Recommended Restaurants
Rio Tips!
Like most large cities, Rio de Janeiro has an abundance of restaurants offering all different kinds of cuisine. There are a few restaurants that seem to stand out above the rest. These restaurants come highly recommended by the local Cariocas.
Steakhouses
The most highly recommended steakhouse is Marius overlooking Leme Beach. They offer more than 30 different types of meat dishes. Their salad bar is quite extensive and they also have a large selection of fish. Porcão serves all kinds of barbecued meats in rodizio style. Chicken, pork, mutton and beef are served on skewers directly at the table. This restaurant is quite popular with local celebrities. They have locations on Ipanema, Barra da Tijuca, Flamengo Park and one near International Airport.
Seafood
Since Rio is a coastal community it has some of the freshest seafood in the country. Satyricon on Rua Barao da Torre in Ipanema is known for the delicious sauces it serves with its fresh fish like tuna, salmon and tilapia. Other seafood specialties include octopus, mussels, oysters and sea urchins. Lobster, shrimp and crayfish are also available. Another popular seafood restaurant is Siri Mole e Companhia on Rua Francisco Otaviano in Copacabana. Its signature dish is siri mole a spicy crab stew. The acaraje, a croquette filled with spicy shrimp is another delicacy.
Asian
Zaza Bistro on Ipanema beach combines Thai food with tropical Brazilian ingredients for a truly unique taste. Locally caught tuna is placed in a sesame batter and served with wasabi. Risotto is made out of local chestnuts and pumpkin. Dinner on the porch is very romantic. Madame Butterfly in Ipanema is best known for its fish in a ginger and sake sauce served with shimeji mushroom. They also offer several different varieties of sushi.
Traditional
The restaurant of poets, presidents, writers and celebrities since 1874, Café Lamas, located on Rua Marques de Abrantes in Flamengo has simple Brazilian fare just like grandma used to make. The filet oswaldo aranha is one of the most popular dishes and consist of filet mignon with garlic and potatoes with white rice and manioc flour. Garcia e Rodrigues in Leblon has a constantly rotating menu with traditional dishes as well as European selections. The restaurant also has a wine cellar and kitchen store.
