Must see restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

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Salomé
Run by the same people behind Ipanema's enormously popular Canastra, Salomé brings a dash of style to the Leme beachfront. The easygoing open-sided bistro…
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El Born
Named after Barcelona's hippest, foodie-loving neighborhood, El Born fires up some of Rio's best tapas plates, such as Galician-style octopus, spicy…
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Churrascaria Palace
This elegantly set dining room is one of the best churrascarias (traditional barbecue restaurants) in town. Aside from juicy, high-quality cuts of meat,…
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Casa Camolese
One of the most talked-about openings in recent years is this beautifully designed eating, drinking and entertainment space overlooking the Jockey Club…
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Giuseppe Grill
One of Rio's best restaurants, Giuseppe Grill aims for perfection and it rarely disappoints. Chargrilled meat and fish plates are outstanding, as are…
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Zazá Bistrô Tropical
Inside an art-filled and whimsically decorated converted house, Zazá serves beautifully prepared dishes with Asian accents, and uses organic ingredients…
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Aprazível
Hidden on a winding road high in Santa Teresa, Aprazível offers beautiful views and a lush garden setting. Grilled fish and roasted dishes showcase the…
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Zuka
One of Rio's best restaurants, Zuka prepares mouthwatering cuisine. Try zingy ceviche with Brazilian piquinho pepper or the confection-like delicacy of…
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Casa Momus
One of the best and loveliest restaurants in Lapa, Casa Momus has a small but well-executed menu of Mediterranean-influenced dishes. Start with prawn…
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Lilia
You could easily miss the low-key entrance to this tranquil lunch spot. Covering the top two floors of a 19th-century building, the restaurant has an airy…
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Xian
One of Rio's loveliest new additions is this spacious, theatrically decorated dining room, open-air cocktail bar and nightclub, all set rather…
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Lasai
Inside an elegant early-20th-century house in Humaitá, Lasai dazzles critics and foodies with its deliciously inventive cuisine. The award-winning carioca…
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Espírito Santa
At this beautifully restored mansion, you can sit on the back terrace with its sweeping views or in the charming, airy dining room, and feast on rich,…
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Ferro e Farinha
Sei Shiroma, an expat from NYC, and a dexterous team of dough handlers serve Rio's best pizza at this atmospheric and delightfully ramshackle spot in…
CT Boucherie
Created by Claude Troisgros, Rio's most famous chef, this innovative Leblon restaurant takes the idea of the churrascaria (traditional barbecue restaurant…
Marchezinho
This multipurpose space operates as a cafe, bar and minimarket. The owner’s French roots show through on the menu and store shelves, with the excellent…
South Ferro
Chef Sei Shiroma made his name with Ferro e Farinha, widely regarded as Rio’s best pizza place. South Ferro, Shiroma’s second restaurant, adds a healthy…
Cais do Oriente
Brick walls lined with tapestries stretch high to the ceiling in this almost-cinematic 1870s mansion. Set on a brick-lined street, hidden from the masses,…
Joaquina
Joaquina has much to recommend it: a great ocean-facing location with outdoor seating, excellent caipirinhas that don't stint on the fresh fruit, and…
Adega Pérola
Going strong since 1957, this atmospheric bottle-lined eating and drinking den serves outstanding Spanish and Portuguese small plates, including marinated…