Rio de Janeiro Restaurants

  1. Adega do Valentim

    Bacalhau (cod) in 12 ways is the specialty at this old-fashioned Portuguese restaurant. Jocular old waiters also serve other favorites: baked rabbit, roast suckling pig, octopus, the list goes on…

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  2. Antiquarius

    Serving without a doubt the city's best Portuguese cuisine, Antiquarius is a rewarding but pricey spot to celebrate old-world cuisine with an antique-filled dining room, top-notch service and lovingly prepared dishes. Some particular recommendations include the leg of lamb, the wild boar in red-wine sauce and the Portuguese favorite bacalhau (cod), elevated here to the sublime.

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  3. Artigiano

    Overlooking the Jardim de Alah, Artigiano is set in a picturesque villa with more than a hint of the old-world about it. You'll find an older, well-dressed crowd enjoying classic Italian fare, including some 20 superb varieties of hand-made pasta amid the oil paintings and antique furnishings.

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  4. Bar Brasil

    According to legend, this German restaurant went by the name Bar Adolf until WWII. Although the name has been Brazilianized, the cuisine is still prepared in the same tradition as it was back before the war. Sauerkraut, wursts, lentils and an ever-flowing tap quench the appetites and thirsts of the sometimes-rowdy Lapa crowd.

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  5. Casa da Suíça

    Tucked inside the Swiss Embassy, this cozy restaurant serves top-notch steak tartare, though it specializes in flambés and fondues. The Casa da Suíça creates an almost tangible aura of sensuality - perhaps due to those open fires flaring inside. After dinner, you can hear live music at the St Moritz bar.

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  6. CBF

    On the west side of the historic Praça Tiradentes, CBF opened in 2007, breathing much new life into a tired neighborhood. Despite the newness, CBF is an atmospheric place and a top choice for enjoying delicious bacalhau dishes, scrumptious paellas and a host of other Iberian favorites. After dining with friends at the large picnic tables, you'll be well-placed to explore the nearby samba clubs in Lapa.

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  7. Cipriani

    On a candlelit patio beside the Palace's pool, Cipriani serves fine northern Italian cuisine to a well-dressed, largely non-Brazilian crowd. Signature dishes such as the gnocchi, the sirloin with port sauce, and the smoked scallops all meet their mark. For dessert, tiramisu and chocolate mousse are both good options. The dress code is once again in force, so leave your Havaianas at home.

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  8. Don Camillo

    One of the few decent restaurants on the Copa strip, this handsomely appointed Italian restaurant has flavorful pastas and lasagnas, as well as some excellent seafood dishes. Antique tile floors, distressed wood beams and black-and-white photos make a nice setting for the dining. For something a little different try risotto with mushrooms followed by profiteroles.

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  9. Escola do Pão

    In a converted colonial mansion, this beautifully decorated restaurant serves delightful gourmet fare including grilled chicken with shiitake mushrooms, grilled trout and four different risottos. On weekends, Cariocas come from near and far to enjoy the weekend brunch, the highlights of which are the tasty fresh-baked breads and pastries.

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  10. Fratelli

    On a quiet street in Leblon, Fratelli's large glass windows frame families and young couples enjoying a fine neighborhood restaurant. It's the food, however, that ought to be on display: creamy linguini with langosta (lobster), polenta with porcini and Brie and plump tortellini all pair nicely with Fratelli's decent wine selection.

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  12. Gero

    Elegance is the spice of choice at this handsome Ipanema favorite on posh Aníbal de Mendonça. Run by hotelier and restaurateur Rogério Fasano, Gero has some exquisite choices including tuna carpaccio, risotto with Tuscan sausage and the simple but delicious ravioli with tomato, mozzarella and basil.

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  13. Le Pré Catalan

    Le Pré Catalan is often rated Rio's best traditional French restaurant, with exquisitely prepared dishes under the watch of award-winning chef Roland Villard. Most diners select the three-course prix-fixe (fixed-price) menu (around R$140 ), which changes every two weeks. The modern, stylish dining room has elegant views of Copacabana beach.

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  14. Luigi's

    Well off the beaten path, Luigi's is a casual Italian restaurant set in an old villa in Laranjeiras. Join neighborhood regulars for a drink on the small covered courtyard in front before venturing inside for homemade gnocchi with gorgonzola, fresh mushroom and tomato tagliatelle or risotto with seafood.

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  15. Lulu

    On a quiet tree-lined corner in Jardim Botânico, this stylish three-story restaurant serves contemporary Italian cuisine with flair. The excellent pastas are made in-house (try the goat cheese and eggplant), while heartier palates might opt for the chef's osso buco, fresh fish of the day with polenta or duck confit. On clear nights, reserve a table on the top-floor patio for idyllic views over the neighborhood.

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  16. Miam Miam

    Exposed brick walls and a mishmash of retro furnishings set the scene for dining in style at Botafogo's newest culinary darling. Miam Miam, which is French for yum-yum, opened in 2006 under the guidance of chef Roberta Ciasca, who trained at Paris' famous Le Cordon Bleu. Here, she serves up her own brand of 'comfort food', which means bruschetta with pesto and tapenade, endive salad with gorgonzola, pepper crusted tuna with lentil ragout and many other unique (and yes, yummy) dishes.

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  17. Mike's Haus

    Mike's Haus has German pub atmosphere with traditional cooking and cold glasses of imported Weizenbier. Although plates are small here, the place remains a popular gathering spot for expats and Cariocas on Friday and Saturday night.

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  18. Nova Capela

    Like Bar Brasil next door, Nova Capela dates from the beginning of the 20th century. It stays open late into the evening, and fills with a noisy mix of artists, musicians and party kids. Legendarily bad-tempered waiters serve up big plates of traditional Portuguese cuisine. The cabrito (goat) is among the best examples of this dish you'll encounter in Rio.

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  19. Quadrifoglio

    A charming Italian spot famed for exotic raviolis like its ravioli de maça ao creme e semente de papoula (apple ravioli with cream and poppy seed sauce), Quadrifoglio has long been a neighborhood favorite - ever since it opened.

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  20. Quadrucci

    Boasting a charming wooden patio, this Italian restaurant serves decent plates in a handsome but low-key setting. Start off with a tuna ceviche before moving on to tagliatelli with lamb and artichoke sauce or tortellini with basil pesto. Strudels and tortes finish off the proceedings nicely.

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  21. Traiteurs de France

    Step into this pleasant café and restaurant for an escape from the busy traffic. In front, you'll find a variety of tempting baked goods, perfect for a quick takeout for the beach, while the restaurant in back offers salmon crepes, quiches, and grilled meats. You can also opt for lunch specials.

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