Must-see restaurants in Brazil

  • San Marino Pizza

    Bonito & Around

    The cheese-laden pie from this outlet of the Campo Grande pizzeria is a comforting munch. The calabresa and the veggie-friendly paulista are our favorites…

  • Bella Paulista

    São Paulo

    This very agreeable, upscale and wild bakery is especially popular with both gay and straight Paulistanos for its gourmet sandwiches, salads and the like…

  • Armazém do Café

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Dark-wood furnishings and the aroma of fresh-ground coffee lend authenticity to this Leblon coffeehouse. It serves waffles, snacks and desserts, and…

  • Pizzaria Varandas

    Amazonas

    This welcoming pizzeria has checkered table settings, both inside and along the sidewalk. You can order up to three different topping combinations on a…

  • Cabana do Peixe

    Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses

    The best and most atmospheric of Caburé's restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood stews to incoming day-trippers. We especially like the individual…

  • Light House

    Salvador

    Tucked away on a quiet block around the corner from the beach, this laid-back place does a self-serve lunch buffet with a range of seafood and vegetarian…

  • Balneario Estivado

    Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul

    This thatched restaurant comes with an additional attraction that's good for small children: a shallow pool filled with fish (R$15). The buffet is simple…

  • Momo

    Ipanema & Leblon

    One of the best places in Leblon for a creamy gelato, Momo whips up delectable tropical flavors (guava, mango, avocado) as well as Italian classics such…

  • Villa Café

    Bahia

    In addition to solid espresso drinks and a good selection of cakes, this modern cafe with ample outdoor seating and a small menu of sandwiches and crepes…

  • Praça de Alimentação

    Paraná

    This beachside restaurant complex located south of Encantadas serves simple, fresh and cheap dishes for lunch, along with a dose of forró (popular music…

  • Madero Steakhouse

    Santa Catarina

    The local outlet of Curitiba's top burger joint occupies some prime beachfront real estate. Madero does great burgers between even greater buns, but save…

  • Sendero Bistro

    Rio Grande do Sul

    An intimate bistro and best-bet alternative to the town's typical all-you-can-eat fare. A young couple serve somewhat jazzed-up versions of typical…

  • Gula Gula

    Ipanema & Leblon

    On the lower level of Rio Design Leblon, casual Gula Gula dishes up quiches and salads, and those wanting heartier fare can opt for grilled meats or other…

  • Churrascaria do Gaúcho

    Foz do Iguaçu

    This isn't a refined spot, but the tasty cuts of meat and reasonable salad options are excellent value. It's near the bus terminal.

  • Cafeteria São Benedito

    Lençóis

    This modern coffee shop serves good coffee, gourmet sandwiches, soups and wraps, and homemade desserts that hit the spot after a day of hiking. Make sure…

  • Pedra Sobre Pedras

    Morro de São Paulo

    This little cafe is on a wooden deck perched high over Segunda Praia, just off the pedestrian walkway. Pull up a stool and enjoy crepes, well-mixed…

  • Vezpa

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Great for a quick slice when your energy levels are low, Vezpa serves satisfying New York–style pizza slices and lasagna from a tiny storefront. There are…

  • Skylab

    Rio de Janeiro

    On the 30th floor of the Rio Othon Palace, the Skylab serves decent steaks, pastas and seafood, but it's the view that steals the show. Most tables are…

  • Restaurante Chalana

    Piauí

    This large, half-open-air, half-air-conditioned restaurant, facing a bend of the river 600m north of Av Presidente Vargas, is a nice place to dine on fish…

  • Nanquim

    Gávea, Jardim Botânico & Lagoa

    One of the best per-kilogram places in Jardim Botânico, Nanquim has an elaborate spread of salads, grilled meats, sushi and elaborate dishes such as duck…

  • Restaurante Patú Anu

    Pará

    A simple, reliable menu and a convenient location make this a popular choice among locals, first-timers and repeat visitors alike. Large servings of…

  • Tio Gu Café Creperia

    Bahia

    This eco-conscious surfers' hangout has a loyal local following thanks to its perfectly prepared crepes (including delicious dessert options like…

  • Filosóphicus

    Manaus

    Though hard to find and rather charmless, vegetarians will appreciate the creative, meat-free lunch buffet. It's located on the third floor, up a dark…

  • Forno a Letha

    Alagoas

    This popular pizza place has a great terrace dining area where you can watch your pie being made in a large outdoor oven. If you're not in the mood for…

  • Lua de São Jorge

    Goiás

    Intensely researched conclusion: this is the best of the numerous wood-fired pizzerias in town. Thin crust and tasty, with a range of fruity caipiroskas…

  • Parmegianno

    Maceió

    Brazilian families flock to this popular chain restaurant, just across from the beach, for gourmet pizzas and hearty portions of shrimp, steak, fish, and…

  • O Bode

    Lençóis

    On an open-sided terrace over the river, this pleasant per-kilo restaurant spreads a buffet that includes meats, pasta and salads. The food won't blow you…

  • Galpão Crioulo

    Porto Alegre

    Serious gaúcho country means serious meat. Indulge yourself at one of Porto Alegre's best – and most touristy – churrascarias. The live entertainment is…

  • Cozinha Rição

    Lençóis

    One of the more popular spots on the main square in the historic center. The food is fairly standard but very tasty. You'll see people gathered here all…

  • O Peixarão

    Maceió

    This casual restaurant is a longtime local favorite for its filling (if a bit overpriced) seafood dishes. Grilled fish with shrimp sauce and caldeirada …

  • Massarella

    Maceió

    This festive cantina is the place for homemade pastas and brick-oven pizzas; Italian pastas are traditionally prepared, and each plate is big enough for…

  • Tempero Mineiro

    Ceará

    This popular spot, right on the sands of Flecheiras, serves up plenty of fresh seafood dishes alongside some plates from Minas Gerais. Meals are good and…

  • Empada Brasil

    Salvador

    This branch of the Brazilian chain is nothing fancy, but it offers porch seating, inexpensive takeout and a decent buffet spread (all you can eat R$22–24)…

  • Bella Epoca

    Amazonas

    A passable Brazilian por kilo (pay-by-weight) restaurant, where you'll find various salads, mains and churrasco (grilled meats, including Brazil's…

  • Vezpa

    Rio de Janeiro

    Serving up the city's best pizza by the slice, Vezpa has taken Rio by storm. It has dozens of locations around town, including this one, well-placed for a…

  • Casa Nossa

    Santa Catarina

    Homey and family-run, this rural restaurant is not far from Cânion Malacara and whips up hearty meat and pasta dishes. It runs a weekend buffet with…

  • La Carioca Cevicheria

    Gávea, Jardim Botânico & Lagoa

    On a peaceful tree-lined street, La Carioca is an excellent spot for ceviche and other Peruvian hits. It has another, equally charming branch in Ipanema.

  • Mercado do Café

    Paraná

    For a variety of cheap eats in a colonially draped food court, head inside the Mercado do Café. Pastel do Kubo is is a particular favorite among the…

  • African House

    Manaus

    Rice with grilled or fried fish draws the crowds to this spot fronting the main square. It's nothing special, but it's refreshingly simple and portions…

  • Casa de Taipa

    Bahia

    This buffet style restaurant is the best of the few lunch options on Itacaré's the main drag. The selection is fairly extensive, with a focus on seafood…

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