Stepping across the Nile water and into the clean, fresh interior of the First Nile Boat is your first indicator that this is a waterside venue worthy of its illustrious title. XODÓ is a new Brazilian restaurant, offering a ‘culinary carnival’ of traditional but decidedly upmarket specialities. Guilherme Reis, head chef and inventive mastermind behind XODÓ’s collection of dishes has put together combinations that will have your mouth watering just by perusing the menu. There are twists here on many of Brazil’s most popular staples, but for those who think it must be for carnivores only, think again; seafood and a wide variety of salads and vegetable dishes are just as plentiful.
Signature Dishes
Carpaccio de File: Beef carpaccio with arugula, Parmesan flakes, fried capers, balsamic reduction and whole grain mustard.
Linguica de Carne com Queijo: Australian veal and chicken spiral sausage with cuibana cheese.
Dishes Sampled
We began with a mix of starters: grilled garlic bread (soft, home-baked and to die for) with chicken liver pâté, a selection of Brazilian fried pastries (Bolinha de Queijo, Coxhina de Frango, and Risolis de Camarao), with different fillings – mozzarella, blue cheese and chili, chicken or grilled prawns, cream cheese and herbs, all served with roasted red peppers and almond dip.
To follow we sampled the Bobo de Camarao, tiger prawns in tapioca and coconut gravy. Subtly flavoured, this was a warm and spicy take on prawns, served with white rice, mixed greens and cassava sticks.
The meat winner of the evening was definitely the Carre de Corderiro, lamb chops tossed in garlic. Simple enough but demonstrating the prowess of the Brazilian style grill, and tender to perfection.
We couldn’t let the luscious sounding salads go untasted, so plumped for the Quinoa Preta, organic black quinoa, white beans, pomegranate, orange segments, roasted cherry tomatoes, sweetcorn, carrots and sultanas, drizzled with lime and honey.
And naturally we had to try the fried bananas, served as a side dish, along with a similarly traditional Feijoada com Carne Defumad: smoked beef in a black bean stew.
If you love home- made ice-cream we heartily recommend the ones served here. Who knew sweetcorn makes a delicious base for ice-cream? They also have tropical passionfruit and guava, we had to try all three!
Other Menu Options that Appealed
Certainly the Salted Codfish Croquettes with citrus lime aioli and the salad with Fajita Marinated Prawns, field greens, goat cheese crumbles, red onions and caramelized walnut with raspberry vinaigrette.
Beverages Available
At the time we visited XODÓ was still awaiting its alcohol licence, but its fresh juices and full soft drinks menu included some wonderful cocktails. We were served the XODÓ Larengo, a delicious blend of fresh mango, pineapple and lemon juice. Tea and Brazilian coffee also available.
Photos
Décor & Ambience
Clean, modern lines, a warm mix of wood floors and furniture in different hardwood shades, a great view out onto the Nile. There’s a jungle theme in the bathrooms and a samba and other Brazilian musical vibes playing on the soundtrack.
Clientele mix: Business people, smart professionals of all ages.
Price range: Medium
Contact Information:
Tel: 02 3567 1870
Facebook page: Xodo Restaurant
Instagram: @Xodorestaurant
Opening hours: 6pm to 12 midnight
Address: The First Nile Boat, Four Seasons, 136 Nile Street, (behind the First Residence)
