Must-see restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

  • Salomé

    Rio de Janeiro

    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…

  • El Born

    Rio de Janeiro

    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…

  • Churrascaria Palace

    Rio de Janeiro

    This elegantly set dining room is one of the best churrascarias (traditional barbecue restaurants) in town. Aside from juicy, high-quality cuts of meat,…

  • Xian

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of Rio's loveliest new additions is this spacious, theatrically decorated dining room, open-air cocktail bar and nightclub, all set rather…

  • Lasai

    Rio de Janeiro

    Inside an elegant early-20th-century house in Humaitá, Lasai dazzles critics and foodies with its deliciously inventive cuisine. The award-winning carioca…

  • Marchezinho

    Rio de Janeiro

    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

    Rio de Janeiro

    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…

  • Meal at Cais do Oriente Restaurant, Centro.

    Cais do Oriente

    Rio de Janeiro

    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

    Rio de Janeiro

    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

    Rio de Janeiro

    Going strong since 1957, this atmospheric bottle-lined eating and drinking den serves outstanding Spanish and Portuguese small plates, including marinated…

  • Ancoramar

    Rio de Janeiro

    Ancoramar (previously known as Albamar) has long been one of Rio’s best lunchtime seafood destinations. Its top picks are fresh oysters, grilled seafood…

  • Santa Satisfação

    Rio de Janeiro

    Oozing farmhouse charm, this always-packed bistro is worth forking out a bit extra for its outstanding daily lunch specials (R$37) of upscale Brazilian…

  • L'Atelier du Cuisinier

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set in a 19th-century building just off busy Av Rio Branco, this small 24-seat place serves some of the best cuisine in Centro. The menu is tiny (just a…

  • Govardhana Harí

    Rio de Janeiro

    Amid artwork and decorations from India, the always-welcoming Hare Krishnas whip up delicious vegetarian dishes made with care. The restaurant is tucked…

  • Oteque

    Rio de Janeiro

    Much to the delight of cariocas, celebrated São Paulo chef Alberto Landgraf recently moved to Rio and opened this small, beautifully designed restaurant,…

  • Confeitaria Colombo

    Rio de Janeiro

    Stained-glass windows, brocaded mirrors and marble countertops create a lavish setting for coffee or a meal here. Dating from the late 19th century, the…

  • Bar Urca

    Rio de Janeiro

    Upstairs from Bar Urca's popular snack stand you'll find an elegantly set dining room with memorable views across the bay. The seafood is first rate, with…

  • Aconchego Carioca

    Rio de Janeiro

    Aconchego Carioca consistently ranks as one of the best places in town to eat traditional Brazilian cuisine. The setting, cozy and welcoming, has a casual…

  • Azumi

    Rio de Janeiro

    Hands down, Azumi serves some of the best traditional Japanese cuisine in Rio. This laid-back sushi bar certainly has its fans – both in the nisei…

  • Slow Bakery

    Rio de Janeiro

    The sourdough revolution has yet to take hold in Rio, so this modern bakery is something of a pioneer. A range of superb sourdough loaves are baked on…

  • La Trattoria

    Rio de Janeiro

    Set with checkered tablecloths, exposed brick and decorations from the Old World, La Trattoria has been a neighborhood favorite since 1976. Shrimp dishes…

  • Meza Bar

    Rio de Janeiro

    Humaitá’s see-and-be-seen hot spot serves delectable, Brazilian-slanted tapas to a sophisticated and trendy crowd. Creative cocktails and delightful staff…

  • Casa Paladino

    Rio de Janeiro

    Going strong since 1906, this frozen-in-time delicatessen is lined with bottles, canned goods and other preserves. The attached restaurant serves Paladino…

  • Shirley

    Rio de Janeiro

    The aroma of succulent paella hangs in the air as waiters hurry to and from the kitchen bearing platefuls of fresh seafood. Shirley, opened in 1954, was…

  • Mironga

    Rio de Janeiro

    With its tall ceilings, exposed Edison bulbs, lounge-like music and chunky wooden tables, Mironga channels a Brooklyn vibe, which is unsurprising given…

  • Bakers

    Rio de Janeiro

    The Bakers is a fine spot for flaky croissants, banana Danishes, apple strudels and other treats. There are also waffles, omelets, salads, gourmet…

  • Galeto Sat's

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of Rio's best roast-chicken spots, laid-back Galeto Sat's has earned many fans since it opened back in 1962. Grab a seat along the mirrored, tiled…

  • Antônia Casa e Café

    Rio de Janeiro

    Though it's just a short stroll from Copacabana's busiest thoroughfare, this little cafe (which shares space with a home-design store) maintains a…

  • Ceviche RJ

    Rio de Janeiro

    This simple Peruvian-run restaurant serves arguably the best ceviche in Rio. Although there is some seating inside the restaurant, most diners sit outside…

  • Rancho Inn

    Rio de Janeiro

    Exposed brick and tall windows lend a vaguely Parisian air to this charming upstairs lunchtime spot. The menu changes daily and features specials like…

  • Le Depanneur

    Rio de Janeiro

    This buzzing cafe and deli serves juices, waffles, crepes, salads, antipasti plates and specialty sandwiches. On weekends the large plant-trimmed front…

  • Miam Miam

    Rio de Janeiro

    Exposed brick walls and a mishmash of retro furnishings set the scene for dining in style at Botafogo’s culinary darling. Chef Roberta Ciasca serves her…

  • Cervantes

    Rio de Janeiro

    A Copacabana institution, the late-night Cervantes attracts cariocas who come to feast on the trademark filet mignon and pineapple sandwiches. This…

  • La Fiorentina

    Rio de Janeiro

    One of Leme's classic Italian restaurants, La Fiorentina attracted Rio's glitterati in the 1960s. Today its beach-facing outdoor tables draw a loyal,…

  • Arab

    Rio de Janeiro

    On Copacabana's oceanfront road, Arab is a laid-back spot where you can linger at an outdoor table over delicious platters of tabbouleh, hummus, baba…

  • Don Pascual

    Rio de Janeiro

    Don Pascual has undeniable charm. Amid lush scenery you'll dine on open-sided wooden decks, listening to birdsong. Not surprisingly, by night it's all…

  • Da Gema

    Rio de Janeiro

    Well off the beaten path, this humble-looking botequim (bar with table service) serves mouthwatering petiscos (appetizers). It was started by three…

  • Laguna Restaurante

    Rio de Janeiro

    Located on an island near the eastern section of Barra, this charming spot serves excellent seafood dishes meant for sharing. Start off with casquinha de…

  • Void – House of Food

    Rio de Janeiro

    This venue has two halves: on one side is Void, a store and cafe/bar selling sneakers, T-shirts, baseball caps, brownies and drinks. On the other side of…

  • TT Burger

    Rio de Janeiro

    The son of famed local chef Claude Troisgros runs this high-end Brooklyn-style burger outpost, and has gained a strong following for his delicious burgers…

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