Malagueta
25-35 36th Ave., 718-937-4821
Malagueta, a Brazilian bistro, is a more discreet experience than the all-you-can-eat extravaganzas found at the City's churrascarias or rodízios. From Midtown, it's just a 20-minute ride on the N or Q line, three short blocks from the 36th Avenue stop. The compact, candlelit dining room at the base of a cute brick building feels like a chance discovery on a residential street. The welcome is warm and the deliciousness of the Brazilian specialties will stay in your memory: sautéed shrimp with garlic, grilled shell steak with fried yuca, boneless quail with crispy spinach and, for dessert, creamy passion-fruit mousse. Lunch specials (under $10) are a steal. Dinner also offers value, with generously sized appetizers under $10 and mains under $20.