Rei do Gado will reopen in downtown San Diego on July 20. The Brazilian steakhouse closed in 2024 after a fire damaged its building. It will reopen with a redesigned space and elements that carry the original traits of the restaurant.
Rei do Gado Reopens After Nearly Two Years
Rei do Gado is returning to downtown San Diego on July 20 after being closed for nearly two years. The Brazilian steakhouse has served authentic Brazilian food since 1999. It is known for its churrascaria-style dining, where grilled meats are carved tableside.
The restaurant has been closed since a July 2024 fire damaged its four-story building. The building has since undergone repairs and a full renovation. The reopening also coincides with Comic-Con week, nearly two years after the restaurant closed during the annual event.
According to a 2024 report by 10News San Diego, the fire at Rei do Gado started in the kitchen on July 26, 2024. It then spread throughout the four-story building, displacing 50 residents. It also prompted the evacuation of approximately 1,200 Comic-Con attendees at a nearby venue.
“We are incredibly excited to finally reopen and welcome back our loyal guests and new visitors alike. We’ll have all the dishes our guests know and love, just in a newly imagined space,” said Geoffrey Alegria, general manager. “We believe this is the best version of Rei do Gado, and we can’t wait to share it with San Diego.”
The restaurant will welcome guests daily starting July 20. Dinner service will be available daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., while lunch will be served Friday through Sunday beginning at 11 a.m.
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Highlights of the Redesigned Space
San Diego interior designer Rachel Larraine Crawford of Tiger Veil redesigned the space inside Rei do Gado. She took inspiration from the restaurant’s original butterfly artwork and Brazil’s tropical landscapes. The restaurant now features warm textures and natural materials throughout the space.
“When I first walked through Rei do Gado, I was immediately drawn to the original butterfly artwork. It carried the spirit of the restaurant and became the thread that guided the entire redesign,” says Crawford. “Rather than replacing that story, I wanted to honor it and allow it to evolve.”
Rei do Gado’s reopening marks a new chapter for the beloved steakhouse.
