Where to eat in Rio - our list of good restaurants and bars
- Alana Imaizumi
- 28 de out. de 2025
- 5 min de leitura
Rio's culinary scene is sizzling! For a long time, if you were looking for a truly great meal here, your options were, shall we say, a bit limited. This famously bohemian city's culinary heart beat strongest in its time-honored botecos (small bars) and classic, unfussy local joints.
But things have changed, and quickly! Rio de Janeiro's food scene has hit a dynamic new gear. A vibrant wave of contemporary restaurants has emerged, delivering a fascinating new cuisine that effortlessly marries the city's signature laid-back, beachside Carioca (Rio native) vibe with innovative global traditions.
Ready to eat your way through the Marvelous City? In this guide, I've curated the essential dining experiences — from those legendary, classic spots to the most talked-about new tables. Here are my top suggestions for where to eat in Rio!
Starting with the basics that never fail: Carioca Botecos (Traditional Rio Bars)
If you are looking for something traditional and unique in Rio, these are the best places. They serve good petiscos (appetizers), some with hearty main dishes, and a good ice-cold beer (or caipirinha, if you are in the full Brazilian mood). Honestly, if you go to Rio and don't stop by one of these places, you haven't had a complete experience there. They are:
Boteco Rainha: Located in Leblon, and easy to find because it's always packed, with people standing on the sidewalk having a beer. Go with the classic chopp Brahma (draft beer), order some portions like torresmo (pork belly cracklings), bolinho de bacalhau (codfish croquette), or pastel de camarão (shrimp pastry). If you are hungrier, they also have very good main courses. You can't go wrong here!
Boteco Belmonte: Located in three excellent spots in the city – Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana – it's one of the most traditional in town. Besides the chopp, they also have great drinks and a fantastic caipirinha, some delicious savory snacks to munch on (like the empadinha - a small savory pie), and they also serve feijoada (black bean and meat stew) every day, in case you are hungrier.
Jobi: As crowded as Rainha and Belmonte, it's the place to start, or even end, your night. On a lively street full of young people, it's one of the coolest places to feel the Carioca vibe. The rule is the same: order chopp, which you've probably noticed is the highlight in Botecos, and a portion of something, and be happy.
Adega Pérola: A more old-school boteco in Copacabana, focused on seafood. The place looks exactly as it did in the 70s, and it is a little different than a regular boteco, because all of their appetizers are displayed in the bar where you can choose from – it's hard to pick just one.
Bar Urca: For this one, save it for a special sunset. Urca is one of the most beautiful locations to watch the sunset and enjoy the beauty of Rio, sitting on the famous Mureta da Urca (the Urca Seawall/Railing). Get there early, secure your chopp, order a pastelzinho (small pastel/pastry), and enjoy the best possible vibe for a late afternoon/evening.
Traditional Restaurants
These are the places that embody Rio's spirit: simple, loud, and serving legendary food that keeps locals coming back for decades.
Braseiro da Gávea: Located in the lively Baixo Gávea area, this spot is famous for its simple-yet-perfect grilled meats and classic sides like rice, farofa (toasted manioc flour), and French fries. It's often crowded, especially on weekends, offering an authentic, bustling atmosphere perfect for long, casual lunches.
Galeto Leblon: A true institution on Rua Dias Ferreira, known for its iconic galeto (small roasted chicken). It's the definition of a classic neighborhood restaurant—unpretentious and delivering consistent, delicious comfort food. Pair your galeto with their famous sides and an ice-cold chopp.
Gula Gula: This spot, which has a few branches, is a great mix of contemporary and traditional Rio dining. It's the perfect place for a satisfying comfort food meal or even some surprisingly delicious salads. You simply can't go wrong—everything on the menu is delicious.
Contemporary & Trendy
Rio's new wave of restaurants seamlessly blends technique with the city's laid-back sophistication. There are new places popping up everyday, but these ones are worth mentioning.
Giuseppe Grill: While technically a traditional steakhouse, it’s included here for its upscale, contemporary execution and trendy atmosphere. It's the place for premium cuts of meat, expertly cooked, alongside an impressive wine list, making it a favorite for a chic dinner in Leblon.
Nosso Ipanema: A stylish spot known for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere. It often functions as both a trendy bar and a serious restaurant, offering contemporary cuisine and inventive cocktails, perfect for a lively night out in Ipanema.
Babbo Osteria: Bringing a modern, warm twist to Italian cuisine in Ipanema. Expect exceptional, handcrafted pasta dishes and a cozy, inviting atmosphere that feels both authentic and current. Their carbonara is often hailed as a must-try.
Ocyá - Leblon (A sister restaurant to the one below, but upscale and located in Leblon): Known for its focus on fresh, high-quality seafood and a refined culinary approach, offering a nice experience that elevates local ingredients.
CT Boucherie: For a different kind of steakhouse experience in Rio, look no further! The meat is excellent, but the true highlight is the unlimited rodízio of gourmet side dishes. Forget the standard rice and beans—prepare for sophisticated surprises like parsnip purée, creamy quinoa, and vegetable gratins. It's where fine dining meets the traditional Brazilian rodízio, and the sides definitely steal the show!
World-Class Dining, Brazilian Style
For special occasions, these restaurants offer world-class cuisine and impeccable service.
Mee: Located within the luxurious Belmond Copacabana Palace, Mee is a Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in pan-Asian cuisine. It offers a dazzling, high-end dining experience with dishes inspired by Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, complemented by an excellent sake list.
Pérgula: Also located in the Copacabana Palace, Pergula provides a more classic, continental dining experience right by the hotel’s legendary pool. It’s known for its stunning location, Sunday Brunch, and the famous Saturday Feijoada.
San: A critically acclaimed Japanese restaurant, recently achieving high honors, including a Michelin star recognition. Expect a sophisticated environment and an emphasis on exquisite sushi and sashimi, prepared with precision and creativity by experienced chefs.
Off the Beaten Track (The Island Escape)
The South Zone of Rio (Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana) already boasts countless places to explore. However, if you're looking for an alternative, off-the-beaten-track experience, venture out to the lagoons of Barra da Tijuca. Spending a day on Ilha da Gigóia offers a completely different, surprisingly tranquil side of the city.
Ocyá (Ilha da Gigóia): Note: This is the original, rustic, and charming location of Ocyá (mentioned above), known for its incredibly fresh seafood and fish, often cooked over an open flame (brasa). The journey to the island and the peaceful atmosphere make the meal an entire experience. It’s a must-do for food lovers seeking atmosphere and proximity to nature.
Cais Bar: Tucked away on the tranquil Ilha da Gigóia, this casual spot provides a delightful escape from the city hustle. It's the perfect place to enjoy simple, delicious Brazilian bar food and cold drinks with a picturesque waterfront view.
How to get there: Ilha da Gigóia is easily accessible via the Jardim Oceânico neighborhood in Barra da Tijuca. Your journey starts at the Praça do Pomar (near the metro station). From the main street, you simply walk down to the small pier/dock where you will catch a short, inexpensive ferry boat, known locally as a "balsa" or "táxi aquático" (water taxi). This quick crossing takes just a few minutes, dropping you right onto the tranquil, car-free streets of the island.
Whether you choose to experience a fine dinner, dig into a legendary Brazilian comfort meal, or just blend in with the locals at a bustling boteco, I'm sure Rio will not disappoint and you'll have a great time. Now go ahead—don't just see the Marvelous City, taste it!
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