Eclectic restaurants in Brazil
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Zuka
One of Rio's best restaurants, Zuka prepares delectable mouthwatering cuisine – zingy ceviche or the confection-like delicacy of Zuka's original foie gras to start, followed by rack of lamb with passion fruit, grilled fish of the day with mandoquinha (a kind of sweet root vegetable) purée, seared tuna over heart-of-palm tagliatelle and many other imaginative dishes. All the grilling action happens at the open kitchen to the right (you can sit at the counter and watch the chefs in action), and the cocktails (particularly the lychee saketinis) and desserts are excellent.
reviewed
-
B
Santa Arte
Near the heart of Santa Teresa, this colonial charmer is the setting for tasty and inventive contemporary cuisine. World music plays overhead as diners enjoy grilled eggplant sandwiches, seafood pasta and, the most popular dish, a poppy-seed crusted salmon served on mashed plantains. At night, the place is at its liveliest, with occasional live music and a fair bit of pedestrian traffic outside.
reviewed
-
C
Gourmet Praia
In a converted villa facing the beach, Gourmet Praia spreads a tasty lunch buffet of market-fresh salads and antipasti, plus a daily special (not cheap at R$65 per person). At dinner the a la carte menu includes tilapia filet with heart of palm and pine nuts, risottos and grilled dishes. The dining room overlooks an open kitchen and leads back into a hidden garden, a charming setting for a meal.
reviewed
-
D
Carlota
This award-winning restaurant has an intimate ambience that sits just right with the delicate cuisine. The small but ever-changing menu features elements from traditional Portuguese cooking (like the cod recipes) as well as Eastern influences (salmon sashimi, shiitake dishes). Regardless, inventive chef Carla Pernambuco always creates some memorable meals.
reviewed
-
E
Atlântico
Named after the road and ocean that fronts it, Atlântico, with its loud electronica and moody lighting can’t quite decide whether it’s a restaurant or a bar. The sleek contemporary dining room serves seafood with a twist; standout selections include crusted tuna with shrimp sauce and salmon with a flight marinade.
reviewed
-
F
Juice Co
This stylish two-story restaurant serves much more than just tasty, freshly squeezed juices. In an überdesigned loungelike setting, you can sample a wide range of fare – foccacia sandwiches, salads, risottos, grilled fish and roast meats, any of which can be paired nicely with one of 60 juice concoctions.
reviewed
-
G
São Sebastião
In an artfully decorated bistro, Chef Pedro Prado prepares beautiful French and Italian dishes that highlight the flavors of the tropics. Salmon with passion fruit, steak tartare, shrimp salad and ceviche are among the eclectic choices. Live jazz some nights adds to the appeal.
reviewed
-
H
Olympe
One of Rio's best chefs, Claude Troisgros dazzles guests with unforgettable meals at his award-winning restaurant. Originally from France, Troisgros mixes the old world with the new in dishes like heart-of-palm salad with fresh octopus and red snapper covered with foie gras and asparagus tempura. Set in a lovely house on a quiet tree-lined street.
reviewed
-
I
Guimas
A classic Carioca boteco with a creative flair, Guimas has been going strong for over 20 years. Winning dishes include the bacalhau à bras (codfish mixed with potatoes, eggs and onions), shrimp risotto and the juicy picanha no sal grosso (grilled rumpsteak). There's outdoor seating in front.
reviewed
-
J
Bazzar
Set on a peaceful tree-lined street, this nicely designed restaurant serves a wide variety of cuisine, making it a good spot if you're not sure what you're in the mood for, but want something dazzling. Top choices are grilled namorado with whole-grain rice, citrus and pesto; pumpkin risotto; and lamb with red wine sauce and sweet potatoes. There's a smaller branch hidden on the 2nd floor of Ipanema's Livraria da Travessa.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Via Sete
This restaurant on upscale Garcia D'Ávila serves a good selection of salads and grilled vegetable wraps, as well as heartier fare like grilled tuna and a high-end steak burger. Best of all, Via Sete uses 100% organic ingredients (beef included). The pleasant front-side patio is a prime spot for sipping tropical cocktails while practicing the discreet art of people-watching.
reviewed
-
L
Cais do Oriente
Brick walls lined with tapestries stretch high to the ceiling in this almost-cinematic 1870s mansion. Set on a brick-lined street, hidden from the masses, Cais do Oriente blends West with East in dishes like grilled squid with fish sauce, wild rice and green papaya.
reviewed
-
M
Copa Café
This two-story restaurant facing Copacabana beach brings a dash of style to Av Atlântica. The black-wood floors, white bar stools, trim open layout and ambient electronic music make a nice setting for risottos, seared tuna steaks and gourmet burgers – the house specialty.
reviewed