Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine

This is a lovely space on the second floor which enhances the harbor view. It has a simple yet tasteful elegance. The service throughout the night was excellent as was the Mahi Mahi & Shrimp moqueca. And the açaí caipirinha was exquisite! There was a lovely duo singing classic bossa nova favorites which added to the ambience and our experience. I highly recommend Moqueca and will definitely return any time I’m in Oxnard!

We came to this restaurant with a simple goal: to celebrate a family member’s birthday with a nice meal. Unfortunately, what we experienced instead was one of the most disappointing and frustrating dining experiences we’ve ever had.

Despite the restaurant being nearly empty—with only two or three other tables seated—our food never arrived. We waited for over two hours, politely checking in with staff multiple times, only to eventually be told that our order had never been put in. No explanation, no urgency—just repeated reassurances that turned out to mean nothing.

We had informed the staff early on that we were on a schedule due to a boat tour later that evening. As the time passed and our plans fell apart, it became clear that no one was taking our concerns seriously. When we asked for the food to be packed to-go, the restaurant initially agreed and offered to comp the meals as an apology for the delay and oversight. But after another 15-minute wait, someone returned to inform us they had changed their minds and we would now need to pay for the food that we had never received. The complete lack of accountability was shocking.

When we calmly expressed our frustration, we were told that we “needed to be more patient.” This was not a case of a busy kitchen or unexpected crowd—it was a nearly empty restaurant, and the issue was entirely due to disorganization and poor communication.
This experience ruined what was supposed to be a meaningful celebration. The staff appeared unprepared, overwhelmed, and out of touch with even the most basic standards of service. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 1

The best seafood restaurant I’ve ever been to!

Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was amazing, with great live music that made the evening even more special. The appetizers were authentic and full of the true flavors of Brazil. So fresh and tasty!! Moqueca really brings the taste of Brazil to life, and I can’t wait to come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I was here 11 years ago and left with a smile then and left with a smile now! Drinks were perfect, food was outstanding, and atmosphere was still top notch! Thanks again for the amazing dinner y'all!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had a wonderful dinner at Moqueca! The view is a perfect 10, the environment is warm and inviting, and the caipirinhas were spot on. The food was absolutely delicious: full of flavor and cooked perfectly. I came specifically for the sea bass and shrimp moqueca, but our order came out with just the sea bass. Even though it wasn’t exactly what I had asked for, it was so tasty that I didn’t mind. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive, although she did mix up the flavor of my caipirinha as well. Despite those small details, the overall experience was fantastic, and I would definitely come back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Great food amd experience

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We were extremely disappointed during our dining here on 7/27/25. We made both servers aware that my aunt was turning 95 that day and that I was turning 59. They never acknowledged our birthdays, yet we saw them acknowledge other birthdays. I ordered the chicken stroganoff and it was horribly salty and inedible. We had been here a few years back and at that time it was a much better experience. This time the servers chose to ignore us. We ordered a dessert which we eventually had to cancel because they never brought it out.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

Great food. Come here more than once.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Plantains

Wife loved the feijoada, meat skewers were delicious . The location was great and we enjoyed being able to watch the harbor. The only downside is maybe it was a little pricey for what we got. But again it was delicious and reminded my wife of her time in Brazil.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Feijoada

During a recent family road trip, we made a highly anticipated stop at Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine – a place I used to frequent when I was in Ventura for work. I'm thrilled to report that it remains, without a doubt, one of the best Brazilian restaurants I have ever been to!

My personal favorites, the Caipirinha drinks and the exquisite Seabass Moqueca, were as delightful as ever with every bite. For the kids, we ordered the Brazilian Strogonoff, which was absolutely perfect for sharing among all of us, pleasing both the adults and the little ones. My parents, who are always picky eaters, actually said they really enjoyed the Macarrao com Mariscos, finding it simply delicious.

Our experience was made even more special by our server, Roberta. She was incredibly helpful, welcoming, and genuinely exuded the heart of the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere. Her attentive service truly enhanced our meal. My 1 year old was kind of fussy that evening, and Roberta had the most patience in the world.

Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine consistently delivers an authentic and exceptional dining experience. Whether you're a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, I highly recommend making a stop here. You won't be disappointed!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Love Brazilian music sets the tone excellently!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Feijoada, Calamari and Spinach and Artichoke Dip

The food was pretty dang decent, but like others pointed out, the drinks were watery at best. We tried two different cocktail and while the flavor was good, they were definitely weak. It might be good to return and sample some of the other foods, but skip the drinks next time.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

I LOVE this restaurant. I try to make it on the weekends because I order the Feijoada. All the appetizers are amazing but I love the garlic shrimp and steak skewers. No photos to post but I highly recommend. The owners come say hello and the service is amazing. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Moqueca was amazing. The food was on point and service was great. Would highly recommend the Brazilian beef stroganoff. We also got the fish moqueca and that was delicious. As someone with shellfish allergies, I was able to find delicious food and I believe there was no cross contamination since each dish is made individually.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fish and Shrimp Moqueca

Nice view. Very good food, . . . except.

The drinks were very weak or watered down and flavorless, and there was not enough pasta in the seafood linguini (maybe that’s a good thing???). I quite literally ran out of pasta before the seafood by a long shot.

I had an espresso martini that didn’t taste like coffee at all, and there was very weak or little vodka. It tasted more like a cold hot chocolate. The other specialty drink from the menu (I don’t know which one was ordered ) was also weak and watered down. We didn’t complain because our server was very nice. Needless to say, our next drinks were beer and wine.

The music was nice and came from some Yamaha speakers that I have other experience with. A good sounding system.

Our server was very thorough and on top of her game. Subtleties in her performance were noted by me as being rather refined. I don’t remember her name, but she was very good.

Yes, the hot chili oil is outstanding.

Dicks

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5