Must-see restaurants in Rio de Janeiro State

  • Bira

    Rio de Janeiro

    Splendid views await diners who make the trek to Bira. On a breezy wooden deck, you can partake in flavorful, rich seafood served in huge portions – big…

  • Mangue Seco Cachaçaria

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Part of the Rio Scenarium nightspot empire, Mangue Seco serves a mix of seafood and Bahian fare, with hearty moquecas and caldeirada de frutos do mar …

  • Cafeína

    Ipanema & Leblon

    In the heart of Ipanema, this inviting cafe with sidewalk tables is a fine spot to have an espresso while watching the city stroll by. You'll also find…

  • Da Silva

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of many eating choices at Botafogo Praia Shopping, Da Silva is a more polished affair than the food courts on the 7th floor and offers fine views over…

  • Taj Mahal

    Gávea, Jardim Botânico & Lagoa

    Hands down Rio's best Indian restaurant, Taj Mahal serves pure decadence from its extensive menu: plates of lamb masala, creamy palak paneer and piping…

  • Casa da Picanha

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Fans of classic churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) with all the trimmings – rice, beans, French fries, farofa (sautéed manioc flour garnish), kale etc –…

  • Casa do Fogo

    Paraty

    The name says it all here – everything’s on fire! The menu focuses on seafood set ablaze with the local cachaça: flambéed octopus with passion fruit,…

  • Julius Brasserie

    Rio de Janeiro

    This elegant Dutch-Brazilian-run restaurant in Urca turns out a creative mix of grilled meats (rack of lamb, duck breast), seafood (shrimp curry with…

  • O Pescador

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    The Italian-run Pescador is one of the island’s best choices for a fancy beachfront dinner, with mean caipirinhas, authentic Italian risotto and…

  • Momo

    Rio de Janeiro

    A few steps from the entrance to the Belmond Copacabana Palace, Momo is a cheery gelateria serving the neighborhood's best ice cream. All the classics are…

  • Petit Formidable

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Next to the Formidable bistro, this tiny bakery and cafe fires up delicious croissants, pains au chocolat, éclairs, mille-feuilles and other delicacies…

  • Porto das Carnes

    Rio de Janeiro

    Around the corner from the beach, Porto das Carnes serves excellent cuts of meat that are chargrilled to juicy perfection. Stop in for the good-value R$54…

  • Quiosque Dito e Feito

    Paraty

    Ask locals where to find reasonably priced fresh seafood and they'll send you to this simple beachfront kiosk on Praia do Pontal. From straightforward…

  • Rango Veggie

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Tucked in the back of the Loja Pence boutique, this place cooks up tasty veggie burgers made of pea, lentil, black bean or falafel. Appetizers like…

  • Restaurante Paladar

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Prices are higher than at your average por-kilo joint, but the atmosphere can’t be beat at this classy converted mansion across from Praça da Liberdade…

  • Fishbone Café

    Búzios

    At this laid-back beach club on Praia de Geribá, the menu features everything from sandwiches to salads to a delicious caldeirada de frutos do mar …

  • Kurt

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Extremely popular and going strong since 1942, Kurt has an array of irresistible temptations: flaky strudels, berry crumbles, and palm-sized tortes with…

  • Casa Pellegrini

    Rio de Janeiro State

    For budget eats any time of day, this convivial downtown hole-in-the-wall is one of Petrópolis' new local favorites. Burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta,…

  • Stuzzi

    Ipanema & Leblon

    This buzzing, uberpopular Leblon spot specializes in creative Italian tapas (such as roast lamb croquettes, and goat cheese, fig and honey bruschetta) and…

  • Oui Paraty

    Paraty

    With bona fide French chef Patrick Louis in the kitchen, Oui Paraty stands out for its authentic Breton-style galettes made with buckwheat flour,…

  • Alquimia

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    Beautifully set on tranquil Largo das Neves, Alquimia is a friendly Franco-Brazilian-run creperie that fires up delicious crepes, and it's also a charming…

  • Garota de Itaúna

    Rio de Janeiro State

    The Girl from Itaúna's many attractions include a fabulous beachfront terrace and a wide variety of seafood specials. Enjoy the views but hang on to your…

  • Delírio Tropical

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Delírio Tropical serves a tempting array of salads, which you can enhance by adding grilled trout, salmon carpaccio, filet mignon and other items. The…

  • Lua e Mar

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    Candlelit tables on the sand make a tranquil place to watch the crashing waves and scurrying crabs while you enjoy tasty moqueca (fish stew) and other…

  • Ráscal

    Ipanema & Leblon

    This popular São Paulo chain arrived in Rio some years back and quickly earned top marks for its fantastic buffet. The huge spread of Italian cuisine…

  • Porto da Barra

    Búzios

    Three kilometers west of town at Manguinhos, the Porto da Barra food complex is a relaxing spot to browse for lunch, dinner or drinks, with more than a…

  • Manuê

    Paraty

    With good coffee, free wi-fi, two dozen varieties of juice and a delicious array of budget-friendly omelettes and dobrados (toasted flatbread sandwiches),…

  • Dom Mário

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    Long-time local chef Mário cooks up seafood specialties like filé de peixe ao molho de maracujá (fish fillet with passion fruit sauce) and scrumptious…

  • Restaurante-Pizzeria La Bamba

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Efficient service and a family-friendly vibe draw constant crowds to this buzzing restaurant near Nova Friburgo's chairlift. The menu ranges from pizzas…

  • Punto Divino

    Paraty

    This corner Italian restaurant serves pasta and thin-crust pizzas in its cozy main dining room and on its stone-walled back patio adorned with ferns and…

  • Bar do Zé

    Búzios

    This classy restaurant with an open-air deck facing Orla Bardot is famous for its well-mixed drinks (classic caipirinhas, freshly minted mojitos), served…

  • Café Arlequim

    Rio de Janeiro

    In the middle of a shop selling books and CDs, this small, lively, pleasantly air-conditioned cafe is a fine spot to refuel, with Italian (Illy) coffee,…

  • Bordeaux

    Rio de Janeiro State

    On the picturesque grounds of the Casa da Ipiranga, these converted stables provide a pleasant backdrop for the menu of pasta, risotto, fish and meat…

  • Sukão

    Búzios

    Half-liter goblets of fresh fruit juice and sandwiches piled onto four varieties of homemade bread make this Ossos corner eatery a tempting pit stop en…

  • Café do Mar

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    This candlelit beach bar and lounge is perfect for sundown cocktails, with reasonably priced (by Ilha Grande standards!) pratos do dia (daily specials)…

  • Restaurante do Zé

    Rio de Janeiro State

    The sidewalk tables at this animated eatery overlook the canal, one of the most picturesque spots in town. The house specialty is picanha na chapa …

  • Cristóvão

    Rio de Janeiro

    This restaurant above Confeitaria Colombo spreads an extensive buffet of Brazilian dishes for those wanting to soak up a splendid interior.

  • Chez Michou Crêperie

    Búzios

    Crowds flock here not only for the sweet and savory crepes, but also for mixed drinks at the outdoor bar, sports events on the big screen TVs and the…

  • Restaurante do David

    Búzios

    Still going strong after 40 years, David’s serves quality seafood at little wooden tables with red tablecloths in the heart of town.

  • Água na Boca

    Arraial do Cabo

    A stone’s throw from the bus station, this recommended self-serve includes plenty of seafood in its daily offerings.