Where to eat

From Michelin-starred restaurants to local gems and trending new spots, I hope this guide helps you discover some of the best restaurants in Rio. Enjoy!

1. High-End

If you are planning to treat yourself to a top-tier dining experience in one of Rio’s Michelin Stars restaurants (there are six in total), here are my suggestions to you. I consider them a bit more “local” and happen to also be the ones with two Michelin stars.

Oro

• Cuisine: Contemporary Brazilian
• Summary: Known for its “cooked over fire” tasting menus by chef Felipe Bronze, Oro offers two options of menu: Creativity, elaborated daily with seasonal market ingredients, and Affectivity,  shorter, consisting of house specialties and custom made if you only want a single course. 
• Address: Rua General Garzon, 62 – Jardim Botânico
• Reservation: Book via official website

Oteque

• Cuisine: Contemporary
• Summary: Chef Alberto Landgraf delivers bold flavors in minimalist, beautifully plated dishes. Personally, it was my favorite among the three suggestions here 😉
• Address: Rua Conde de Irajá, 581 – Botafogo
• Reservation: Book via official website

Lasai

• Cuisine: Modern Brazilian
• Summary: With a focus on farm-to-table ingredients, Lasai’s tasting menus put emphasis on vegetables combined with the freshest products from the sea and the best meats.
• Address: Rua Conde de Irajá, 191
• Reservation: Book via official website

2. All time favorites and Classics

These mid-range options have been around for years and are still some of the best restaurants in Rio and favorite among both locals and tourists.

Aconchego Carioca

• Cuisine: Brazilian Contemporary with Regional Influences
• Summary: Aconchego Carioca is a beloved restaurant in Praça da Bandeira, known for its comforting Brazilian dishes with a modern twist. Founded by chef Katia Barbosa, the restaurant has become an iconic spot in Rio for its creative takes on traditional flavors. The “must-try” is the bolinho de feijoada (black bean fritters) and moqueca (Brazilian seafood stew), served alongside cocktails and cold beers. The laid-back atmosphere, with a rustic and cozy interior, makes it a perfect place to enjoy authentic Carioca cuisine away from the tourist crowds.
• Address: Rua Barão de Iguatemi, 245 – Praça da Bandeira
• Reservation: available through this link

Aprazível

• Cuisine: Brazilian
• Summary: I would say this is a must when visiting Santa Teresa. Set in a garden sorounded by trees, Aprazível is known for its stunning views and traditional Brazilian dishes with a sophisticated twist. Perfect for a romantic dinner or family lunch, and everything in between.
• Address: Rua Aprazível, 62 – Santa Teresa
• Reservation: Book via official website

Braseiro da Gávea

• Cuisine: Brazilian Barbecue
• Summary: An institution in Rio, Braseiro da Gávea is famous for its no-frills Brazilian barbecue and bustling atmosphere. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors for its perfectly grilled meats and generous portions, including their signature dishes like the picanha (top sirloin) and the farofa de ovo (toasted cassava flour with eggs). Ideal for casual group outings, the restaurant is especially popular after a day at the beach or a night out in Gávea’s vibrant bar scene.
• Address: Praça Santos Dumont, 116 – Gávea
• Reservation: Walk-ins are welcome, but arrive early to avoid long waits during peak hours.

CT Boucherie

• Cuisine: French-Brazilian Fusion, Steakhouse
• Summary: CT Boucherie, led by renowned chef Claude Troisgros, combines French culinary techniques with Brazilian ingredients. Known for its refined approach to grilled meats and cuts of beef, the restaurant features a menu that showcases a blend of classic French bistro dishes with local touches. 
• Address: Rua Dias Ferreira, 636 – Leblon
• Reservation: Recommended. Available here.

Zazá Bistrô

• Cuisine: Contemporary with Global Influences
• Summary: Located in the heart of Ipanema, Zazá Bistrô has been a culinary staple in Rio for over 25 years, celebrated for its bohemian decor, featuring colorful cushions and accents. The restaurant offers dishes with global influences, often incorporating fresh, organic ingredients and tropical Brazilian flavors. Signature dishes like the coconut milk seafood curry and the tapioca-crusted shrimp are some of the favorites.
• Address: Rua Joana Angélica, 40 – Ipanema
• Reservation: Recommended. Available through Google.

3. Casual and local

If you’re looking for the most authentic “carioca” culinary experience, make sure to check out all of the spots below. Your visit to Rio won’t be complete without spending time at these iconic fast-food joints and bars, which are true institutions in the city.

Bibi Sucos

• Cuisine: Juices, Light Brazilian Snacks, Smoothies, Açai
• Summary: Bibi Sucos is known for its almost overwhelming array of freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, and also for its healthy options, including açai bowls, fruit salads, and sandwiches. With multiple locations around the city, it is an ideal spot for a quick bite or a refreshing drink, especially on a hot Rio day.
• Locations: Various locations around Rio, including Ipanema and Leblon.
• Reservation: it’s a casual, walk-in style venue. 

Belmonte

• Cuisine: Traditional Brazilian “Boteco”
• Summary: Belmonte is one of the three most famous “Botecos” in Rio, alongside Bracarense and Jobi. A boteco (pronounced bo-teh-co) is a quintessential part of Brazilian culture, particularly in Rio. It refers to a casual bar, often serving as a social hub for locals. The atmosphere is laid-back and lively, where people gather after work or on weekends to chat, drink, and enjoy simple yet delicious traditional Brazilian food, known as petiscos (snacks or small plates). Differently from Bracarense and Jobi, Belmonte has multiple locations in Rio, including Leblon and a prime beachfront location in Arpoador.
• Location: Multiple locations
• Reservation: first-come, first-served.

Bracarense

• Cuisine: Traditional Brazilian “Boteco”
• Summary: Bracarense is a historic bar in Leblon. Established as a beloved neighborhood spot, over the years, Bracarense has gained a reputation as a place to relax with friends over drinks and enjoy the carioca “boteco” experience. 
• Location: R. José Linhares, 85 – Leblon
• Reservation: first-come, first-served. 

Jobi

• Cuisine: Traditional Brazilian “Boteco”
• Summary: Jobi is a beloved Rio institution known for its casual “boteco” atmosphere. Located in Leblon, it serves classic Brazilian snacks, such as pastéis (fried pastry with fillings), bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish cakes), and hearty dishes like feijoada. Jobi is a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to experience the authentic carioca vibe, enjoying their meals and drinks in a lively, laid-back environment.
• Location: Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1166 – Leblon
• Reservation: Jobi operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. New(ish) and Trending

Like any major cosmopolitan city, Rio can be tough to keep up with when it comes to the latest culinary spots and openings. Here are some of the best restaurants in Rio that have opened in the past couple of years in my opinion.

Elena (Horto)

• Cuisine: Contemporary Brazilian Cuisine
• Summary: Elena is a restaurant that’s been trending in Rio’s dining scene. Known for its ever-evolving menu of seasonal, locally sourced dishes, the restaurant combines modern techniques with traditional Brazilian flavors. Its chic, yet cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for food enthusiasts seeking a unique dining experience.
• Address: Rua Pacheco Leão, 758 – Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
• Reservation: Reservations via Instagram or call +55 (21) 99926-2084

Escama

• Cuisine: Seafood
• Summary: also situated in the charming Jardim Botânico neighborhood, Escama prioritizes artisanal fishing, ensuring top-quality ingredients prepared with care and creativity, making it a favorite among seafood lovers.
• Address: Rua Visconde de Carandaí, 5 – Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
• Reservation: Reservations via website or call +55 (21) 3647-2896

San

• Cuisine: Japanese and Asian Fusion
• Summary: Located in Leblon, San is renowned for its sophisticated take on Japanese and Asian fusion cuisine. For a more exclusive experience, guests can opt for the San Omakase Room, where a specially curated chef’s tasting menu is served. This personalized experience showcases the chef’s expertise in traditional Japanese techniques with contemporary influences.
• Address: Rua Humberto de Campos, 827 – Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
• Reservation: Reservations via website or call +55 (21) 3597-0305

Sud, o Pássaro Verde Café

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Accolades: Michelin Guide Listed
• Summary: A stylish yet casual spot in Botafogo, Sud offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted by acclaimed chef Roberta Sudbrack, perfect for leisurely meals.
• Address: Rua São Clemente, 407 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
• Reservation: Call +55 (21) 3178-7070

Si-Chou

• Cuisine: Asian fusion
• Summary: This upscale Asian fusion spot in Ipanema has quickly gained popularity for its creative sushi rolls and sophisticated setting.
• Address: Rua Aníbal de Mendonça, 132 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
• Reservation: Call +55 (21) 3085-5032