3 Best Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Background Illustration for Restaurants

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).

Casa Camolese

$$$ | Jardim Botânico Fodor's choice
Owned by artist Vik Muniz and hospitality guru Cello Camolese, this trendy, split-level industrial-chic converted warehouse combines Italian-fusion dishes with a vibrant cocktail bar, in-house deli, microbrewery, and underground jazz club. Alfresco tables are set overlooking the racetrack, making it an idyllic spot to watch Sunday afternoon races fly by.
Rua Jardim Botânico 983, Rio de Janeiro, 22470-051, Brazil
21-99239--4969
Known For
  • Artisanal microbrewery on the mezzanine level
  • Vibrant, bohemian-chic atmosphere
  • Killer cocktails served round a curved art-deco bar

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Celeiro

$$$ | Leblon

One of an increasing number of organic eateries in Rio, Celeiro is a combination café and health-food store that's popular with models and other body-conscious locals. The restaurant operates on a pay-by-weight system, and the expensive buffet features a staggering 50 types of salad, as well as oven-baked pies, whole-wheat pastries, fish and chicken dishes, and low-calorie desserts.

Rua Dias Ferreira 199, Rio de Janeiro, 22431–050, Brazil
21-2274–7843
Known For
  • Delicious homemade breads
  • Pay-by-weight buffet system with 50 types of salads
  • Café and health-food store in one
Restaurant Details
Credit cards accepted
Closed Sun. No dinner

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La Bicyclette

$$ | Jardim Botânico
Located a stone’s throw from Rio’s Botanical Gardens, this cozy bakery is a great pit stop for lazy brunches, light lunches, or afternoon snacks pre- or post-stroll through the gardens. French owners are behind the buttery croissants, homemade breads, fresh juices, delicious cakes, organic coffee, and sophisticated sandwiches.
Rua Pacheco Leão 320, Loja D,, Rio de Janeiro, 22460-030, Brazil
21-3256--9052
Known For
  • Desserts like tapioca cake with dulce de leche caramel
  • 'La Pascualina' spinach quiche
  • Hibiscus iced tea

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