Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
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 pla
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
With nearly a thousand restaurants, Rio's dining choices are broad, from low-key Middle Eastern cafés to elegant contemp
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).
At the turn of the 20th century, the belle epoque structure that houses Colombo Confectionery was Rio's preeminent café, the site of elaborate balls, afternoon teas for upper-class senhoras, and a center of political intrigue and gossip. Now, visitors stop for arguably the most atmospheric coffee, melt-in-the-mouth sweet treats, and tasty salgados (savory snacks) in town while admiring the elaborate, Old-World interiors—enormous jacaranda-framed mirrors from Belgium, stained glass from France, and tiles from Portugal are among the art nouveau decor's highlights.
Rua Gonçalves Dias 32, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20050–030, Brazil
Supported by its striking location overlooking the docks and set inside the sustainability-focused Museum of Tomorrow, this light-filled lunch-only restaurant has been a stand-out hit since opening in February 2018. Contemporary Brazilian dishes are crafted from locally sourced and often-organic ingredients and the extensive cocktail list and array of decadent desserts make this the ideal spot for a long lunch.
Av. Rodrigues Alves 2, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20081240, Brazil
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.
Rua do Ouvidor 10, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20010–150, Brazil
21-2509–2338
Known For
Attentive, friendly service
The Sopa Leão Veloso (a Brazilian bouillabaisse)
Historical resonance
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekends. No dinner, Credit cards accepted
The best spot for city-center people-watching, this vast pavement boteco overlooking the Biblioteco Nacional and the Theatro Municipal has been a Carioca institution since it opened in 1921. Waitstaffers in bright yellow waistcoats and bow ties flit among the bustling tables delivering reasonably priced Brazilian dishes and ice-cold draft beer to a local after-work crowd. Don't confuse Amerelinho with the adjoining bar, Vermelhino—both have yellow roof canopies and yellow plastic chairs, but Amerelinho serves superior food.
Praça Floriano 55B, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20031–050, Brazil
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.
Praça Marechal Âncora 184, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20021–200, Brazil
Facing the patio at the cool, whitewashed Paço Imperial (The Imperial Palace) and close to the Palacio Tirandentes in the Praça XV square, this charming little bistro is a good option for a light lunch, coffee, or snack for Centro sightseers. European influences abound, and the vegetarian-friendly menu includes salads, quiches, and grilled fish; make sure to leave room for the tempting desserts.
Praça Quinze de Novembro 48, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 23595-180, Brazil
A smaller, more laid-back neighbor to the long-established samba party at Rio Scenarium, Santo Scenarium shares its parent club’s passion for grandiose interiors, and the split-level space here is packed with ornate pillars, carved cherubs, and borderline-kitsch religious artifacts. While there’s live music on the upper floor by night (a cover of around R$20 applies), at lunchtime the kitchen serves tasty Brazilian classics; a prime spot at the heart of Rio’s oldest street in the party district of Lapa makes it a top stop for history and architecture buffs as well as for music-loving night owls.
Rua do Lavradio 36, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 20230–070, Brazil
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
Try increasing the mile radius or searching near one of these popular suggestions:
Rio Minho
Olympe
Spazziano
Lasai
Enter a sight, restaurant, hotel, or other place to find restaurants nearby.
Neighborhoods Some neighborhood filters have sub-neighborhoods that can be selected individually in a dropdown by clicking on the icon to the right of the name.
I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.
Sign up for Travel Tips & News
By signing up for the newsletter, I agree to the Privacy Policy. You must check the box to subscribe
Thank you for your interest!
Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers.