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Tia Palmira
On weekends, Cariocas feast on seafood at this simple open-air eatery overlooking the coast. A venerable destination for 40 years, Tia Palmira keeps its fans coming back for its exquisite seafood rodízio (all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner). Plate after plate of vatapá, crabmeat, grilled fish, shrimp pastries and other fruits of the sea come to your table until you can eat no more.
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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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Universo Orgânico
In the back of a small galeria (shopping center), Universo Orgânico whips up delicious fruit and veggie shakes, made with the fresh stuff. Try the carrot, ginger, apple and linseed combo and enjoy it with a veggie burger or savory non-meat salgados . The small grocery store sells organic goodies. They deliver.
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Vegetariano Social Club
Vegetarians interested in sampling Brazil's signature dish should visit this inviting spot on Saturday when tofu feijoada is served. The small menu changes regularly, and features salads, soups and sucos (juices), like rose-petal juice or guarana with mint and ginger. The café also serves organic wine.
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Via Sete
This restaurant on upscale Garcia D'Ávila serves a good selection of salads and sandwich wraps, as well as heartier fare like grilled tuna steak and a high-end cheeseburger (covered with mushrooms, thyme and a red-wine sauce). The pleasant front-side patio is a prime spot for sipping smooth tropical cocktails while practicing the discreet art of people-watching.
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Yonza
Surfboards and Japanese anime superhero posters create the ambience at this creperie in an otherwise empty stretch of Copacabana. A young crowd flocks here at night to fill up on hearty platefuls of crepes. The simple queijo e tomate (cheese and tomato) does just fine.
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Yorubá
Yorubá looks as if it's always prepared for the imminent arrival of an orixá (spirit or deity). Leaves lie scattered across the floor as candle flames flicker on the walls. Young waiters in red aprons stand at attention while something mystical transpires in the kitchen. Plates here are simply heavenly: plump shrimp and rich coconut milk blend to perfection in bobó de camarão, and the moqueca is simply outstanding.
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Zazá Bistrô Tropical
French-colonial decor and delicately spiced cuisine await those venturing inside this charming converted house in Ipanema. Inventive combinations like pumpkin and chestnut risotto or sesame-battered tuna with wasabi cream enhance the seductive mood inside. Upstairs, diners lounge on throw pillows, while candles glow along the walls. You can also dine on the porch out front - everything here is organic.
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Zuka
This trendy spot continues to draw crowds with its ever-inventive dishes. Tuna foie gras in thyme or the smoked duck with caramelized pineapple are excellent, though you'll want dessert - skewers of fruit in sake or chocolate soufflé.
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