Brazilian restaurants in Rio De Janeiro
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Casa da Feijoada
At this longstanding institution, any day is fine to sample the rich, black bean and salted pork dish. The feijoada is served with the requisite orange slices, farofa and grated kale, all of which pair nicely with a caipirinha.
reviewed
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B
Brasileirinho
This rustically decorated restaurant serves good, traditional Mineiro cuisine. Favorites include tutu a mineira (mashed black beans with manioc), carne seca (dried and salted beef) and picanha (rump steak).
reviewed
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C
Ernesto
With high ceilings and exposed brick walls, there’s an old-time feel to this restaurant and drinking spot just a short stroll from the samba clubs in Lapa. Ernesto has an extensive menu, though its grilled meats, codfish dishes and German-inspired plates (white sausage with lentils) are standouts. There’s live music – MPB or samba – on Wednesday (from 8pm; R$8) and Saturday (from 9:30pm; R$15).
reviewed
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D
Pontinho
Tucked away on a peaceful corner of Copacabana, Pontinho is a traditional open-sided boteco (small neighborhood bar) serving sizzling platters of picanha (thin cut of rump steak), grilled chicken, omelets and other satisfying dishes to a neighborhood crowd. On your way to this untouristy spot, be sure to take a stroll past the leafy Praça Edmundo Bittencourt.
reviewed
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E
Marius Carnes
In addition to the breathtaking array of delicious roast meats carried from table to table, this Leme churrascaria (all-you-can-eat barbecued-meat restaurant) features a lavish buffet table. Oysters in the half shell, sushi, grilled vegetables with herbs; it all seems almost too lovely to eat. Next door is Marius Crustáceas, the restaurant's seafood equivalent.
reviewed
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F
Galeto do Leblon
One of the pioneers on this street, Galeto do Leblon has been around for over 35 years. Although a recent renovation has created an airy, modern feel, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, Galeto still serves the traditional Brazilian dishes that have made it such a neighborhood favorite over the years. On Saturday, stop in for excellent feijoada (R$46 for two).
reviewed
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Eclipse
One of the only 24-hour restaurants in town, Eclipse is equal parts juice bar, pizzeria and traditional Brazilian restaurant, with outdoor seating, a stand-up counter and a sit-down air-conditioned restaurant for escaping the heat. It can be a great (and lively!) destination when hunger strikes in the madrugada (the wee hours of the night).
reviewed
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Cantinho do Senado
This nondescript restaurant on antique row serves an excellent feijoada (R$31), which is enough to feed two. The chalkboard menu in front lists other daily specials, usually grilled plates of steak, trout, chicken or filet of salmon, You can dine in the casual open-sided bar on the ground floor or upstairs amid air-conditioning.
reviewed
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Taberna da Glória
On a small plaza in the heart of Glória, this large outdoor eatery serves decent Brazilian staples, and in abundance – most dishes here serve two. The feijoada on Friday and Saturday still draws crowds, and if you’re not up for a big meal, appetizers and ice-cold chope are a good way to enjoy the open-air ambience.
reviewed
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J
Senac Bistrô
On the bottom floor of an old mansion built 100 or so years ago, Senac serves tasty plates of seared tuna, shrimp moqueca and other Brazilian specialties. In spite of the splendid exterior, the decor inside is a bit lacking. The chocolate cake, however, makes up for any ambience issues. It comes warm and oozing decadence.
reviewed
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Yorubá
Candlelit Yorubá looks as if it’s always ready for the arrival of an orixá (deity of Candomblé). And if the goddess Iemanjá were to pay a surprise visit, she’d find heavenly plump shrimp and rich coconut milk blended to perfection in babão de camarão, and outstanding moqueca (Bahian fish stew).
reviewed
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L
Siri Mole & Cia
Rated one of Rio’s best Bahian restaurants, Siri Mole & Cia serves outstanding vatapa (manioc paste with coconut and seafood), moqueca de camarão (shrimp stew) and ensopada de peixe (fish and coconut milk stew). Stop in on Saturday (before 5pm) for the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet (R$58).
reviewed
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Atrium
A stately dining room in the Paço Imperial, Atrium serves power-lunching business execs and those simply wanting a taste of decadence. The lamb with rosemary and mushroom risotto would have brought a smile to the face of Dom Pedro I (who once gazed out these same windows a little less than 200 years ago).
reviewed
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Doce Delícia
Doce Delícia has a small but loyal following that is sold on the restaurant’s innovative Eastern design concept. Restaurant-goers create their own salads from over 40 ingredients on the menu. Feeling daring? Go for the pumpkin, jerked meat and leeks. The only limit is your imagination, cara.
reviewed
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O
Cervantes
This Copacabana institution gathers a mixed crowd who feast on trademark steak-and-pineapple sandwiches. Fussy waiters are quick to the tap when your chope runneth dry. Around the corner, at Rua Barato Ribeiro 7, is Cervantes’ stand-up boteco, good for a meal in a hurry.
reviewed
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P
Galani
On the top floor of the Caesar Park Hotel on Saturday, you’ll find one of Rio’s best feijoadas. The decadent pork and black bean recipe comes beautifully prepared, without a lot of extra fat, and you can sample nearly a dozen varieties of pork dishes. The view is spectacular.
reviewed
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Q
Mangue Seco Cachaçaria
Part of the Rio Scenarium empire, Mangue Seco serves a mix of seafood and Bahian fare, with hearty moquecas and bobó de camarão (shrimp pastries). Upstairs, there’s a bar with over 100 types of cachaça and live samba Friday and Saturday nights (from 7pm).
reviewed
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R
Severyna da Glória
One of the rare gems of the neighborhood, Severyna is a cozy restaurant with rustic décor and satisfying plates of carne seca (dried meat with spices), moqueca and other classic Northeastern fare. There's live music Thursday to Sunday nights.
reviewed
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Ateliê Culinario
Ateliê Culinario serves up decent Brazilian fare on its open-air terrace to a festive crowd. Outdoor tables open onto Praça Floriano, which is a lively gathering spot on weekday evenings. At weekends, it stays opens during film screenings at the Odeon next door.
reviewed
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Santa Scenarium
This atmospheric restaurant on Lapa’s antique row serves grilled meats and other Brazilian staples, as well as cold beer, appetizers and sandwiches (such as the popular filet mignon on ciabatta). There’s live music most nights.
reviewed
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Emporium Pax
One of many eateries at Botafogo Praia Shopping, Emporium Pax offers spectacular views of Pão de Açúcar and Baía de Guanabara. As well as salads, pastas and tasty desserts, the lunch buffet draws in the shoppers and film-goers.
reviewed
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Botequim Informal
Located on the 7th floor of the Botafogo Praia Shopping Center, Botequim Informal has a fairly standard menu, but boasts spectacular views of the bay and Pão de Açúcar. It's one of many eateries in the mall.
reviewed
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Aprazível
Hidden on a winding road high up in Santa Teresa, Aprazível has beautiful views and a lush garden setting. The menu features gourmet Brazilian fare. Unfortunately, it’s often booked by tour groups, so reserve ahead.
reviewed
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X
Lamas
This classic restaurant opened in 1874 and, in spite of the mileage, dishes here hold up well. You can’t go wrong with grilled linguiça (garlicky pork sausage) or filet mignon.
reviewed
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Gula Gula
Casual Gula Gula dishes up quiches and salads, but those in search of heartier fare can opt for grilled meats or other Brazilian dishes. There are other locations around the city.
reviewed
