12 must-visit restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro combines iconic landscapes with an increasingly sophisticated food scene. From Michelin-starred haute cuisine to classic restaurants that have been frequented by locals for decades, the city offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that reflect its cosmopolitan and creative identity.

Below, we have selected 12 restaurants representing different styles of Rio de Janeiro cuisine, including Michelin-starred establishments, contemporary Brazilian restaurants, international dining experiences and steakhouses with spectacular views.

Fine dining

Lasai (@restaurantelasai)
★★ Michelin

One of Brazil’s most acclaimed restaurants, run by chef Rafa Costa e Silva. The dining experience takes place around an intimate counter and showcases seasonal Brazilian ingredients grown in small vegetable gardens.

Cuisine: contemporary Brazilian

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 7pm – midnight

Saturday: 7pm – 2am

Sunday and Monday: closed

Oro (@oro_restaurante)
★★ Michelin

In Leblon, Chef Felipe Bronze’s restaurant offers a contemporary Brazilian haute cuisine experience, featuring creative tasting menus and extensive use of charcoal in the kitchen.

Cuisine: contemporary Brazilian

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Friday: 7pm – 11pm

Saturday: 1pm – 4pm and 7pm – 11pm

Sunday and Monday: closed

Oteque
★ Michelin

Located in Botafogo, the restaurant run by chef Alberto Landgraf offers minimalist tasting menus that showcase fresh ingredients and precise techniques.

Kitchen: contemporary

Opening hours:

Tuesday to Saturday: 7:30 pm – 11 pm;

Sunday and Monday: closed

Contemporary Brazilian cuisine

Aprazível (@aprazivel)

A Santa Teresa institution, the restaurant serves sophisticated Brazilian cuisine in a setting surrounded by tropical gardens, with a panoramic view of the city.

Cuisine: contemporary Brazilian

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 12 noon – 11 pm;
Sunday: 12 noon – 6 pm;
Monday: closed

Terra Brasilis (@restauranteterrabrasilis)

Located at the foot of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the restaurant serves traditional Brazilian cuisine alongside one of the city’s most iconic views.

Cuisine: Brazilian

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 12 noon – 11 pm

Bistros and intimate experiences

Zazá Tropical Bistro (@zazabistro)

In Ipanema, the restaurant combines a bohemian atmosphere, tropical décor and a creative menu with Asian, Mediterranean and Brazilian influences.

Cuisine: contemporary international

Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 12 noon – 12:30 am
Friday and Saturday: 12 noon – 12:30 am
Sunday: 12 noon – 11:30 pm

Portinha Sushi Bar (@portinhasushibar)

Small and unassuming in Botafogo, the restaurant offers an omakase experience, where the chef prepares a selection of sushi using the freshest fish of the day in an intimate setting.

Cuisine: Japanese

Opening hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 6pm – 11pm
Monday: closed

Classic restaurants in Rio

Satyricon (@restaurante_satyricon)

One of Ipanema’s most traditional restaurants, famous for its fresh seafood and elegant atmosphere, which has been a favourite with locals for decades.

Cuisine: Mediterranean / seafood

Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12 noon – midnight
Friday and Saturday: 12 noon – 1 am

Rocco (@roccoipanema)

Housed in a historic mansion in the city centre, the restaurant is renowned for its classical architecture and traditional Italian cuisine.

Cuisine: Italian

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday: 12 noon – 4 pm;
Saturday and Sunday: closed

Marius Degustare (@mariusdegustare)

An iconic restaurant in Copacabana, known for its sophisticated all-you-can-eat meat and seafood buffet and its décor, which resembles a maritime antique shop.

Cuisine: meat and seafood

Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 12:30 pm – midnight

Premium barbecue in Rio

Assador Rio's (@assadorbr)

A restaurant specialising in premium cuts of meat cooked over charcoal, with stunning views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Cuisine: Brazilian barbecue

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 12 noon – 11 pm
Sunday: 12 noon – 9 pm

Fogo de Chão (@fogodechaobr)

One of Brazil’s best-known steakhouses internationally, famous for its traditional all-you-can-eat service featuring selected cuts of meat.

Cuisine: Brazilian barbecue

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 12 noon – 11:30 pm;
Sunday: 12 noon – 10:30 pm

Rio’s culinary diversity

From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional eateries overlooking the sea, Rio de Janeiro offers a range of dining experiences to suit all tastes and preferences. This diversity is part and parcel of the Carioca way of life — where good food, breathtaking scenery and gathering around the table are an essential part of city life.

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Produced by: Horizon Rio — Real Estate Boutique

Sources: Time Out; Michelin; TripAdvisor; Exame; Horizon Rio team.

Instagram: @horizon_rio