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Brasília enjoys what is generally regarded as one of the best restaurant scenes in Brazil, behind only the much larger cities of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The city has by far the highest per capita income in the country, and in recent years this affluence has been reflected in the rapidly expanding range of dining options. Brasília may be relatively small, but nowhere else in the country can you find such a variety of fine regional and international restaurants and cheerful local bars and eateries all in close proximity to one another.
This attractively located pizzeria, situated right by the futuristic Ponte JK on the shores of Paranoá Lake, is a surprisingly good value for such a fashionable spot. Diners can choose from a selection of wood-fired pizzas—try the four-flavor sinfonia di sapori, or opt for the buffet of pastas and salads. At lunchtime, take advantage of the set meals with an open salad buffet, reasonably priced by this city's standards.
One of the largest restaurants you may ever eat in, Mangai specializes in cuisine from Brazil's Northeast and has seating for up to 900 people—you still may have to wait for a table. Located near the Ponte JK, Mangai charges R$59.90 for a kilo of food, which you serve up yourself from a vast buffet at the back of the dining hall. Try the carne de sol com nata (sun-dried meat in cream) or the tasty shrimp dish gororoba de camarão.
