On our recent Rio de Janeiro vacation we were blessed to eat at some of the best restaurants in Rio. Honestly after our recent trip to Santa Barbara we didn’t think we could have better food. I know how disappointing it can be to spend your money on a meal that isn’t good. It’s also hard sometimes to find good food when you aren’t used to the area and there are so many tourist traps. You will not be disappointed in eating at any of these places know you too will dub them as best restaurants in Rio.
The Overall Best Restaurants in Rio
Churrascaria Palace
Churrascaria Palace is a Brazilian steakhouse in the Copacabana area. It’s where we had our first dinner in Rio and it really set the tone for the rest of our trip. It’s an all you can eat restaurant. There is a buffet area with sides, moqueca fish, sushi, vegetables, rice and more. While seated the staff will come around with various meats that they cut right in front of you. These include pork chops, rib-eye, filet mignon, chicken and more.
La Maison
La Maison is another restaurant in the Copacabana area but has views of the beach. It was my personal favorite restaurant on our Rio de Janeiro vacation, so good we ate here twice. The Angler Fish Risotto was my absolute favorite and I highly recommend it.
The Best Restaurants in Rio for Seafood
O Caranguejo
If you’re not a big eat meater like me and prefer seafood O Caranguejo is the place for you. Beware they serve their meals family style so if you’re dining alone you can expect a lot of leftovers. They do offer half portions but the price difference was minimal. We ordered the mixed seafood which came with lobster, seabass, octopus, squid and shrimp. Underneath it all was the very popular Brazilian broccoli rice.
The Best Restaurants in Rio with a View
Aprazivel
Rio’s skyline is so beautiful so we definitely wanted a meal where we could take in the views. Aprazivel not only covers this but provides a restaurant with a really nice ambience. The food is just as good and I recommend the tropical fish. Aprazivel is closed on Monday’s and Tuesday’s so make sure to visit on any other day. If you’re dining for dinner reservations are highly recommended.
23 Ocean Lounge
If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Rio with a view 23 Ocean Lounge must be on your list. It’s on the rooftop of the Sofitel and overlooks Ipanema Beach. Not only does it have a nice view of the beach the patio area has the cutest furniture and a little pool offering great photo ops.
The Best Restaurants in Rio for Italian
Pasta E Pallone
Pasta E Pallone is right next to the Hilton on Copacabana Beach. We ate here the night before our hike to Pedra do Telegrafo to load up on carbs! Don’t let the small size fool you, this restaurant is so good. The service was excellent and it was one of the more affordable sit down restaurants in Rio. They are closed on Monday’s!
Don Camillo
After our amazing meal at Pasta E Pallone the girls wanted Italian again. We actually went back to Pasta E Pallone but it was closed that day. As much as we loved it I was glad it was as it gave us the opportunity to try Don Camillo. The ambiance here is really nice and they have both indoor and outside seating. They also have musicians playing various instruments in the evening for a romantic feel. I ordered the Black Risotto and it was excellent!
I hope you eat your hearts out with this list of the best restaurants in Rio. If you found this post helpful please share it!