One of the most authentic and unpretentious Brazilian restaurants in town is Wood Spoon. Its warm and inviting atmosphere makes for a great meal filled with Brazilian favorites. With multiple standouts on the menu, the main attraction is the empadão, a Brazilian chicken potpie with hearts of palm, olives, and roasted corn.

One of Brazil’s most popular snacks or appetizers is pão de queijo. It can be served before a meal, at a birthday party or as a side item in many establishments. Think puffed bread shaped into a ball with a chewy, cheesy center. Wood Spoon makes pão de queijo from scratch and is a great opener to any meal. Bonus: it’s usually gluten-free because it’s made with tapioca flour.

Interestingly enough, Cantinho Brasileiro is located inside a Hispanic meat market in Palms called El Camaguey. Open until 3 p.m., Cantinho Brasileiro boasts delicious Brazilian dishes for lunch. An incredibly popular street food dish is the coxinha. It’s reminiscent of a fried croquette in the shape of a chicken leg. Inside a coxinha, you’ll find marinated shredded chicken in a doughy center. Cantinho Brasileiro raises the bar by adding catupiry inside, which is similar to a lighter cream cheese filling.

Located in Westwood, Mesa Brazilian Grill is as minimalistic as it gets. And you may think twice before walking in but don’t be fooled; it has some of the best, affordable and speedy Brazilian meals in town. A favorite here is a street food called pastel. Imagine a wonton and an empanada having a baby and becoming a Brazilian snack. Inside you’ll find gooey cheese or order it with meat and cheese for a great appetizer before your meal.

For those wanting a casual meal, where you pay at the counter, Pampas Grill inside the Farmer’s Market at The Grove is a fantastic choice. Start at the buffet, then choose which cut of meat you’d prefer and afterwards you pay by weight. And voila, you have a delicious Brazilian meal without the steep price tag.

If you’re craving a fish dish for dinner, step into Mesa for moqueca. Moqueca is a fish stew made with coconut milk, tomato, onions, garlic and palm oil. Different regions of Brazil have distinctive adaptations but it’s usually made in a clay pot and cooked slowly. It’s tangy, comforting, flavorful and a great Brazilian dish to step out of your comfort zone.

For dessert, head over to Brazuca for pudim de leite. Pudim is Brazil’s version of flan but creamier, sweeter and richer. It’s a signature dessert that you’ll find in most households and Brazilian restaurants, and one that you should save room for after dinner.

Another traditional dessert is the brigadeiro. It’s a chocolate truffle made with condensed milk, chocolate powder and rolled in chocolate sprinkles. For a quick treat or snack, order a few at the Ta Bom truck to appease your sweet tooth. Brazilians grow up eating these delicacies at birthday parties and celebrations of all sorts. You’ll find it at many Brazilian restaurants and it is also extremely simple to make at home.

One of the most popular Brazilian specialties has taken Los Angeles by storm. Acai bowls are trending all over town with creative and healthy variations of the Brazilian fruit acai with granola and fresh fruit. With many delicious options around, Ubatuba in Koreatown stands out. The puruba bowl made with passion fruit, strawberries, pineapple and granola transports you to Copacabana Beach right in the middle of summer.