Must-see restaurants in Rio de Janeiro State

  • 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…

  • Restaurante Alcobaça

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Verdant, flowery grounds and a gorgeous mountain setting enhance the mood of relaxed elegance in the lovely glass-walled dining room of Pousada da…

  • Linguiça do Padre

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Don’t miss this local favorite beside a rushing river just off the Teresópolis–Friburgo highway. The menu ranges from linguiça (spicy Portuguese sausage)…

  • Banana da Terra

    Paraty

    Creative taste combinations and artistic presentation make this one of Paraty’s classiest restaurants. Meat and fish dishes are supplemented by inspired…

  • Bacalhau do Tuga

    Arraial do Cabo

    From humble origins selling codfish fritters from a beachside stand in 2008, the ‘Tuga’ (Portuguese guy) has built this wonderful family-run restaurant…

  • O Barco

    Búzios

    This down-to-earth waterfront joint stakes its reputation on well-made, reasonably priced fish dishes – from fried fish with rice and salad to full-on…

  • Belli Belli

    Búzios

    There's no more blissful spot to catch the sunset than the outdoor deck of this gastrobar in the waterfront Porto da Barra complex. While away the early…

  • Rosmarinus Officinalis

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Food and setting are equally enticing at this sweet little house in the woods between Mauá and Maringá. Sporting a gorgeous riverside deck, it's…

  • The Secret

    Ilha Grande & Vila do Abraão

    Every evening, Argentine expats Cris and Nel invite up to 10 prereserved guests into their secret garden in Abraão village for wonderful home-cooked…

  • Crescente

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Nova Friburgo's standout restaurant for over 25 years, this classy family-run place specializes in French-influenced cuisine accompanied by wines from a…

  • Mistico

    Búzios

    Perched high on the hill between Armação and Ossos, Mistico's intimate glass-walled dining room enjoys one of Búzios' finest panoramic sea views. The menu…

  • Quintal das Letras

    Paraty

    Attached to Paraty's Pousada Literária hotel, this sophisticated eatery serves regional cuisine with big city flair. From amuse-bouches like a mushroom …

  • Rocka Beach Lounge

    Búzios

    Prime people-watching and some of Búzios' most creative cuisine are the twin draws at this casual-chic seafood eatery perched directly above Praia Brava…

  • 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…

  • Restaurante Galápagos

    Rio de Janeiro State

    Directly opposite the picturesque 17th-century white church on Cabo Frio's most historic square, this eatery in a colonial house serves sophisticated…

  • 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…

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