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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).
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.
The post-beach hangout of choice for neighborhood locals since 1956, Jobi serves good coffee, super-chilled draft beer, and lip-smackingly delicious seafood. The restaurant is so small and unassuming, it's only after you step inside and see the many awards hanging on the walls that you realize just how special Jobi is.
The elaborate Portuguese tile work, 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 barstools 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.
Open since 1933, the 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.
A neighborhood favorite for more than three decades, this informal tavern in the heart of Santa Teresa serves Northeastern cuisine in more than ample portions. Expect a meat-focused menu with various fried side dishes and an informal atmosphere, with friendly, laid-back service attracting a predominantly Brazilian clientele.
A nice place to stop after a long day at Barra Beach, this popular steak house serves more than 30 cuts of top-quality meat. Choose from the menu or go whole hog with the impressive all-you-can-eat rodizio buffet, which includes seafood, sushi, and colorful, fresh salads in addition to the succulent grilled cuts; there is a vegetarian option.
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.
Opened in 2017, the latest restaurant from leading Franco-Brazilian chef Claude Troisgros is reliably packed every night of the week with well-to-do locals feasting on gourmet Brazilian dishes in a fun, buzzy atmosphere. Dishes are served tapas-style and come crafted from an open-plan kitchen set smack in the center of the restaurant, so you can watch the chefs at work while you sip the house bubbly.
A prime Ipanema location paired with great service and elegant design make this trendy sushi spot a good option for a great meal surrounded by well-dressed locals. Long lines are common, so go early or sip sake in the street while you wait---just don’t miss the daily specials or the trio of nigiri (thin slices of raw fish over vinegar rice).
Bringing the concept of Italian stuzzichini (tapas-style small plates of food for sharing), Stuzzi has evolved into a star of Leblon's Rua Dias Ferreira foodie strip. It's the perfect late-night spot for a light dinner or snacks while sipping from the array of expertly shaken cocktails.
