Brazil
There are loads of all you can eat meat restaurants in Brazil and we tried three while I was there for a two month stay working my way through Brazil. This place was the best. For meat eaters it was heavenly. Best tip, don't bother having lunch and stroll up about 7pm. You'll feast. If you take a trip to Brazil now it will be coming into their spring - it'll be hot but a great time to visit.
Av Atlantica 290B, Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
+ 55 21 2104 9000
Google map: bit.ly/pcXxut
I went with some friends to Zero Zero lounge next to Rio’s planetarium. I thought it was a bit expensive when compared to other clubs I had been to, but the ambience was pretty hipster and sophisticated. They have a huge open-air lounge area with many couches, Indian wooden benches and the ambiance is candlelit, the décor surely adds a sexy, romantic feel to the place. The gorgeous trendy locals cruise around in fashion clothes and fancy drinks. This place is definitely worth a check.
We frequently go to Japanese restaurants anywhere, we hunt them down on our various trips. We followed the tip of our hotel concierge and decided to check out Benkei in Ipanema. I liked it. They have splendid food preparation and arrangement. Benkei is just how I like a Japanese restaurant to be: small, quiet and cozy. The sushi was actually really good, but I did not dig the waiting line. Get reservations if you plan on giving it a checkout, which I do recommend.
Rua Henrique Dumont, 71 Lj A
Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Brazil
I really liked this place. Fresh sea delicacies at a great price and generous portions. Too bad they didn’t accept my traveller’s checks. It was a little too much to ask though. They serve good beer and there’s a tasty dish called tidbits or bits or something that is a mix of crab meat, shrimp, octopus and all. So, so good. Check it out. Don’t go by car, you’ll miss the fun of the trolley.
Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 432 - Santa Tereza (mainstreet)
I went to Fellini only once on a quick business lunch while in Rio. I was impressed with the sophisticated dishes they offered at such reasonable prices. I was surprised with the discount policy for people who are over 65 years old. I never heard of this before. The pay per pound system also suits me well. Overall a nice place. I am just astonished because usually I spend a lot of money on these business lunches. I recommend this place for anyone that wishes to have a nice and tasty meal for a really good price.
R. General Urquiza, 104.
Leblon
My favorite sport is beer tasting! I’ve been to many places and one of my fondest rituals is trying out beers and keeping the labels. I’ve been to Brazil before, but this was the first time that I tried prime quality draft beer. A local newly-met friend took me to this bar called Devassa in Flamengo. They have a homemade brand of beer! It’s so tasty and rich! Plus the fact that they are really careful with their logo and design. I loved it. If you get the chance try all three of them! I loved the Indian one.
Rua Senador Vergueiro, 2 - ljs B e C - Flamengo. (21) 2556-0618 / (21) 2556-0538
Hotel breakfasts never satisfy me completely. That’s why everytime I'm visiting a new city I try to go out for breakfast. While at Rio I had breakfast in some deliciously cozy places. I have to say I enjoyed my breakfast at Felice Caffé. I later on discovered that it’s actually a hip place to go to at night. Anyways their salad fruit with granola and yogurt is so fresh. Advantages of being in a tropical city: all fruits are sweet and tasty! They have several types of bread and jams. It was a real feast. That’s my tip for sure.
Rua Gomes Carneiro, 30, Rio de Janeiro 22071-110
Tel: 55 21 2522 7749
Zuka is a little neighborhood restaurant in Leblon. Nonetheless delicious, though! I think this place is mainly known for their coal grilled food, or at least that’s what my hostess told me. I went there once but I was truly impressed with the menu. I ordered a tuna tartar with curry sauce and wished my my hunger had not been satisfied. So many options and so tasty - I definitely recommend it.
R. Dias Ferreira, 233b Leblon
This is a truly delicious churrasceria. Located three blocks back from Ipanema beach on Barao da Torre, it may feel like the chain restaurant that it has become, but that does not detract from the amazing quality of the meat. Try the prime rib of beef for a mouth watering experience.
Barao da Torre
A cozy wooden haven for the true beer enthusiasts! A Brazilian friend told me that the beer at Devassa was simply the best. Apparently they have their own home-made brand of beer (Blonde, Ale, Indian) I tasted them all, and could not put them aside. Devassa is located at the heart of Ipanema, close to other great spots for shopping or chilling. The place was packed with people living out the true carioca lifestyle. A place to have fun after going to the beach. Don't count with parking spots, you won't find it, but other than that, it's a great experience!
Rua Prudente de Moraes, 416 - Ipanema
(21) 2522-0627
Sobrenatural is located in the heart of Santa Teresa, right next to handmade arts and crafts stores and local artists’ workshops. The neighbourhood’s very famous and charming tram passes by a few feet away from the restaurant. I was served well - the waiters were all very friendly and patiently taking their time to clear any of my doubts on their exotic seafood menu. I highly recommend their coconut surubin with brazilnuts and plantains: a blissful must-try!
Rua Almirante Alexandrino, 432 Santa Teresa
Phone: 55 21 2224-1003
Brasileirinho is a nice Brazilian country cooking restaurant just one block away from the beach. The food was good, but what I really enjoyed was their décor: it’s got this idyllic countryside atmosphere, with bucolic handmade arts and crafts. They sell take away home made typical Brazilian desserts as well. I recommend guava (a Brazilian fruit) sweet with cheese – so scrumptious I bought some to eat back at the hotel!
Rua Jangadeiros 10-A, Ipanema
Phone: 55 21 25135184
Palaphita is a very pleasant restaurant with a splendid view of Lagoa (a big lagoon in the middle of the city). I suggest you go around dusk, for the view of the sun setting behing the hills is simply breathtaking!
Address:
Avenida Epitacio Pessoa 20, Lagoa
Phone: 55 21 22270837
Don't miss a night in this lively bar. Rio Scenarium is a fabulous place for a night out in Rio where you can get a bite to eat, have some drinks and dance. It's a hit with the locals who seem to use it as a meeting place. Book if you want a table. Don't go too early, go after 10pm when the atmosphere is more lively.
www.rioscenarium.com.br/
Rua do Lavradio, 20- Centro Antigo – Rio de Janeiro – RJ (próximo à Praça Tiradentes) - Tel:(21)3147-9005
My partner and I chose this hotel because of its location in Santa Teresa, the bohemian neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro. It's a lovely property with clean and well sized rooms, beautiful public spaces inside and out and a breathtaking view from our room and from the pool. The owners were happy to suggest places to eat and enjoy the Brazilian night life and gave us all the advice we needed for exploring the city. Highly recommended!!
When I visited my cousin in Rio she took me to have seafood in Azul Marinho, Arpoador. The restaurant is simply the best. I had fish in rock salt which was delicious. The atmosphere was very nice and the view was wonderful.
For those who love quality Japanese food, this is the place to go in Rio. I recommend it because of the great atmosphere and Benkei's fish which is always very fresh!
Rua Henrique Dumont, 71 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
(55) (21) 2540-4829
www.benkei.com.br
Barbecue, samba and beautiful women - that's what I loved about Rio!
I had dinner at this barbecue place called Porcão and it was great. Their picanha is out of this world - very tasty meat.
Av. Infante Dom Henrique S/N - Aterro do Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
(55) (21) 3389-8989
www.porcao.com.br
Casa Rosa is a great place to go in Rio. There you can try real Brazilian food and music. On Sundays they have feijoada (a traditional Brazilian plate). There are lots of beautiful and young people there too.
Rua Alice, 550 - Laranjeiras, Rio de Janeiro, RJ.
Phone: (55) (21) 2557-2562
www.casarosa.com.br
It’s impossible not to fall in love with this restaurant. The decor is amazing, original and really romantic.
My boyfriend and I had a great time there. A good tip is to stay on the upper floor and have dinner at those lovely low tables with pillows. The food is quite exotic and very tasty.
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