Where to Eat in Rio De Janeiro
21 February, 2018
restaurant
Zazá Bistrô Tropical
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Eating at Zazá is like doing a time-walk straight into the 60s, thanks to an eclectic, hippie-chic interior where diners are encouraged to sit on brightly coloured pillows on the floor. The (fairly) healthy menu has a global feel with a strong Asian influence and some decent vegetarian options – a rarity in Brazil. Good for intimate group dining or a smoking hot date.
Address
Rua Joana Angélica, 40
Ipanema
22420-030
restaurant
Sushi Leblon
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Paparazzi can often be found lurking outside this star-studded sushi bar, which attracts Rio’s glitterati thanks to ultra high-quality Japanese fare and contemporary-cool surroundings. Be sure to book ahead, or order a sake cocktail and dissect the extensive menu while you wait.
Address
Rua Dias Ferreira, 256
Leblon
22431-050
restaurant
Braseiro da Gávea
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil is renowned for churrasco (grilled meat) and Braseiro da Gávea is famous for serving the best barbecue on the block. Turn up hungry as each cut of picanha (fillet steak) is juicier than the last. Although the restaurant prides itself on simplicity, the menu offers a quirky take on traditional dishes – egg farofa (cassava flour sautéed with egg) and broccoli rice are our favourites.
Address
Praça Santos Dumont, 116
Gávea
22470-060
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TT Burger
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A local hotspot, these guys dish out the very best patties encased in fluffy sesame-seed buns with lashings of guava ketchup (which you’ll want to fill your suitcase with). It’s the perfect place to stop off on the way back from a surf session at Arpoador beach – or if you’ve had a bit too much cachaça (Brazil’s sugar-cane spirit).
Address
Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, 1240
Leblon
22440-035
restaurant
Bibi Juice Bar
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
You’ll see juice bars such as this one dotted around the city and after one mouthful of refreshingly cold açai, you’ll crave a daily fix. Best thing about it? Açai is a serious superfood said to boost energy levels (which you need endless amounts of in this city).
Address
Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, 591
Leblon
22440-033
restaurant
Puro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Spread over three floors in a renovated townhouse, this chic eatery serves contemporary Brazilian fusion cuisine with an imaginative drinks list to boot. Bag a table on the gorgeous rooftop terrace overlooking the botanical gardens.
Address
Rua Visc. de Carandaí
Jardim Botânico
22460-020
restaurant
Lorenzo Bistro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A great little French bistro with some Italian-inspired dishes and an impressive wine list. Tuck into comforting classics such as steak tartare, roasted chicken with mushrooms or pumpkin gnocchi. We’re huge fans of their couvert (the nibbles they bring while you’re waiting) which is a bowl of the softest roasted garlic focaccia, topped with salt-sprinkled radishes.
Address
Rua. Visc. de Carandaí, 2
Jardim Botânico
22460-020
restaurant
Braz Pizzaria
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you’re on a mission for classic, stoned-baked pizza, hotfoot it to this old-school canteen, with its white-tile walls and wooden shelving groaning under the weight of its stock of wine. You’ll probably have to queue, but the outdoor waiting area is a great place to get stuck into some of that wine and watch the world go by.
Address
Rua Maria Angélica, 129
Jardim Botânico
22470-201
restaurant
Espírito Santa
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Want a taste of the Amazon? Head for this northern Brazilian restaurant in the Santa Teresa district and request a table on the deck at the back. After some killer cocktails, you’ll be raring to go samba dancing in Lapa, which is just down the hill.
Address
Rua Alm. Alexandrino, 264
Santa Teresa
20241-260
restaurant
Fogo de Chão
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A favourite among celebrities, Fogo is Rio’s most famous all-you-can-eat meat restaurant and for good reason. Feast on an endless array of buttery cuts delivered straight to your table by an army of friendly waiters. A carnivore’s paradise, there’s also an extensive salad buffet to help you cope with meat sweats. The panoramic views are an added bonus.
Address
Avenida Reporter Nestor Moreira
Botafogo
22290-210
restaurant
Olympe
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Surprisingly, Rio has played host to a wave of fine French dining and there is no better place to enjoy it than this swanky offering in the affluent neighbourhood of Lagoa. Headed up by celebrity chef Claude Troisgros (from a family of Michelin-starred restaurateurs) it’s one of the city’s most popular restaurants, offering traditional European cuisine with a contemporary Brazilian twist.
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Celeiro
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This ‘comida por kilo’ restaurant (you pay by weight) opened in 1982 and is one of the best in town. It’s one of the healthiest, most fun lunch experiences in Rio – but if you’re really feeling hungry, a traditional Brazilian restaurant may be a better value option.
restaurant
Aprazível
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As one of the city’s most unusual restaurants, Aprazível is no newbie to guidebooks. A sprawling tree house set on the hillside of Santa Teresa, it’s one of the few places in Rio with truly superb service and has spectacular views of the city.
restaurant
Confeitaria Colombo
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Located in the city centre, Confeitaria Colombo is an old-style bistro perfect for ‘lanche’ (an afternoon snack) of traditional Brazilian fare. It’s always packed but well worth the wait to be seated in the stunning main room, which hasn’t changed since opening during Rio’s Belle Epoque in 1894. They also have Café Colombo in Fort Copacabana, which has an excellent all-you-can-eat breakfast selection.