Fernando’s Mexican & Brazilian Cuisine

TL;DR: If you're considering going here, stop thinking and just go. This is in my top 3 places I'd recommend in Indy.Food:Let's just start out with the big hitter. The food was awesome. Frango a Passarinho (Brazilian style fried chicken) tasted good on its own, but the sauces definitely made it great. We also got the chips and salsa and added queso. Good on its own, but add in the ability to mix and match with the hot sauces and it was amazing. I had the chicken mole enchiladas, good but a little earthy on its own but a touch of salsa balanced it out perfectly. We also got the Feijoada, which oh man was awesome. It's a fun add what you want to the black bean stew for each bite (there's many items on the side). I wish we could have tried dessert, but we were stuffed and probably took 2-3 meals worth home.Cost:While not the cheapest, the flavor and portion sizes make this 100% worth it in my book. We spent about $100 for 2 people, but that was 2 drinks, 2 appetizers, and 2 entrees and we did take a large quantity home with us.Service:We had the most wonderful server. She was super helpful, explained everything well, provided drink recommendations, made sure water was full, super attentive. I, like I imagine most others, have a bit of tip fatigue these days, but this was the one time I can remember thinking oh I'm definitely tipping more than normal for this service. Ambiance:Not a ton of seating here and it can be a little loud, but it was nicely decorated and clean.Overall:Loved the experience. Will 100% go again and will recommend this place to others as well.PS:Fernando's, if you're reading this, add a deluxe chips and salsa to the menu that adds all the hot sauces/dips that come with the Frango a Passarinho and give people the option of guac or queso in addition to the regular salsas.

Okay, I totally get why this place is ranked one of the top spots to eat according to Yelp Elites --sooo good. We walked in and were greeted right away, which was nice. I think we beat the lunch rush, and honestly, I'm not mad about it because the place isn't super big. I don't love feeling crammed or like someone's sitting way too close (thanks, COVID), so it worked out perfectly.Our server, Adon, was awesome. Super friendly and really knew his stuff--he gave us the full rundown since it was our first time there. We started with the chips and dip trio, which came with queso, salsa, and some other dip I can't remember (it was another type of salsa though). Plus, it came with two different hot sauces. Such a solid starter! We also got a spicy margarita pitcher which was 10/10.Entrees: Okay, so I've never seen arroz con pollo done like this before, and I feel like Fernando's just set a new standard. I'm still thinking about it--absolutely amazing! We also ordered the ribeye to share, and wow, it was so juicy and tender. We were not expecting it to be that good, and it really blew us away.My fiancé decided to try the banana piña colada just to see what it was like, and unexpectedly, it was phenomenal. I'm not into artificial banana flavor, but this tasted like a banana coffee situation. The server mentioned there's a little espresso in it, and wow, who knew that combo would be so good?We'll 100% be back.

Food was a 12/10! I have had my fair share of Mexican food from restaurants in the area, but a lot of the Brazilian dishes were new experiences. The service was excellent. Our server was very patient and helpful with our 15 person reservation. All of our food came out in a timely manner and everything was correct. The ambiance on the inside is cozy while still being modern. Since it's December there was no outside dining, but they do have a patio that I believe would be lovely in the summer. Overall, a wonderful place that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys central and South American cuisine.

Fernando's in Broad Ripple is a hidden gem! I tried the Burriple with shrimp, and it was absolutely delicious, especially with the flavorful red sauce. Every bite was packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.The restaurant itself is small and charming, with a cozy vibe. We opted to sit in the covered outdoor seating area, which was a lovely spot to enjoy our meal. We arrived just before the rush, so parking wasn't an issue, and we were seated right away.The service was fantastic. Our waitress was incredibly helpful and guided us through the menu, making the experience even better.If you're in the area, definitely give Fernando's a try. It's perfect for a casual, flavorful meal in a welcoming atmosphere. I'll be back to try the other delicious items on the menu!

By far one of my favorite local restaurants. The flavors, the ambiance, and cocktails are just a chef's kiss. The staff - incredibly friendly! I'm a fan of their queso fundido (the chips alone are worth it!), ceviche, the crawfish quesadilla, sinola tacos, burripple, - honestly, it's all good. Just go! Enjoy!

It is very expensive and it is not a first class place for being so expensive This is what I think of Fernandos

Thank you @Janie D. for recommending this restaurant when I visited Indianapolis this weekend! She said it was an authentic Mexican and Brazilian cuisine experience. I walked into a warm and inviting place and the manager, Kayce, greeted me. I decided to sit at the bar, and she provided expert recommendations and definitely knew the menu. Everyone I came in contact with made my visit enjoyable. Adan was a great bartender and was a lot of fun. Although Sam was not my server, he was easy to talk to and I felt like I was at someone's home. (I came in the middle of a Sunday afternoon, so it was easy to converse with the staff.)I started off with the Calpirinha Flight based on Kayce and Adan's input on the various flavors and that the alcohol was true Cachaca, not Rum as served at some other establishments. I had Calpirinhas in Brazil, and I can vouch for the authenticity of these drinks! The selection included lime, guava, mango and kiwi; all good, but kiwi was my favorite (which I saved as my dessert!) The meal was amazing! I ordered the Enchiladas Rojas, which was made up of grilled chicken topped with homemade salsa roja, cheese and pico de gallo, served with rice and beans. The beans were served in a tortilla chip-like "bowl". The entire meal was so flavorful I cleaned my plate completely (see pic)! Kayce also brought over three sauces to accompany the meal and explained each one. I agreed with her completely that the "orange" sauce, which was made especially for enchiladas definitively complemented this meal to perfection. The other sauces were quite good also. Kayce explained that the owners, Christiano and Elizabeth, strive to achieve the true authentic taste of Brazil, and in fact, Christiano's mother still assists in the kitchen from time to time to make sure the recipes meet this goal. In my opinion, the food exceeds these goals!My friend, Janie, told me to see if the owners, Christiano and Elizabeth were there (she got to know them based on her numerous visits there), but sadly, they were taking a well-deserved day off. As such, I decided to write what I hope is a superlative review to show them my gratitude. Please stop into this restaurant if you are in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis. I'm so glad Janie D. highly recommended this place to me and now I'm doing the same for you. The staff is amazing, the food is authentic and outstanding, and the ambiance is great. What more would you want?!!

Delicioso! Margarita great. Arroz con Pollo great. Stroganoff, surprisingly sweet and great. Solid place all around!

Want to go to dinner but feel like you're at home?Fernando's has such a welcoming vibe.Staff is so friendly and warm. They all work together to make your experience spectacular!The decor is cozy and comfortable.We enjoyed the Fundido w chips for an appetizer along w traditional Caipirinha and Paloma. Very delicious! For dinner my husband and I shared the Chicken Stroganoff w Brazilian rice.It was a flavor explosion w tender chicken, mushrooms and vegetables in a velvety sauce.Generous portion.So many things on the menu sound delicious and we plan to come back soon!

We love this place. It's our new favorite local spot. We just wish they had more seats. Try the Feijoada, there's a reason it's the national dish of Brazil.