Rio de Janeiro Restaurant Tips by MM212

Confeitaria Colombo: Old World Elegance Confeitaria Colombo Review

Legacy of imperial Brazil, Confeitaria Colombo preserves the elegance of a bygone era. The Belle Époque tearoom opened its doors in 1894 and immediately attracted Rio's high society and intellectuals, and became the rendez-vous place of choice. In a city that has replaced much of the old with less attractive modern construction, Confeitaria Colombo is a welcomed surprise. Its art nouveau elegance is as vibrant as it was a century ago, albeit with a more modern clientele. The café serves full meals as well as alcohol, but its greatest treat is the wide selection of desserts: the Brazilians seem to have inherited the Portuguese love of pastries. Stop here for lunch or for an afternoon espresso and dessert while touring Centro.

Address: Rua Gonçalves Dias, 32, CENTRO

Comparison: less expensive than average

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Coffeehouse

Website: http://www.confeitariacolombo.com.br/

Devassa: Cervejaria & Resto Devassa Review

A lively bar/restaurant in Ipanema, Cervejaria Devassa makes and serves its own beer. It's location, just a block from the beach (opposite Ipanema Plaza Hotel) makes it a popular spot for lunch and after the beach. One could enjoy the air conditioned interior or sit on the terrace and stare at the interesting beach traffic! I'm no beer drinker, but was told its excellent. I stopped here for lunch twice during my visit to Rio in Dec 2008 and had a delicious thin crust pizza served on a plank of wood. Devassa apparently started as a neighbourhood bar in Leblon and over the years opened at other locations in Rio.

Address: Rua Prudente de Morais, 416 - Ipanema

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: (21) 2522-0627

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pub/Brewery

Website: http://www.devassa.com.br

Azul Marinho: Seafood with Ocean Views

Located on the ground floor of the modest Hotel Arpoador, Azul Marinho is a decent restaurant serving delicious seafood with a Brazilian touch. Although relatively overpriced, the restaurant's location with ocean views overlooking Arpoador beach in Ipanema is unmatched. The outdoor seating is ideal for lunch, which is the meal I had here. Take a break from the beach and enjoy the tasty seafood and the excellent location. Drink anything chilled to cool off!

Address: Av. Francisco Bhering, Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 021/3813–4228

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Seafood

Fasano Al Mare: Best, but most expensive Italian cuisine in Rio

Expect nothing but perfection at Fasano al Mare. This high-end restaurant is located on the ground floor of the recently opened Fasano Hotel (inaugurated in August 2007), which is the most elegant spot in Rio de Janeiro. It also serves the best Italian food in town and perhaps the whole of Brazil (along with its sister restaurant in São Paulo). Designed by Philippe Starck, the restaurant does not lack in aesthetics, and its clientele are equally beautiful. Expect high prices too, but Fasano al Mare is well worth the splurge. Make it the one special meal when visiting Rio, you won't be disappointed.

Address: Fasano Hotel, Avenida Vieira Souto 80, Ipanema

Comparison: most expensive

Other Contact: Rio@fasano.com.br

Phone: +55 21 3202 4000

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 5

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.fasano.com.br

Porcão: Local meat Porcão Review

As its name indicates, Porcão is a traditional Brazilian steak/meat restaurant, where a variety of grilled meats on skewers are brought to the table and sliced into the diner's plate until one can eat no more. For those who have never tried the porcão tradition, this restaurant is a suitable introduction, though the staff is quite disorganised and service is shaky. One starts with a large variety of salads and starters from an open buffet, and then before one has had time to savour the food, the waiters begin to overwhelm the table with a variety of grilled meats. The food is tasty, but the ambiance is crowded and not very relaxing. Come here quite hungry, for there will be plenty of food!

Address: Rua Barão da Torre 218, Ipanema

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: +55 21 3202-9155

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 3

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.porcao.com.br

Satyricon: Italian Seafood Satyricon Review

Satyricon serves delicious Italian food with an emphasis on seafood varieties. The restaurant is guaranteed to be crowded as it has been popular ever since it was visited by a few famous people, including Madonna. While I cannot say that it was the best Italian restaurant in Ipanema, it certainly does not disappoint, and although a little on the expensive side for Rio, it is not exorbitantly so. I would definitely return here.

Address: Rua Barão da Torre 192, Ipanema

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: +55 21 2521-0627

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Italian

Website: http://www.satyricon.com.br