São Paulo
This classic Centro lanchonete (snack bar) serves working folk's meals at all hours, but its signature pernil (pork loin) sandwich, smothered in the…
Must-see restaurants in Brazil
Brazil
Mangai's spectacular regional buffet is available in other cities, but it hails from João Pessoa. Most items are labeled in English, and there’s plenty…
Espírito Santo
This half-timbered building overlooking Domingos Martins' main square serves old German favorites such as sausages, sauerkraut and Wiener schnitzel, along…
Maceió
Worth a detour, this highly acclaimed Peruvian restaurant serves excellent seafood, including a dozen different varieties of ceviche and tiradito (a…
Alagoas
The exquisitely prepared seafood dishes at Odoiá are a cut above other restaurants in Maragogi. Most recipes are simple, such as pesto pasta with shrimp…
Rio Grande do Sul
Pastry chef Amanda Selbach honed her skills at France's Institut Paul Bocuse. Colorful macarons (R$5; try bergamot!), decadent eclairs (R$14), mille…
Goiás
This sophisticated spot overlooking Praça do Coreto serves life-changing grilled focaccia sandwiches, wraps and ciabatta, first-rate coffee, and the town…
Pará
This small kiosk just west of the center serves the best tacacá (local soup with shrimp) we've tasted in Brazil. A late-afternoon bowl of this local…
Belém
The 'King of Cod' is a Belém classic, with cheap and cheerful service and fresh street-food staples straight from the nearby fish market. It's no-frills,…
Lençóis
Fantastically fresh, hearty portions of handmade pastas and jazz music are on the menu at this gourmet restaurant. Opening days can vary during the off…
Santa Catarina
From a charming candlelit porch in Canto da Lagoa, a small but delectable daily-changing menu of Med-inspired contemporary dishes makes for one of Floripa…
Paraná
Amid lush gardens and bubbling fountains on the more tranquil side of the river sits this scenic restaurant, a great and friendly option for regional…
Santa Catarina
Our favorite of the atmospheric seafood restaurants that line the western coast of Lagoa de Conceicão in the village of Costa da Lagoa. A wealth of just…
Paraná
At llha do Mel's most interesting newcomer, chef Luiz Moura is shaking up the culinary scene armed with kitchen experience at both London's Meantime…
Foz do Iguaçu
This mineiro (from Minas Gerais state)-run highlight of the Foz scene ('scene' used loosely) is full of country charm and swarming with town sophisticates…
Santa Catarina
This high-quality buffet of Brazilian-interpreted German specialties is not the kind of place you want to go more than once, but once is worth the…
Centro & the Mainland
Korean-Japazilian chef Emerson Kim and his Latvian wife honed their skills at Nobu (yes, that Nobu). You will find a grand total of zero items with cream…
Ilhabela
Dine on the sands overlooking romantic, yacht-filled seas at Ilhabela's best gourmet restaurant, the domain of darling local chef Renata Vanzetto and her…
Rio Grande do Sul
Occupying a lovely residential home in Planato near Igreja São Bento, this is the best of the restaurants specializing in the comida típica italiana…
São Paulo
Accolades abound for upstart Brazilian chef Marcelo Bastos and his affordable entry-level into contemporary Brazilian cuisine. Pick any three courses at…
Minas Gerais
In a lovely 18th-century building with intimate candlelit interior, this local favorite specializes in pizza, pasta and salads complemented by a good wine…
Gramado
Per Voi isn't Gramado's most famous restaurant specializing in the Italian-gaúcho tradition of bottomless capeletti soup, galeto (rotisserie spring…
Ubatuba
The sophisticated dishes emerging from this excellent beach shack, perched on top of the rocks at one of the region's prettiest beaches (Prumirim), are…
Paraná
One of the island’s best restaurants, Fim da Trilha has spicy, Spain-indistinguishable paella served – stop the presses! – in individual portions (R$50 to…
Bahia
This landmark bar and restaurant attracts Amado fans (two of the novelist's fictional protagonists met here) for moquecas (fish stews) and cold beer…
São Paulo
Most folks crave burgers and fries after a late night of being overserved in Vila Madelana, but if your sweet tooth is calling, the neighborhood outlet of…
Porto Seguro
One of the classiest per-kilo eateries around, Rabanete puts out a mouthwatering buffet of gourmet dishes, from pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and basil to…
Rio Grande do Sul
This decadent cafe and chocolataria makes for a mighty fine stop for a sweet treat (we're partial to the Italian merengue and doce de leite–topped Avenida…
Gramado
An accommodating family – mom, dad and daughter – of Genova-descended Brazilians run this homespun trattoria. Classic sauces (pesto, carbonara, bolognese)…
Centro & the Mainland
This outstanding, award-winning por-kilo buffet concentrates on a more subtle selection of daily dishes, all focused on high-quality, home-cooked goodness…
Foz do Iguaçu
This informal, family-run cantina churns out wood-fired pizza – even in personal sizes – and reasonably authentic pasta in heaping portions. This is the…
São Paulo
A Scotsman and two Italians were the first to do what nobody outside Buenos Aires could previously do: produce amazing Italian gelato in South America…
Salvador
This quaint hideaway cafe, located inside an antique house that's positioned dramatically on a cliff top over the ocean, is one of a kind. Come for the…
Santa Catarina
Easily one of Brazil's best bars in a gorgeous authentic English pub atmosphere. It does a good job with homesick-remedy pub grub like fish and chips,…
Bahia
This Trancoso classic, formally known as Portinha, woos diners with a sumptuous buffet (don't miss the dessert spread) and atmospheric seating at tree…
São Paulo
This cutely, Av Paulista outlet of one of the city's best gelatarias is a calm and cool pitstop for those seeking a bit of sweet energy as they explore…
Lençóis
This popular eatery specializes in cuisine from Brazil's Northwest – think grilled meats, fish and chicken, served at cute alfresco tables for two. It's…
Bahia
Festive and popular Souza Bar, inside the Tamar Project Station, has a dramatic setting along the rocky coastline. It's a sure bet for fresh clams, crispy…
Ipanema & Leblon
Created by Claude Troisgros, Rio's most famous chef, this innovative Leblon restaurant takes the idea of the churrascaria (traditional barbecue restaurant…
Rio de Janeiro
This multipurpose space operates as a cafe, bar and minimarket. The owner’s French roots show through on the menu and store shelves, with the excellent…
