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With nearly a thousand restaurants, Rio's dining choices are broad, from low-key Middle Eastern cafés to elegant contemporary eateries with award-winning kitchens and first-class service. The succulent offerings in the churrascarias (restaurants specializing in grilled meats) can be mesmerizing for meat lovers—especially the places that serve rodízio-style (grilled meat on skewers is continually brought to your table—until you can eat no more). Hotel restaurants often serve the national dish, feijoada (a hearty stew of black beans and pork), on Saturday—sometimes on Friday, too. Wash it down with a chopp (the local draft beer; pronounced "shop") or a caipirinha (sugarcane rum, lime, and sugar).
The elaborate Portuguese tilework, bow-tied waiters, and first-class seafood dishes make this lunchtime, weekday-only spot one of the top picks for an atmospheric lunch in Rio's downtown. Perch at one of the alfresco bar-stools for a more informal snack, or head inside to dine in the colonial vestiges of one of the city's oldest restaurants, serving the city's well-to-do since 1884; if you're on a budget, opt for a snack at the restaurant's more affordable back annex.
A tank of snapping lobsters and a fish counter where you can pick your catch-of-the-day ensures you'll get some of the best seafood in town. And white tablecloths, off-the-boat-fresh fish, and excellent service ensure the quality of the experience is worth the price tag.
Open since 1933, the Ancoramar (formerly known as Albamar) is not hard to spot: this outstanding seafood house is inside a distinctive green octagonal building with 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay a few minutes walk from Centro's bustling Praça XV square. Chef Rodrigo Costa is behind the array of seafood risottos, fresh fish, and pasta dishes that now draws Centro's business moguls.
Set overlooking the vast Guaratiba flatlands and enveloped in dense forest, the seafood-focused menu at this casual restaurant is best known for its moqueca stew and spectacular sunsets. The colorful flora and glorious vistas give the feeling of being far out of town (you'll need a car to get here), but it's a great place to stop between visits to Grumari beach and Sitio Roberto Burle Marx.
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