My Top Restaurant Recommendations for Rio

Rio de Janeiro has a beat all its own; it’s a city that moves you. From Sugarloaf Mountain to Copacabana Beach, it’s easy to see why Rio is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere.

Cantinho das Concertinas

The large CADEG market is filled with hundreds of vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, seafood, flowers and spices. Within the four-story warehouse you’ll find Cantinho Das Concertinas, which serves the best bacalhau (salt cod) fritters and octopus rice in Rio. The place is full from dawn to dusk, but it’s worth battling the crowds. Head there on Saturday for the added bonus of live Portuguese music.

Cap. Félix 110, Rio de Janeiro, 20920-310  / +55 21 3890-0202/ cadeg.com.br

Espirito Santa

Located in a restored 19th century mansion, Espirito Santa has beautiful views of the bohemian Santa Teresa neighborhood from its back terrace. The menu highlights chef Natacha Fink’s Amazonian roots, with freshwater fish preparations stealing the show. Vegetarians will be happy to see several meatless entrees, such as the vegetable Bahian stew made with semi-sweet bananas and coconut milk. For dessert, try the guava tart with white mountain cheese.

264 – Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, 20241-260  / +55 21 2508-7095  / espiritosanta.com.br

Nova Capela

A century-old restaurant in the heart of Lapa, Nova Capela is an institution in Rio, serving traditional Portuguese fare to bohemian party-goers until the wee hours of the morning. Fill up on cabrito (goat), codfish balls or pickled tongue, along with ice-cold chope (draft beer) before heading out to the clubs.

Av. Mem de Sá, 96 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro, 20230-152  / +55 21 2252 6228

Bira de Guaratiba

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, head southwest to Prainha beach. After a day in the surf, the fresh fish stewed in coconut milk at Bira de Guaratiba is exactly what you need. Take in the sunset from the large thatch-roofed deck overlooking the estuary.

Estrada da Vendinha 68 A, Rio de Janeiro, 23020-810  /  +55 21 2410-8304

Churrascaria Estrela do Sul

A visit to Rio de Janeiro is incomplete without eating at a churrascaria, Brazil’s version of a steakhouse. At Estrela do Sul, the oldest and one of the best churrascarias in the city, you’ll find a 50s vibe and unbeatable food. It’s a meat-lovers paradise, with waiters circling the restaurant serving up a variety of cuts for an all-you-can-eat feast.

Av. Maracanã, 649 – Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, 20511-000  /  +55 21 2254 0630  /  estreladosul.com.br

Aprazivel

High above the city in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, it’s easy to see why this charmer is at the top of everyone’s list with its lush, tropical gardens and sweeping city views from the large open-air veranda. Try the grilled fish with orange sauce, coconut rice and roasted plantains, hearts of palm with pesto, or the braised lamb shoulder with apples and raisins.

Aprazível, 62 – Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, 20241-270  /  +55 21 2508 9174  /  aprazivel.com.br

Confeitaria Colombo

Credit: Confeitaria Colombo on Facebook

Located in an architectural relic dating back to the late 1800s, this café is best known their pastries and breathtaking atmosphere. Stop in the belle époque beauty for mid-afternoon tea and pastel de nata, a Portuguese-style egg custard tart.

Gonçalves Dias, 32 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro  /  +55 21 2505 1500  /  confeitariacolombo.com.br

Angu do Gomes

A family-run operation since 1955, this beloved restaurant is known for its namesake angu, a polenta-like dish topped with stewed meat or seafood. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite if you’re exploring Pedra do Sal for a lively night of samba.

Sacadura Cabral, 75 – Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, 20081-261  /  +55 21 2233 4561  /  angudogomes.com.br

Olympe

Credit: Tomaz Rangel

A native of France, Claude Troisgros opened Olympe in 2003, and quickly became popular for his innovative mix of French cuisine and technique with Brazilian ingredients. On the seasonal tasting menu, you’ll find dishes such as duck with passion fruit, foie gras and caramelized endives; beef tongue with taro root and cabbage; and scallops with tucupi, caviar and coconut puree. Olympe—now run by chef Troisgros and his son Thomas—has received international acclaim over the past decade and is recognized as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America.

Custódio Serrão, 62 – Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, 22470-230  /  +55 21 2537 8582  /  olympe.com.br

Cachorro Quente da Tia

Cachorro quente (hot dogs) stands are ubiquitous in Rio, and while most are mediocre at best, Tia’s are worth seeking out. She uses quality pork shank and chicken dogs, with simple but well prepared toppings like potato straws, tomatoes, thinly-sliced onions and her famed secret sauce. Be prepared for a long line of regulars.

Loja Taquara: Rua André Rocha, 1.370 – Loja D, Rio de Janeiro  /  cqtia.com.br

Boteco Belmonte

Credit: Travel Channel

After a day in the sun at the Copacabana beach, go to Boteco Belmonte for octopus salad or a bowl of insanely delicious bean soup with smoked sausage and chicharrones. The lively restaurant is always packed, but the service is quick with plenty of attentive staff.

Domingos Ferreira, 242 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, 22050-012

Junta Local

While the city has no shortage of feira (open-air markets), the weekly Junta Local markets offer a fresh opportunity for local chefs and food producers to showcase their creations. The vendors vary depending on the week’s location and capacity, but you’re bound to find handcrafted cheeses, locally-produced wine, organic honey and small batch jams and preserves.

Locations vary, visit website for updates  /  juntalocal.com

Aconchego Carioca

Credit: Travel Channel

This casual neighborhood boteco is known for its traditional Brazilian cuisine and lengthy beer list. Among the delicious bar snacks, be sure to order the bolinhos de feijoada—a fritter filled with a flavor-packed black bean stew that’s served with cracklings.

Barão de Iguatemi, 379 – Praca da Bandeira, Rio de Janeiro  /  +55 21 2273 1035  /  aconchegocarioca.com.br

Feira Nordestina

Located on the North side of Rio de Janeiro, the massive Feira Nordestina—also known as Sao Cristovao Market—can be overwhelming, but it certainly makes for a fun afternoon. More than 700 stalls feature the cuisine, crafts and culture of Northeastern Brazil. On the weekends, it’s a people watching paradise with lots of live music, capoeira and samba.

Campo de São Cristóvão, s/n – São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro, 20291-440  /  +55 21 2580 6946  / 
feiradesaocristovao.org.br

Bar Urca

Credit: Fernando Frazão

While the food is great, you go to Bar Urca for its waterfront location and the unbeatable postcard view of Christ the Redeemer. Grab a seat by the window and order one of their seafood specialties such as shrimp bobo, grilled octopus with rice or mixed seafood stew.

Cândido Gafree, 205 – Urca, Rio de Janeiro, 22291-080  / +55 21 2295 8744  / barurca.com.br