This Backyard Restaurant Has a 5-Year Waitlist—And It’s Totally Worth It
How long are you willing to wait for what could be the best pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread) of your life? How does five years sound?
That’s the average wait time to dine at Regina’s Farm, a nonprofit restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida serving some of the most unique and soulful Brazilian food in the region. Housed in an eclectic backyard, the experience is a four-hour, all-you-can-eat buffet that features dozens of homestyle dishes, all for under $100 per person.
The meal unfolds in three courses—soup, dinner, and dessert—while guests are treated to a deep dive into Brazilian flavors, culture, and community. But as much as the food is at the heart of the experience, Regina’s mission for her farm is just as important.
Regina’s Farm operates as a nonprofit, with 100% of proceeds going toward supporting their local neighborhood, the Las Olas Worship Center, and other churches and organizations in the area. Leftover food from each dinner service is donated and takeout isn’t allowed.
So why does it take years to get a reservation? For starters, the farm is only open on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year. The only way to make a reservation is by texting the number on their website. Scroll through their Facebook page and you’ll find posts from guests who waited up to four years to finally get in.
I tried sending a request myself and got a message saying they’re fully booked through 2030.
So, if you’re dreaming of dining here, plan ahead and sign up now. For an experience this special—and just $65 a person—Regina’s Farm might be one of the most meaningful food experiences in America, and definitely one worth the wait.
