Must-see restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

  • Garota de Ipanema

    Ipanema & Leblon

    A mix of visitors and neighborhood regulars pack the tables at the former bar where 'The Girl from Ipanema' composers Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes…

  • Via Sete Arpoador

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Half a block from the beach, Via Sete has a small shaded front terrace for taking in the passing parade of people. Head inside for air-conditioned…

  • Koni Store

    Ipanema & Leblon

    The Koni craze shows no sign of abating. The recipe is simple: temakis (seaweed hand rolls) stuffed with salmon, tuna, shrimp, roast beef or a combination…

  • Barraca do Uruguai

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Of the many barracas (food stalls) on Ipanema Beach, Uruguai is a long-term favorite and serves scrumptious grilled chicken, beef and sausage sandwiches,…

  • Galeto Sat's Botafogo

    Rio de Janeiro

    Galeto Sat’s Botafogo is an upmarket take on the classic 'galeto' (spring chicken) restaurant that is a staple of Rio's restaurant scene, with chic…

  • Casa da Feijoada

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Admirers of Brazil's iconic feijoada (black bean and salted pork stew served with rice) needn't wait until Saturday, the time it's traditionally eaten, to…

  • Cantina da Praça

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Fronting Praça General Osório, Cantina da Praça is a lively cafe and delicatessen that serves an assortment of tasty salads, satisfying antipasti, creamy…

  • Borogodó

    Gávea, Jardim Botânico & Lagoa

    In a charming yellow colonial house, the two-story Borogodó is a great neighborhood destination for grilled steaks, seafood paella and pastas. Weekday…

  • Zona Sul Supermarket

    Ipanema & Leblon

    A Rio institution for over 50 years, Zona Sul Supermarket has branches all over the city. This one in Leblon is the best of the bunch, with fresh-baked…

  • Angu do Gomes

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set in a weather-beaten colonial building in Saúde, Angu do Gomes is a classic carioca eating spot. Opened in 1955, the restaurant is best known for its…

  • Gula Gula

    Ipanema & Leblon

    In a cozy villa on the western edge of Ipanema, Gula Gula remains a culinary favorite, which means a lot in a neighborhood ever in search of the new…

  • Devassa

    Rio de Janeiro

    This upscale boteco is well known for its excellent beers (like the refreshing Loura, perfect for a hot day, or the IPA-style Índia, for something with a…

  • Cafe Colombo

    Rio de Janeiro

    Far removed from the hustle and bustle of Av Atlântica, this cafe has magnificent views of Copacabana Beach. At the outdoor tables you can sit beneath…

  • Baródromo

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    A Carnaval-themed restaurant, Baródromo is located a few steps from Lapa’s main nightlife artery, Av Mem de Sá. The large, open hall is dominated by…

  • Balada Mix

    Rio de Janeiro

    This restaurant and drinking spot has a pleasant outside seating area and a welcoming vibe. Minimalist and funky decor really sets the place off at night…

  • Ernesto

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    With high ceilings and exposed brick walls, this restaurant and drinking spot has an old-time feel, and it's just a short stroll from Lapa's samba clubs…

  • Botequim Bodega do Sal

    Rio de Janeiro

    Near Pedra do Sal (a major destination for samba lovers on Mondays and Fridays), this classic eating and drinking spot serves a fine variety of…

  • Coffeetown

    Ipanema & Leblon

    This place aims to create a vibe that evokes an old-fashioned American-style coffeehouse. There's a happy buzz (more chatter than laptop clatter), it…

  • New Natural

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Featuring an excellent lunch buffet of organic and vegetarian fare, New Natural was the first health-food restaurant to set up in Ipanema. The windowless…

  • Restaurante Quinta da Boa Vista

    Rio de Janeiro

    Inside the former 1822 chapel of the former royal palace, this place serves excellent bacalhau ao forno (oven-baked codfish), caldeirada de frutos de mar …

  • Faraj

    Ipanema & Leblon

    A much-loved neighborhood favorite, Faraj is the go-to spot for both satisfying snacks like a kibbe (meat croquette), esfiha (triangular spinach or meat…

  • Bar Brasil

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    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…

  • Bibi Sucos

    Rio de Janeiro

    Offering much the same recipe for success as its Leblon branch, Bibi serves dozens of juices, along with savory and sweet crepes, sandwiches, burgers,…

  • Fellini

    Ipanema & Leblon

    One of Leblon's top buffet restaurants, Fellini has an enticing selection of dishes: salads, pastas, grilled fish and shrimp, plus a sushi counter and a…

  • Vezpa

    Santa Teresa & Lapa

    With over a dozen locations around Rio, this New York–style pizza-by-the-slice shop has taken the city by storm. This branch is the perfect pre- or post…

  • Livraria Prefácio

    Rio de Janeiro

    This charming restaurant scores high on novelty: it’s hidden in the back of a bookshop, with stone walls, low-lit lamps and bookshelves. Atmosphere aside,…

  • Boulangerie Guerin

    Rio de Janeiro

    Serving delicious croissants and éclairs, this tiny French patisserie is well worth a visit for bakery fans. Aside from éclairs (chocolate or pistachio),…

  • La Veronese

    Ipanema & Leblon

    If Rio is destroying your budget, head to this friendly stand-up snack counter for one of the best deals in the Zona Sul: the R$5 mini pizza with crispy…

  • Mil Frutas

    Ipanema & Leblon

    On chic Garcia d'Ávila, Mil Frutas serves ice cream that showcases fruits from the Amazon and abroad. Abacaxí (pineapple), goiaba (guava), maracujá …

  • Gringo Cafe

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Tired of eating feijoada? This open-sided American-run diner dishes up remedies in spades for the homesick gringo: waffles, pancakes, hash browns, mac and…

  • Le Petit Paris

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of several food trucks sprinkled along the eastern end of the Blvd Olímpico, Le Petit Paris turns out baguette sandwiches, risottos, boeuf bourguignon…

  • Garota da Urca

    Rio de Janeiro

    Overlooking small Praia da Urca, this neighborhood restaurant serves good-value weekday lunch specials, and you can enjoy views over the bay from the open…

  • Alessandro E Federico

    Ipanema & Leblon

    This inviting restaurant on Ipanema's most upscale shopping street serves freshly made panini, salads, creamy risottos and creative pastas as well as…

  • Bibi Crepes

    Ipanema & Leblon

    This small, open-sided restaurant attracts a young, garrulous crowd who enjoy the more than two dozen sweet and savory crepes available, as well as design…

  • Restaurante Naturaleve

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set just off Rua Miguel Lemos, this tidy health-conscious restaurant cooks up a reasonably priced lunch buffet, with vegetarian black beans, moqueca …

  • Armazém do Café

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Dark-wood furnishings and the aroma of fresh-ground coffee lend authenticity to this Leblon coffeehouse. It serves waffles, snacks and desserts, and…

  • Momo

    Ipanema & Leblon

    One of the best places in Leblon for a creamy gelato, Momo whips up delectable tropical flavors (guava, mango, avocado) as well as Italian classics such…

  • Gula Gula

    Ipanema & Leblon

    On the lower level of Rio Design Leblon, casual Gula Gula dishes up quiches and salads, and those wanting heartier fare can opt for grilled meats or other…

  • Vezpa

    Ipanema & Leblon

    Great for a quick slice when your energy levels are low, Vezpa serves satisfying New York–style pizza slices and lasagna from a tiny storefront. There are…

  • Skylab

    Rio de Janeiro

    On the 30th floor of the Rio Othon Palace, the Skylab serves decent steaks, pastas and seafood, but it's the view that steals the show. Most tables are…

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