The restaurant was founded 32 years ago in LoHi and moved to its current home at 4408 Lowell Boulevard in Berkeley in 2003. Through the years, owners Tony and Marla Zarlenga have served Mediterranean-inflected South American cuisine paired with warm hospitality that has created a community of loyal fans and earned many Best of Denver awards over the years, including Best Place for Feijoada on the Go in 2020, when indoor dining was banned, and Best Central/South American Restaurant in 2021.
But last week, Tony posted this on Facebook: "For over three decades, Café Brazil has been more than just a restaurant. It has been a second home for its cherished guests, a canvas for culinary imagination, and a vibrant piece of Denver’s cultural fabric. Today, with a heavy heart, we share that Café Brazil’s future is uncertain as our lease will not be renewed as of January 1, 2025."
Fans of the restaurant were quick to post their own messages on the Westword Facebook page, as were a few foes of Westword's coverage. Says Michelle:
A north Denver institution!Adds Peter:
Amazing food, too bad!Replies Stephen:
Place was overrated and overpriced; it always surprised me it lasted this long.Counters Carolyn:
Loved it since it was in the little house near the Lumber Baron. Thank you for the beautiful food and festive ambience.Recalls Daniel:
I remember when that place was 3 Sons Italian Restaurant.Laments Karla:
Not another Denver restaurant closing that has been around for decades. All of my favorite places have closed.Adds Ryan:
Colorado becomes more gentrified by the day. What corporate chain will go there now?Responds Robert:
Running a small business is hard and sometimes they close.Observes Nick:
Ah, Westword, the only reliable source for what restaurants are closing down.Explains Robert:
Editors are thousand-year old NIMBYs who don’t know how to do anything except fear change.Concludes Root:
I heard Denver was closing early next year! Est. 1858.When were you last at Café Brazil? What would you like to see in its future? Post a comment or share your thoughts at [email protected].
