Read the other reviews and saw that they ranged from horrible to pretty good so took a chance - and wish we hadn't.

Group of 5 on a Saturday night and we were seated next to the entrance, right in front of the bar. Only one other table in our area and we were pretty much sitting on the dance floor. Nasty old furniture and half our place settings were incompete.

The meal was pretty much a glorified "Uncle Willy's all you can eat", with one exception - we all wanted to leave within one bite of the salad bar. Trust me, it's all really bad and tasteless. And don't ask me what is Brazilian about chick peas, pasta, or 99% of the rest of the salad bar items. Held off on walking out hoping the meat would make up for it and it didn't. Lamb was disgustingly fatty, chicken raw at the bone (complained and the only response I got was a troubled look from the server), and the prawns weren't even deveined or shelled. $35 for dry salty meats, served in portions the size of a loonie.

Look up waste of money in the dictionary and you'll see Sambas.

My fiance and I came to Samba's for a night out and we were overall pretty disappointed. The buffet was lacklustre; not much selection and overcooked seafood...and while it was a fun experience all of the meat was either really overcooked or undercooked (chicken being one of the undercooked items!). The sirloin was the only really tasty choice so we went for a second helping but it was still completely raw in the middle and left a huge puddle of blood on our plates. Service was also really slow, we waited 15 min to get our server's attention to ask for the bill and another 15 min to actually get it. Overall, not a great experience so unless what you're after is a ton of mediocre food I would not recommend it. Many better places in Vancouver to go, for far less $$$$$!

First time we came here for a birthday celebration. Party of 12 people as I first saw the advert on TV and thought it might be an interesting experinece to try it one night. Yes it was on a Saturday night and kind of 'busy'. Almost full house (95%) but that should not mean mediocre service. We had a tall somewhat 'inexperienced and unprofessional' waiter to take care of us. We had to ask for ice water (it was a hot day outside) because it wasn't offer unless you asked and you had to tell him how many glasses you wanted. Guess with all these extra cutleries on the table there were not much room on the table for extra 12 more water glasses.

Self serve buffet: Nothing to rave about! Boring salad, cold mussels were overcooked, shrimps were shrimp size, not PRAWN and they were pre-cooked and frozen stuff. Hot food was not re-filled promptly. Often the fish (with cheese sauce) was burned and dry out. Meat balls were tasteless. No dinner rolls but bits and pieces of 'bread' which was kind of tasty when you were hungry.

Now hear this: Servers came in and out of the kitchen with varieties of meat on a skewer. He or she sliced the meat 3/4 way down then you used your forceps to hold the meat until it was fully sliced off. Portion they cut for you was minute. Don't expect anything bigger than the size of a loonie. They only sliced you ONE piece and if you asked for one more the server glared at you as if you were GREEDY. The meat-servers had no concept of where to go once they left the kitchen. That piece of coaster/card with RED and GREEN printing on each side was supposed to mean something. More meat you left it on RED side up. Green means am OK and no need to come over. Again no servers seemed to follow that 'hint'. So chaotic as the meat servers walked around like chickens without heads, we had to ask the waiter to direct the meat servers to come to us.

Meat: Surprisingly they offered kangaroo, buffalo meat, and other 'weird' game meats! I did not enjoy any as I found them too 'gamey' taste. Overall meats were over-cooked and don't expect top grade either as even the New York and Sirloin were chewy!

Last but not least and this is something that actually annoys me most. Because of that many people they automatically added 15% on top of the bill. Guess the waiter knew this so whether he gave decent service or not he was getting it anyway. And that's not right. Consumers are supposed to receive good service and why should I get charged extra if the service or food quality was not up to par? If he cannot handle 12 people at one table then get two waiting employees to do the job right.

Final verdict: Once was enough and don't think I ever want to come back.

I purchased a cupon deal online thinking this is a cool place to go, but OMG the place was lame. We went on a friday, the fish was not fresh, it made my girlfriend gag and almost throw up, the meat was either over cooked or under cooked. The overcooked food was clearly warmed over leftovers. As they were cutting the sirloin, blood was pouring out onto our plates. The buffalo and Kangaroo meat suspiciously tasted like beef. Even the chicken didn't taste like chicken... The waitress showed little interest that we were not enjoying the food. The waiters serving the meat on a skewer only cut you a tiny peace and by the 3rd serving we totally lost interest in our meals. It was a big waste of time and then the biggest insult came when we got the bill. $35 per person for hardly any food and there was no entertainment. At least I could have something to talk about, but there was nothing. Just a dark restaurant... Even with the cupon deal it was a rip-off. :(

I almost did not go. Having lived all over Brazil, I know the real thing, that is a meat buffet Churrascaria. However when I read all the reviews I got both scared and curious. Is it really that bad?

Well, I decided to see what these criticisms are all about. I went to have their lunch buffet last Thursday July 7, 2011, and here are my observations:

The skewers of meat they bring - yes not as generous as in Brasil (they spell it with an s) but the taste is the same and better in a way. In Brasil, they doused their meat with rock salt - many North Americans cannot take the saltiness. I like it here - you can flavor it the way you want and the meat they served that day was fresh. Plain grilled but that is their style. The sausages were Italian -not the Brasilian kind - which is alright given supply logistics.

Also, the serving is not that generous - but that is fine. It helps you to time your consumption and be ready again for the next round. Overall I was full at the end of 4 rounds. By the way the lamb was good - not gamey.

Most people will probably skip the dark Feijoada stew (with sausages that tasted more Brazilian) and the Farina grain you sprinkle over. But this is truly Brasilian and Samba's rendition is authentic. The salad bar was also good.

The service was okay but these Brasilians have probably been instructed to be prudent in slicing meat for the diners. But Brasilians are some of the loveliest people on earth. I gave a service tip of $7 on top of the $14.95 lunch buffet price.

Why are there so many 1-star reviews for this place from people who have only ever reviewed this restaurant? I smell fake reviews, especially when they conveniently mention the restaurants surrounding Samba that patrons should be going to instead. I like this place, I have no idea how authentic it is, as it's owned by the same group as the Thai House restaurants, but until I visit Brazil I won't know. Authentic or not, this place is a feast for those who love meat. Various grilled meats are carried around by servers who look Latin American and is carved in front of you. You can specific what cut of meat you like, either rare, medium or well-done and they will cut exactly that for you. If you find the meat dry, then be sure to look for the fattier cuts of meat as they will be jucier. If there is a particular meat you are waiting for just let the servers know and they will direct that meat to your table. As for a lack of service, it's a AYCE and there are always people coming around with food, if you need something else flag down your waiter. I like that they never rush you through dinner at some places the waiters hover and give you the bill so fast that it is annoying. I actually like the salad bar, I found the food there is tasty as it has to compete directly with the meats, if anything try to not fill up on the salad bar. The salad bar also does include some Latin American and Brazilian dishes. I don't know why the previous reviewer couldn't see these such as the feijoada stew. $35 for a Friday or Saturday evening dinner that includes entertainment isn't that bad. Especially when the going rate for entrees alone at most restaurants is hovering around $30 now. This place is pretty unique, and if you are craving meat I'd highly recommend it, vegetarians probably won't like it. A good place to take out of town guests as well when you aren't in the mood to cook.

Went with my wife. Very nice decor and extremely comfortable chairs. Menu seems vibrant and concise. The girl (Samantha?) is extremely friendly and knowledgable. I had the buffet which was good despite being a tad overcooked. Other dishes were on par or above. The margaritas were excellent and the beer selection was decent. The deserts were good, especially the cake. Viva Brazil.

I am normally not one to post or complain. I went to Samba last night with a few of my friends that just got back from Brazil. I am Italian and work in Vancouver, friends live in Italy. Yesterday afternoon my friends wanted to go somewhere to eat meat. I found this place called Samba and say lets try this place out. If I had read this website before I wouldnt have gone. We showed up around 7 first impression it looked like a cafeteria reallly run down and it was underground. We all wanted the all you could eat. Once seated they wanted us to go to the salad bar/buffet but we didnt want to eat there right away. In Brazil and Italy you eat the salad last. We waited for over 45 minutes and once again the waiter asked us to go eat the salad bar we once again told him we didnt want to at the moment and if he could please start bringing the meat. Finally after 1 hour they showed up with uncooked sausages all three of us took one bite and said this is raw. The waiter apologized and replaced our plates. 15 minutes later they showed up with sausage once again I stated that we dont want sausage and if they could start bringing the beef. Finally finally after 1.5 hours they showed up with sirlion and cut us a piece which was tiny when we asked him for a bit more he said he would be back. The sirlion was awful and too salty. 10 minutes later they once again showed up with sausages I thnk they showed up 8 time in all with the sausages. After 2 hours we recieved 1 sirlion, 1 beef ribs and horrible beef shank. It was like they kept waiting for us to go to the salad bar but in all honesty once I saw it was a disgusted by just the look of it. Finally after almost 2.5 hours we had enough and decided to it was time to leave even though we had three tiny piece of meat and a bottle of wine. When they brough the bill for three of us it was $144.85 (three all you can eat and a bottle of overpriced wine) HST $17.40 and then a suggested tip of 15% (around $24) for a total of $186.57. I was firstly ashamed that I had taken my friends there so I though I should pay the bill as this bad experience was my fault. I asked the waiter was the 15% was he said that is the law of Canada. Since we were speaking Italian he probaly didnt realize that understood the Canadian rules and laws. I started to realize that they were taken advantage of us. I had heard of situtation where they add 15% to the bill as a tip when there are more than 8 people but only when they state it before. Nothing was ever stated.
I explained to the waiter that in more than 2 hours they they only came by three time with beef and all three times it was a small piece. He said they dont have to bring the beef more and there is other kinds of meat if you wanted and once again mentioned you should have had the salad bar. I said this is all you can eat so if I wished to eat all beef I should be able to especially at $35 a person. I am a patient person finally I had enough and told the waiter that I was not going ot pay the 15% because I didnt agree with it. He said you didnt like the service I said that correct the service was awful. As I was paying the bill I decided to leave $175 ( alot more I wanted but I had to pay for my friends). The manager then came by and that not only the 12 HST was a tax but also the 15% tip and that we had to pay it. I then got really upset and said listen I live in this city and I work for the Italian consulate ( I dont just trying to show him I am not stupid). I asked him if he could rewrite the bill with what he told me that the 15% was a tax. I told him once that was done I would go to revenue Canada on Monday and ask them if this is correct. The manager right away changed his tune and said I didnt have to pay the 15%. Even though I was able to $15 tip and decided to take it back. I work for EA sports and tomorrow I will be sending this emailed to my fellow 300 worker to share my experience of this place.

We came here to try out the rodizio. The room itself was okay, nothing fancy. The service was okay, our waiter was quite pleasant and attentive. For value, i guess it all depends, it is a "buffet" so obviously the more you eat the more worth it it's gonna be. The food was pretty good, there was a pretty small salad section but what you come for is the meat. There was quite a good variety of meats when we went, chicken wings, chicken livers, beef, veal and I can't remember what else. It's a pretty good place to come if your having a meat craving.

I don't need to repeat what is in the previous reviews. I mostly concur with them, especially in terms of leaving stomach room for the meat and not eat too much from the salad bar, good though that is.

Here's an important tip, though. If you go there too early, and the place is rather empty, the meats are only so so, perhaps because they are not that freshly cooked, or have been sitting in the oven for too long. However, once the place fills up later in the evening, every meat that comes around is mouth watering. it is like you are suddenly in a restaurant of a different caliber.

As to the ambiance, I find the decor rather 1980-ish, as if they have not updated the interior for a long time. The ceiling is a bit low here, and the tables rather crowded.