Copacabana Palace |
$$$$$ | International |
The Copacabana Palace is actually not a restaurant, it's an
extensive hotel, but it houses two of Rio de Janeiro's most elegant
restaurants. Upstairs in the Capriana restaurant, Chef Francesco
Carli prepares sumptuous Italian meals while the poolside,
Pérgula restaurant offers a buffet breakfast, and delicious
South American meals for lunch and dinner. Reservations are
required for both restaurants.
Address: Av. Atlântica 1702
Telephone: Capriana: (0)21 2545 8747, Pérgula: (0)21 2545 8790
Porcão |
$$$$$ | International |
Porcão is Rio's upmarket restaurant chain for the
carnivores. Operating as a fixed rate buffet and rodizio service,
you pay and feast to your heart's delight on assorted meats, salads
and pastas. The waiters come fast and furiously, cutting meat on
your plate and the only defence from the barrage is a stop sign
which you must be sure to place squarely on your plate should your
stomach require reprieve.
Address: Avenida Infante Dom Henrique
Telephone: (0)21 2554 8535
Circulo Militar |
$$$$$ | Brazilian |
Finally a spot in Rio with a scenic view that does not charge
for it. Offering window-side seats to the Amazon Rainforest,
Circulo Militar looks out up to Sugar Loaf and surrounding bay.
Being bayside, seafood is the specialty with the menu including
various fish, shrimp, lobster, squid and octopus. Live music
between Tuesday and Saturday evening after 8pm set the mood for a
festive start to the evening.
Address: Praça General Tiburcio
Telephone: (0)21 2275 7245
They say that dynamite comes in small packages and that couldn't
be more true of Careme. Located in a cozy home in Botafogo, the
venue exudes romance. The menu is minimalist but packs a delicious
punch. The hours are short (only open for dinner) and the time in
the restaurant certainly flies. Friendly efficient service are the
cherry on top of delectable French cuisine. Reservations
essential.
Address: 113 Rua Visconde de Caravelas
Telephone: (0)21 2537 2274
Confeitaria Colombo |
$$$$$ | Brazilian |
The Confeitaria Colombo acts as an homage to an age long passed.
Established in the late 1800s, this Victorian style hall turned
restaurant hasn't changed much in over 100 years… so they
must be doing something right. This is considered to be a perfect
lunch or light tea spot for execs doing business in the city. Tea
meals are complemented by breads and condiments, while the meals
are filling and appetising.
Address: 32 Rua Gonçalves Dias
Telephone: (0)21 2232 2300
Madame Butterfly |
$$$$$ | Seafood |
If you're in Ipanema and a sushi fan, be sure to stop by Madame
Butterfly for some of the most original sushi to be seen south of
the equator. The innovation is Not so much the combinations
themselves but the shapes, which are creative and, sometimes, a
puzzle to eat. The fish with shimeji mushrooms in ginger and sake
sauce come highly recommended.
Address: 472 Rua Barão de Torre
Telephone: (0)21 2267 4347
Paladino |
$$$$$ | 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.
Address: 226 Rua Uruguaiana
Telephone: 021 2263 2094