Rio de Janeiro State
Nova Friburgo's standout restaurant for over 25 years, this classy family-run place specializes in French-influenced cuisine accompanied by wines from a…
Must-see restaurants in Brazil
Alter do Chão
The lovely chef-owner, Betania, prepares just one dish per day, announced on a sandwich board out front. From chickpea omelets to vegetable tarts, count…
Mirante do Gavião Amazon Lodge
Amazonas
This classy restaurant in the lodge of the same name has an extensive menu, focusing on local ingredients with a few innovative riffs; the iconic pirarucú…
São Paulo
This intimate Vila Madalena pizzeria has been scooping up citywide pizza awards and its novel concept makes for a quick explanation: Neapolitan-style…
São Paulo
One of the oldest and most traditional pizzerias in the Italian neighborhood of Bixiga, where the Tarallo family has been serving serious pizza since 1958…
Búzios
Perched high on the hill between Armação and Ossos, Mistico's intimate glass-walled dining room enjoys one of Búzios' finest panoramic sea views. The menu…
Paraty
Attached to Paraty's Pousada Literária hotel, this sophisticated eatery serves regional cuisine with big city flair. From amuse-bouches like a mushroom …
The Amazon
Dubbed the ‘Old Market,’ this is actually part of a highly successful urban-renewal effort. An old port building was transformed into an attractive food…
Mato Grosso & Mato Grosso do Sul
Inside a converted mansion, the city's big splurge is one of Brazil's top restaurants, thanks to the efforts of Parisian-trained chef Ariani Malouf. Go…
Búzios
Prime people-watching and some of Búzios' most creative cuisine are the twin draws at this casual-chic seafood eatery perched directly above Praia Brava…
Santa Catarina
Breakfast until 1pm, waffles, salads, panini (really bruschetta, but who's paying attention?), sophisticated mains and specialty java served by various…
Pernambuco
With a specialty in baked pumpkin stuffed with assorted fillings – the shrimp, lobster and passion-fruit sauce variety is fantastic – this is one of the…
Centro & the Mainland
Occupying one of Florianópolis' first colonial homes and the former abode of the faith healer Rita Maria, this crotchety old maritime-themed restaurant…
Minas Gerais
For fine dining in a rural setting, try this sweet little restaurant just 2km south of Aiuruoca. Run by a couple with roots in France and Switzerland, it…
Bahia
Once a cabaret frequented by cocoa tycoons (and one of the settings for Amado’s Gabriela), this colonial building was restored to its original brilliance…
São Paulo
It's not as famous (or cheap) as its nearby rival Aska, but take the hint: the 99% Japanese clientele should tell you something. The fiery Kara Misso…
Pará
Considered by many to be the best restaurant in town, Piracema uses regional ingredients and flavors to create dishes you'll find nowhere else. The…
Salvador
This laid-back corner bar and restaurant has outdoor tables and serves a wide range of Spanish tapas, Bahian classics and international dishes, plus…
Bahia
Itacaré's Agua is a blast of modern cool in Itacare's beach-bum-centric dining scene. The regular menu features exquisitely cooked dishes inspired by…
Amazonas
Residents on both sides of the border rave about the authentic ceviche at this simple Peruvian-run spot: the mountainous pile of excellent citrus-cooked…
Pará
Occupying a raised pier over the water, this open-air restaurant opposite Praça do Pescador has nice breezes and gorgeous river views; watch for dolphins…
Alter do Chão
What a fabulous place! It's made almost entirely from recycled wood and other materials, with a commitment to using local ingredients and indigenous…
Espírito Santo
The moqueca (fish stew) at this beachfront eatery in Meaípe has been voted the best in Brazil multiple times. Everything from fish to squid and shrimp to…
Santa Catarina
Chef Rafael Miralha hails from Espírito Santo and trained in Southern California before landing in Rosa, hometown recipes in hand. In stylish new…
Salvador
Far off the beaten path in the residential neighborhood of Cabula, but foodies don't mind the detour to Paraíso Tropical: the classic Brazilian restaurant…
Brazil
If you have only one night in Aracaju, Cariri is the place to be for a taste of local culture. This famed Northeastern restaurant on the Passarela do…
Flamengo & Around
Sei Shiroma, an expat from NYC, and a dexterous team of dough handlers serve Rio's best pizza at this atmospheric and delightfully ramshackle spot in…
Foz do Iguaçu
If you really want to immerse yourself in Foz de Iguaçu's Middle Eastern culture, this divine sweet shop across from the Omar Ibn Al-Khattab mosque in…
Rio Grande do Sul
Set among homey hardwoods, this excellent restaurant serves the comfort food of Brazil's Italian immigrants. A buffet of organic salads, house-made pastas…
Espírito Santo
Hearty Italian fare and pretty perspectives on Pedra Azul make this one of the area’s nicest restaurants. Dishes such as saltimbocca (prosciutto-and-sage…
Maceió
It may look like a hole-in-the-wall but you'll find some of the most inventive seafood in Maceió at Sushi Bowl. Each one of their bowls is thoughtfully…
Maceió
A Maceió institution, Divina Gula specializes in the hearty cuisine of Minas Gerais and the Northeast. The picanha (steak) is excellent as is the carne de…
Belém
Around since 1972, La em Casa is an excellent choice for Pará specialties centered around Amazon fish and duck dishes, as well as Brazilian barbecued…
Brasília
With a disciple of Brazilian super chef Alex Atala running the show, this classy spot has everyone's taste buds doing a happy dance. The three-course…
Manaus
In a shopping center on the way to Ponta Negra west of town, this place deserves its consistently good reviews. Professional service and artfully prepared…
Santa Catarina
The rustic seafood shack Arante has become an island institution, its walls covered with poetry and artwork that patrons have added over the years…
Curitiba
It's not located in Curitiba's touristy Italian neighborhood, yet this upscale trattoria is the real deal. The pasta – pick your type, then pick your…
Goiás
For lunch, there’s a wealth of regional choices laid out in fiery-hot clay pots for R$35. In the evenings, the shady garden setting fills up quickly for…
São Paulo
Top chef Morena Leite turns out excellent regional Brazilian fare, with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients, served in a relaxed, beautifully…
Paraná
En route to the lighthouse, Mar e Sol serves spectacular fish, shrimp and crab moquecas (seafood stews; R$109 to R$255 for two), seafood risottos, and…
