Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants and Food Spots

When it comes to food and eating out, Rio de Janeiro is as colorful and vibrant as the city itself. From street food stalls and feiras (markets) to award-winning restaurants, Rio’s culinary scene has something for everyone.

Whether you’re craving traditional Brazilian dishes like feijoada and pão de queijo, or you’re in the mood for sushi, Italian, Middle Eastern flavors, or world-class pastries, you’ll find it all here.

During our three weeks exploring Rio, and because we, my partner and I, are both foodies, we tried to taste as much as possible – and we absolutely loved the food scene in Rio de Janeiro.

So, here’s our guide to the best restaurants, cafés, and food spots in Rio de Janeiro that you shouldn’t miss. Some of these meals were among the best we had in Brazil — so come hungry!

To make it easier, I’ve broken down this list by neighborhood, so wherever you are in Rio, you’ll know exactly where to eat.

*Make sure to also read my article on the best Rio de Janeiro travel tips and things to know before visiting. 

Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: Best Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Spots in Ipanema

 

Zazá Bistrô Tropical

If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro, Zaza Bistro Tropical in Ipanema should be at the top of your list. Set in a charming colonial house with colorful decor and a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, Zaza specializes in fresh, organic ingredients and creative flavor combinations.

We tried the lemon risotto and the lamb dish — both absolutely mouthwatering. The risotto was perfectly creamy with a refreshing citrus kick, while the lamb was tender and flavorful. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxed yet special evening out, just a short walk from the beach.

Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner.

• 📍 Address: R. Joana Angélica, 40
• 💵 Budget: $$$

 

Gurume

For sushi lovers, Gurume in Ipanema is one of the best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. It’s a stylish yet approachable spot serving fresh, beautifully presented Japanese dishes. We were especially impressed by the usuzukuri (thinly sliced fish), which was delicately seasoned and absolutely delicious.

Gurume is a bit pricier than the average sushi place, but the quality justifies every real. Great for a date night or a relaxed yet refined dinner.

• 📍 Address: R. Aníbal de Mendonça, 132
• 💵 Budget: $$$

 

Nusa Café

A fantastic brunch spot offering healthy bowls, hearty sandwiches, and great coffee. I wish we had visited it more times, as there are many things I liked from the menu that I wanted to try, but since we weren’t staying in the area, we only visited it once.

• 📍 Address: R. Vinícius de Moraes, 129
• 💵 Budget: $$

 

Baked

Let me tell you about my favorite pastry shop in Rio de Janeiro. The first time we sat there for a quick brunch after our favela Rochina tour and before heading to hike Pedra Bonita and I didn’t really pay attention to the pastries. Then, a few days later, we found ourselves near their Ipanema location in search of an afternoon coffee and a quick snack.

I wanted something salty rather than something sweet, and this party resembling a small square pizza caught my eye. First bit in, I was already in love. I fell in love with their Danish Margarita and kept coming back for more. I mean, their other pastries are also great, but this is the one I keep thinking and dreaming about – highly recommend it!

• 📍 Address: R. Visc. de Pirajá, 183
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Burgers Rio

Burgers Rio served some of the nicest burgers we had in Rio de Janeiro. The buns were amazing — soft but still holding everything together — and the sauce was so delicious it made the whole burger stand out. It’s a simple, casual place with really good food, perfect for a fast meal on the way home.

• 📍 Address: R. Visc. de Pirajá, 183
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Polis Sucos

A classic fast food spot in Rio, Polis Sucos is your go-to for fresh juices, açaí, tapiocas, and light sandwiches. It’s casual, quick, and perfect if you’re on your way to the beach or need a refreshing break when heading back home.

• 📍 Address: R. Maria Quitéria, 70
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Bacio di Latte (various locations)

Bacio di Latte serves some of the best gelato I’ve ever had — and it’s incredibly easy to find it with various locations throughout the city, but most of them (3) are located in Ipename, with one of them being conveniently located on the beach.

The ice cream shops around the city offer a variety of flavours – in a cup or as a popsicle. My favorite flavour was the ginger cookie, but I’ve only found it available in a bucket of 400 grams in the supermarkets. Anyways, the ice cream shops are perfect for grabbing a refreshing gelato on a stick after a day on the beach or during your evening walk.

Whether you’re picking up a popsicle on the go or trying one of their unique bucket flavors from the grocery store, it’s a sweet part of the Rio experience you shouldn’t miss.

• 📍 Address: This is their beach location 
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Balcão (Arpoador location)

I decided to include Balcão here because although technically located in Aproador is still so close to Ipanema. So, even if you are staying in Ipanema, it is highly likely that to will want to go watch the sunset from the Aproador rock, which is just a few minutes walk away from this amazing food spot.

They are serving up flavorful shawarma, falafel pitas, hummus, and fried treats. So, if you’re in the mood for some Middle Eastern food, Balcão is the place to go to.

Keep in mind that this location is very busy, so you might have to wait a little for your order, but it is totally worth it.

• 📍 Address: R. Francisco Otaviano, 52
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: Best Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Spots in Leblon

 

Baked (Leblon)

The Leblon location was the first of the Baked chain that we visited after our Favela Rocinha tour, and before heading out to hike Pedra Bonita. The Leblon location is much bigger than the Ipanema one, spread across three floors, and offers a full breakfast, brunch, and lunch menu.

This is also where I tried a croissant filled with cashew cream for the first time. I still prefer a classic pistachio or plain croissant, but definitely an interesting one to try.

• 📍 Address: Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 313 
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Brigadeiros Fabiana D’Angelo

One of the best food spots in Rio de Janeiro for authentic brigadeiros is without a doubt Brigadeiros Fabiana D’Angelo in Leblon.

After I posted a TikTok rating different Brazilian foods I tried during my trip (and not being too kind about the brigadeiro I first tasted), locals flooded the comments telling me to give it another shot, specifically here.

And I’m so glad I listened.

The brigadeiros at Fabiana D’Angelo are rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect, totally different from what I had tried before, so if you’re also interested in trying Brazil’s most iconic sweet, this is the spot.

• 📍 Address: Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 290 – Loja Q02 (inside the Leblon Mall)
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: Best Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Spots in Santa Teresa

 

Cultivar

If you’re looking for where to eat in Rio de Janeiro for a proper local breakfast, Cultivar in Santa Teresa should be at the top of your list. We loved it so much that it became our daily ritual to go there for breakfast while staying in Santa Teresa.

Their pão de queijo is baked fresh, served warm, and has that perfect cheesy flavor you can’t forget. It’s a small, simple spot without much fuss, but honestly, such places usually offer the best food, and Cultivar is a great example.

• 📍 Address: Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, Largo dos Guimarães, 124
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Bar do Mineiro

A true Santa Teresa institution and one of the best places in Rio de Janeiro to try traditional Brazilian food. Bar do Mineiro is especially famous for their feijoada, and while I’m normally not a huge feijoada fan, I have to say that theirs really impressed me. The meat was tender, flavorful, and the dish had that rich, slow-cooked depth that only real home-style Brazilian cooking delivers.

• 📍 Address: Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 
• 💵 Budget: $$

 

Mo Café

Mo Café is one of those little gems perfect for a sweet pit stop while wandering Santa Teresa’s colorful, hilly streets. Nice coffee, homemade cakes, and an easygoing atmosphere make it a perfect spot to recharge for a bit before heading back out to explore.

So if you’re craving something sweet while exploring Santa Teresa, look no further than Mo Café.

• 📍 Address: R. Santa Cristina, 181 
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Casa Nossa Lounge

Casa Nossa Lounge is a beautiful garden restaurant tucked into the Santa Teresa hills, offering a more upscale, peaceful alternative to the casual neighborhood bars. It’s the kind of place you come for a long, lazy dinner — great cocktails, elegant dishes, and a lush outdoor setting that feels like a hidden oasis in Rio de Janeiro.

• 📍 Address: Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 121
• 💵 Budget: $$$

 

Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: Best Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Spots in Jardim Botânico

 

Casa Camolese

If you’re visiting the Botanical Garden and wondering where to eat in Rio de Janeiro nearby, Casa Camolese is a fantastic choice. Located just across from the Jockey Club, it offers beautiful views and a laid-back but stylish vibe — the kind of place where you’ll want to linger over lunch or dinner.

Their menu is varied, so it is the perfect place to visit even if you’re unsure of what you want to eat.

• 📍 Address: R. Jardim Botânico, 983 
• 💵 Budget: $$

 

Comida de Casa

When it comes to comforting Brazilian food in Rio, Comida de Casa is a hidden gem. The portions are huge, the vibe is friendly and relaxed, and the menu features a great variety of Brazilian dishes from different regions of the country.

It’s an ideal stop if you want a hearty meal and prefer a local, homey spot over a touristy restaurant.

• 📍 Address: R. Prof. Saldanha, 80 
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Café da Carol

If you’re looking for a nice café for coffee or brunch in Jardim Botânico, Café da Carol is a great place to stop. The café itself serves good coffee and breakfast/ brunch dishes in a relaxed setting. If you happen to be there on the feira day — the local street market that sets up on the same street once a week — make sure to grab a pastel from one of the feira stalls. The pastel I had there was the best I tried during my entire time in Rio de Janeiro.

• 📍 Address: R. Custódio Serrão, 62 
• 💵 Budget: $$

 

Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: Best Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Spots in Copacabana

 

Baixela

One of the first restaurants we tried in Rio de Janeiro, and it immediately set the bar high. Baixela is a casual spot in Copacabana serving seriously delicious food. We had the frango à parmegiana (chicken parmesan) here and it was fantastic — crispy coating, tender meat, rich sauce, and cheesy in the best way.

If you’re looking for where to eat in Rio de Janeiro that feels local, hearty, and unfussy, this is a great pick.

• 📍 Address: Av. Rainha Elisabeth, 85
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Pepo/ Pendê Café

Along with Cultivar in Santa Teresa, Pepo Café served some of the best pão de queijo we had in Rio. We loved it so much we barely managed a photo before we devoured it. It’s a relaxed, cozy spot that’s perfect for a coffee break or a lunch between beach sessions.

• 📍 Address: R. Barão de Ipanema, 94 
• 💵 Budget: $$

 

Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro: Best Restaurants, Cafes, and Food Spots in Centro

 

Casa Cavé

For a taste of history while eating your way through Rio de Janeiro, Casa Cavé is a classic stop. It’s the oldest pastry shop in the city, open since 1860, and although it wasn’t my absolute favorite for sweets, the atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit.

• 📍 Address: R. Sete de Setembro, 133
• 💵 Budget: $$

 

Balcão (Centro)

While I already mentioned Balcão for their Arpoador location, the Centro branch deserves its own mention too. If you’re visiting downtown Rio and wondering where to grab a quick, affordable meal, this is a great option.

• 📍 Address: R. São José, 35 
• 💵 Budget: $

 

Other Rio de Janeiro Food Spots Worth Checking Out

 

• Braseiro da Gávea (Gavea): Braseiro da Gávea is famous for its grilled meats, especially picanha and roasted chicken. It’s the kind of place where locals go for a seriously good lunch or dinner, paired with cold draft beer.
• Dainer (Botafogo): Dainer is a laid-back restaurant in Botafogo that serves American-style comfort food. Think juicy burgers, thick milkshakes, and hearty brunch plates. It’s a good option if you need a break from Brazilian flavors and just want a simple, satisfying meal.
• Confeitaria Colombo (Centro): Confeitaria Colombo is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous historic cafés. Opened in 1894, it’s worth visiting just for the stunning 19th-century interiors. Even if the food isn’t amazing, sitting under the giant mirrors and chandeliers is an experience that attracts tourists and locals alike. Be prepared to wait a while to be seated.

 

Street Food and Local Feiras (Markets) in Rio de Janeiro

 

Beyond the restaurants and cafés, if you’re looking to try authentic local food in Rio de Janeiro, visiting the street markets (feiras) is a must. Some of the best food in Rio de Janeiro isn’t found in restaurants at all — it’s grabbed on the go, right off the streets or at the beach.

The markets are typically held once a week in different neighborhoods and are a great place to try fresh tropical fruits, sugarcane juice, tapioca crepes, and pastels. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience everyday Brazilian food culture.

 

Must-try Street Foods in Rio de Janeiro

• Açaí bowls: Açaí is a frozen puree made from Amazonian berries, naturally purple, slightly tart, and packed with antioxidants. In Rio, it’s usually served cold in a bowl, topped with granola, banana, or condensed milk. You’ll find it sold literally everywhere in Rio.
• Tapiocas: Light, chewy crepes made from cassava flour, filled with everything from cheese to chocolate.
• Pastel: Deep-fried pastries stuffed with cheese, meat, or heart of palm, best eaten hot and fresh from a feira stall.
• Grilled queijo coalho (cheese sticks): Sold by beach vendors — salty, chewy, and grilled over charcoal right in front of you.
• Maté Leão and biscoito Globo: A classic beach snack duo — sweet iced tea and crunchy airy biscuits, perfect while lounging on Copacabana or Ipanema beaches.

 

 

Local Markets to Visit in Rio de Janeiro

• Feira de Ipanema: Sundays at Praça General Osório. A mix of local crafts, art, but very little food is available. It is easy to combine with a visit to Ipanema Beach.
• Feira da Glória: Sundays in the Glória neighborhood. One of the biggest and most authentic food markets in Rio, packed with fresh fruit, seafood, pastel stands, and homemade sweets.
• Feira de São Cristóvão: Open all week, but liveliest on weekends. A massive market dedicated to Northeastern Brazilian culture, with tons of regional food stalls (think acarajé, tapiocas, carne de sol).
• Feira Livre do Jardim Botânico: Fridays near Rua Jardim Botânico. Small but lively, great for grabbing a pastel (yes, the one I mentioned above) or some tropical fruits if you’re exploring the Jardim Botânico area.