Rio de Janeiro Restaurants

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Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Known for one of the world's largest carnivals, miles of sandy white beaches, and breathtaking scenery, eating out in some of Rio de Janeiro's restaurants is an experience that rivals even its best-known attractions. A melting pot of cultures, including Portuguese, African, Italian, Spanish, German, Polish, Lebanese and Syrian, to name but a few, Brazil has a unique flavour all of its own.

Try the traditional dish, whole feijoada, a meat and black bean stew, or for a distinctive style of cooking unique to the southeast of Brazil, try feijão com arroz (rice and beans), frango com quiabo (chicken with okra) or for the less adventurous, the cheese bread is a safe bet. Salgadinhos, which is akin to Spanish tapas, is a great way to sample the local fare for those who are unfamiliar with it.

Brasileirinho in Ipanema is the place to go for authentic and affordable Brazilian cuisine, while Rio Centro is where all the trendiest specialist eateries can be found. Street vendors are fantastic for a fast and cheap snack and most of these specialise in one dish and travellers should not be afraid to try this option. Most restaurants usually add a 10% service charge to the bill, but waiters will appreciate another 5% if their service has been good.

Copacabana Palace Hotel Restaurants

$$$$$ | International

The Copacabana Palace Hotel houses two of Rio de Janeiro's most elegant restaurants. The Hotel Cipriani Restaurant serves excellent north Italian cuisine to guests in an elegant dining area, while the poolside Pérgula Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast, and delicious South American meals. Cipriani is open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, with Pérgula open for breakfast, lunch and dinner during the week and from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on weekends. Reservations required.

Address: Avenida Atlântica 1702
Telephone: Cipriani (0)21 2548 7070, Pérgula (0)21 2545 8790

Fellini

$$$$$ | International

Not only does Fellini offer a variety of international cuisine, with everything from Japanese to Mexican food available, but it's all sold 'by the pound' allowing diners a choice of exactly how big their portions should be. Fellini has a funky, laid-back atmosphere and look to match. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Address: Rua General Urquisa 104
Telephone: (0)21 2511 3600

Asia Restaurant

$$$$$ | Asian

High up in the hills of the Santa Teresa artist community, Asia is a stylish and modern restaurant warmed by dark wood furnishings and a soft paper lantern glow. While Asia is known for its dim sum selection (similar to Spanish tapas), the menu also offers Malaysian stir-fries and satay, as well as various curry and tofu dishes. 'Art in a glass' flower tea adds a beautiful finishing touch. Open on Wednesday for dinner and Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Address: Rua Almirante Alexandrino 256
Telephone: (0)21 2224 2014

Carême

$$$$$ | French

They say that dynamite comes in small packages and that couldn't be more true of Carême. Located in a cozy home in Botafogo, the venue exudes romance. The menu is minimalist but packs a delicious punch. The hours are short (only open for dinner) and the time in the restaurant certainly flies. Friendly and efficient service are the cherry on top of delectable French cuisine. Reservations essential.

Address: 113 Rua Visconde de Caravelas
Telephone: (0)21 2537 2274

Confeitaria Colombo

$$$$$ | Brazilian

The Confeitaria Colombo acts as an homage to an age long passed. Established in the late 1800s, this Victorian style hall turned restaurant hasn't changed much in over 100 years… so they must be doing something right. This is considered to be a perfect lunch or light tea spot for execs doing business in the city. Tea meals are complemented by breads and condiments, while the meals are filling and appetising.

Address: 32 Rua Gonçalves Dias
Telephone: (0)21 2505 1500

Madame Butterfly

$$$$$ | Seafood

If you're in Ipanema and a sushi fan, be sure to stop by Madame Butterfly for some of the most original sushi to be had south of the equator. The innovation is Not so much the combinations themselves but the shapes, which are creative and, sometimes, a puzzle to eat. The fish with shimeji mushrooms in ginger and sake sauce come highly recommended.

Address: 472 Rua Barão de Torre
Telephone: (0)21 2267 4347

Paladino

$$$$$ | Brazilian

Revel in merriment with the locals at this affordable eatery, where authentic Brazilian cuisine is served generously. Have a plate or platter depending on how hungry you are, the price difference is negligible. Sardine sandwiches are a good bet for your taste buds. The Paladino is always popular and beer flows steadily from the taps. Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 8.30pm, and Saturday from 8am till 12pm.

Address: 226 Rua Uruguaiana
Telephone: (0)21 2263 2094

Palaphita Kitch

$$$$$ | Local

With its rustic, eco-friendly décor (couches, wooden tables, lots of palm trees...) and its candlelit dining area, Palaphita Kitch has an idealistic yet somehow romantic atmosphere, backed by excellent views of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. The menu offers a selection of exotic Amazonian cuisine, with its carpaccio being a favourite. Open every night for dinner, reservations recommended.

Address: Avenida Epitacio Pessoa S/N, Quiosque 20
Telephone: (0)21 2227 0837

Azul Marinho

$$$$$ | Seafood

As the name suggests, Azul Marinho is a quiet, sophisticated restaurant near the beach with a great seafood menu. Famed for their Moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew) with shrimp, cod, lobster, crab and octopus, the restaurant has a lovely outdoor dining area with ocean views from which to enjoy it. Open daily for lunch and dinner, reservations recommended.

Address: Avenida Francisco Bhering S/N, Arpoador
Telephone: (0)21 2513 5014

Brasileirinho

$$$$$ | Local

Near the beach, this small and comfortable restaurant has an idyllic, rural atmosphere and its décor features handmade arts and crafts. The menu offers authentic, homemade Brazilian cuisine such as a plate of rice, beans, farofa (toasted manioc flour), steak and French fries, or the traditional caldinho de feijão soup, with beans and bacon. Reservations recommended.

Address: Rua Jangadeiros 10
Telephone: (0)21 2513 5184

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