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

restaurant

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.

Address

Rua Custódio Serrão, 62 Lagoa 22470-230

+55 21 2537 8582 Go to website

restaurant

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.

Address

Rua Dias Ferreira 199 Leblon 22431-050

+55 21 2274 7843

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.

Address

Rua Aprazível, 62 Santa Teresa 20241-270

+55 21 2508 9174 Go to website

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.

Address

Rua Gonçalves Dias, 32 Centro 20050-030

+55 21 2505 1500 Go to website