nearly the same items as me, but instead of fish, he had strips of well-done beef. We started out on the second floor of her beautiful 3-story brownstone where we self served ourselves the most delicious hisbiscus tea and tortilla strips with a delicious dip. After a few moments of getting acquainted with the other guests Jorgina welcomed us downstairs on the first level where brunch was served. We are celebrating our 19th wedding anniversary and Jorgina and her staff and the other guests sang happy anniversary. She then brought out a very tasty dessert of red velvet cake with a mousse type cake on the opposite side, french vanilla ice cream with a strip of lime gelatin on top and two small coconut cookies with a grape inside - how different is that??? This was our second trip to Sinha's and it is truly a nice experience and we will be back. Sonja L. Marshall

Awesome, unique dining experience. We came for the Sunday brunch, which has two set times (2 pm and 4 pm). You are literally in the owners/chefs house, where you sit side-by-side with strangers at the same table. It's obviously not meant to be an intimate or couple-y meal, but it is a very unique way to meet some new people and enjoy some great food. The food is phenomenal! After spending some time in Brazil a few years ago, I've been searching for an authentic Brazilian dining experience and Sinha definitely delivers. From farofa, feijoada and pao de queijo, you are instantly transported to Brazil. There is more than enough food to completely fill yourself and the options feel endless. There are even multiple vegetarian options, which makes it a little less authentic, as you would be hard-pressed to find many vegetarian options in Brazil. I'm already planning another trip back

I tend to judge a country by its food great food means its has to be a great place to visit. Eating at Sinha 2018 w Adams in Chicago, defintely has me heading to Brazil. Traditional Brazillan dinner, served in a buffet style allowing patrons to sample a variety of dishes (chicken, lamb, fish and beef and various vegetables and deserts).Be sure you try the stuffed shrimp rolls. Sinha does'nt have a licquor license so its a BYOB, you can bring your wine, or coolers and enjoying your meal while listening to the guitarist. After stuffing your self if you re not ready to say goodnight to friends you can head up stairs to finish your drinks and conversation. You must make reservation 1-312-491-8200 cash only

Sinha Elegant Brazilian Cuisine is truly a hidden gem. I’ve been here a few times and it’s always delicious. The restaurant is located in a house across from the United Center. I’ve been here for a couple of parties and for dinner before a concert. The food is buffet style with a combination of steak, seafood, and there may have been some pork. There’s Brazilian style greens, beans and rice, and plantains. They also have these little biscuits that are addictively delicious. All the food was absolutely mouth watering good. You have a living room area upstairs for drinks and appetizers. It’s BYOB, so bring what you and your guests like to drink. In the winter, dinner is served downstairs next to the kitchen. In the summer, you can sit outside in the private gated garden that’s covers with grapevines. It has a wonderful ambiance. The host/owner is extremely kind. You truly feel like you’re at home and that your food is served with love and care. It’s a unique experience that I’d recommend to everyone.

We came for a private birthday celebration with 30 people. We started with cocktails on the first level, and were entertained by Brazilian dancers in carnival wear, Who taught us the Sumbu. We danced for about 45 minutes. Then it was time to go downstairs for fabulous Brazilian buffet dinner. The food is all freshly cooked by Georgina, the owner and restauranteur. She is a great cook, and a wonderful hostess. Brazilian dinner ended with Brazilian dessert and homegrown dessert wine. If you like Brazilian food, this is a winner.

Someone needs to make this restaurant a must stop on every Chicago Tour! Delicious food, exuberant ambiance and a feeling that you are at your Grandma's house, all of it make Sinhá one of my best dininf experiences.

A group of six friends dined here for a wonderful time and experience. This place is set in a home and when we first arrived we had appetizers and drinks Ion the first floor.(BYOB). Then we went down to the lower floor and we were greeted with our host who in detail told us about every dish that they had. She also asked if anyone had any allergies or preferences not to have pork( which was me). There was a wide selection of food choices and although this was a buffet after filling my plate the first time, there was no room for any seconds. We left feeling very satisfied.

Great atmosphere and delicious authentic home cooked Brazilian cuisine. Jorgina is great! It's just like eating at your auntie's house!

Set in a beautiful 19th century mansion this warm and friendly restaurant serves truly outstanding Brazilian cuisine. It's a bit tucked away but worth seeking out. Not some Brazilian "steakhouse" but a varied and tasty menu of home cooked food.

Well let me get bad news out of the way, parking sucks right next door to United Center in Chicago. But what a wonderful concept the owner Jorgina has come up with. She has the most beautiful two story home that she has converted into a cozy feel good smell good atmosphere. If your looking to try an authentic Brazilian experience this is it. Plenty of home made fill you up style buffet. And once again the surrounding are breath taking. Ten of my family members celebrated my favorite cousins thirty-fifth birthday there and we had a great time.

Park next to a home near the United Center just a few miles from downtown Chicago. Sinha, a Brazilian restaurant is a treat. The lunch menu including a buffet to start with is very reasonable-$14. Be careful that you don't eat too much off the buffet as the entrée (included) is a delight. I enjoy the shrimp dish with a side of plantain coconut rice and mango. The table seating (only 3) might be a problem for some folks. Once we shared a table with a nice young couple. Great service with a big smile.

After hearing so many great things about Sinha, my Brazilian friend and I decided to check it out. It was definitely a unique experience! It felt like having lunch at your grandma’s house. The decor was a bit cheesy, but it was warm and inviting. The staff was super friendly, a bit chatty, but it was a blast chatting in Portuguese with another Brazilian. We even met Dona Sinha, who was so friendly and warm. The food was mediocre , but I’m sure I could make it better. The feijoada was a bit watery and bland. The Pao de queijo was not good at all. The gauarana and dessert ( very small) were super sugary—like, 26 grams of sugar in the drink alone! The biggest thing that bugged me was the bill. It was way too expensive for what we got. The menu didn’t have prices, but I saw pictures online with prices ranging from $14 to $18 for weekday lunch. We were charged $30 plus a drink and dessert, taxes, and a service charge (WTF ?) which came to $50 a person. Definitely not going back or recommending it!

Interesting and unique atmosphere. Suited to smaller crowds. If you enjoy something outside the norm, it is worth a try.

This place is magical! and The people feel like they are your long lost relatives that welcome back with open arms! From the moment I met the Owner and staff, I was made to feel welcomed and even loved unconditionally. The food literally has Love ❤️ in it. Because it’s made with and from it. One of my must visits regularly when I’m home! The eclectic interior is a reflection of the owners personal taste and pieces from her many exotic travels over the course of at least 6 decades. She doesn’t have any children of her own but every time I’m there I feel like I’m one of her favorite Son’s. She even Sang Happy Birthday 🎂 to Me and encourages the rest of the staff and patrons to sing along with Her. If you are visiting Chicago and want to actually experience what chicago locals call home (with a sprinkle of Brazilian cuisine) feels like, I recommend you go patronize this place and sit in the outdoor rear patio with the sounds of Brasil softly playing while you feel the echos of the United Center grace the city’s backdrop! Sinha! One of Chicagos hidden gems.

If you're in the mood for something out of the ordinary, you must try this gem of a restaurant. From the outside it looks like a 2-story old house, but if you let that turn you away, you will miss out on a magnificent dining experience. I rented the restaurant for my wife's birthday dinner, which started with the most delectable appetizers in the upstairs reception area. When we were ready for dinner, we were escorted down to the main dining area, where the aroma of fresh spices and seasonings filled the air. There we were greeted by the owner and chef, Jorgina, who introduced us to the dishes we would be enjoying that evening. And when I say "enjoying" that barely scratches the surface of how delicious the food was. Everything was fresh and perfectly prepared. All of my guests left full and more than satisfied. The service, the food, and the ambiance made for a most amazing experience.

I heard about Sinha Brazilian on an Instagram post and I’m not going to lie, I was a skeptical as I was curious. But it was my birthday month and my choice on where we would go. And so we want Sinha, and it did not disappoint. We were also full that we were actually angry at ourselves for getting so full because we just were not ready to stop eating. The appetizers were great. The sangria was delicious. The main courses were good and so was the dessert.We’re already trying to conjure up another excuse to go out again in the near future. It was a lot of fun, talking to an interfacing with people that we didn’t know and having this experience. A memory was truly made.

Moqueca is the best! The place is very cozy and the owner is very helpful. Strong coffee, like brazilian coffee. There are buffet and great food. Volto fácil nesse restaurante!

What a wonderful and cozy place! you feel like you are eating at home in the kitchen. Beautiful patio outside also. Recommended for groups diners! Jorgina is amazing and her cooking delightful.

Visited the restaurant before a concert at United Center. What a find! The care that they take in making their food is impressive. Most of us are familiar with the churascaria form of Brazilian food but the cuisine presented here is levels above. The commentary was great to help us become familiar with the food. This was a great start to a great evening! Will definitely go back for a Sunday brunch. BYOB and have a blast!

I am a Chicago Woman. I enjoy delightful restaurants. Chicago has great restaurants. Yesterday, my friends and mother had lunch at Sinha Brazilian Restaurant. Ah! I truly enjoyed the mini buffet. The Brazilian spiced lunch was heavily. And the atmosphere is paradise. I truly felt at home.