Confeitaria Colombo

Confeitaria Colombo Review

At the turn of the 20th century this belle epoque structure was Rio's preeminent café, the site of elaborate balls, afternoon teas for upper-class senhoras, and a center of political intrigue and gossip. Enormous jacaranda-framed mirrors from Belgium, stained glass from France, and tiles from Portugal add to the art nouveau decor. Today locals come here to nibble on above-average salgados (savory snacks) and melt-in-the-mouth sweet treats. The waffles here are a local legend. Savory pastries are stuffed with shrimp and chicken, and vegetarian nosh includes spinach and ricotta quiche and heart-of-palm pie. You can wash it all down with a creamy coffee, a European lager or, on a hot day, a fruity cocktail (served virgin or laced with alcohol). Perhaps the best way to absorb the opulence is to do as Rio's high society did a century ago: with chá da tarde, or afternoon tea (R$55 buys a lavish spread for two).