Rio de Janeiro Travel Guide

Rio's cuisine is a reflection of the people who made this city. First Native Americans, Africans, and Portuguese and later the French and the Italians contributed their spices and flairs to this gastronomic melting pot. There are also many influences from around Brazil: exotic fish from the Amazon, spicy dishes from the Northeast, country cooking from Minas, barbecues from the South. The feijoada, served on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is the only legitimate dish created by the cariocas (people from Rio). Go to the botecos and restaurants, from the simple to the upscale, and surrender to the flavors, aromas and colors of Rio's cuisine. To make your adventures in gastronomy easier, this guide has divided the city and its many dining options into regions. Bom apetite!

Centro

The city began here, so let's do the same. During the week, the restaurants in the center are packed at lunch hour. The most crowded are the ones which combine numerous options of tasty food, reasonable prices and a charming atmosphere, such as Mr. Ôpi, O Navegador, and Esch Cafe For a more relaxed lunch, perhaps accompanied by wine, try Café Laguiolle or its neighbour Giuseppe. If you would prefer a taste of Rio from the past, go up the elevator at Albamar or have some tea in the traditional Confeitaria Colombo.

Glória, Catete and Flamengo

Moving out from the center, the Casa da Suíça is a favorite spot for fondue lovers. Café Lamas is one of the bohemian places from another era. More recent restaurants also offer good food, like Alho e Óleo.

Copacabana and Leme

From the sophisticated Le Saint Honoré and Hotel Cipriani Restaurant to the exquisite Le Pré Catelan, this slice of Rio's shore is also home to excellent Brazilian cuisine, like Siri Mole e Companhia, popular barbecue houses like Marius, and bars that satisfy hungry night owls such as Cervantes.

Ipanema and Leblon

In these districts, you find some of the most creative establishments, such as Le Panetier, which looks like, tastes like and smells like New York, Garcia e Rodrigues, with its more French atmosphere and Celeiro, a tasty health-food eatery, whose owners are quite personable. Here, you'll also find typical Portuguese cooking at Antiquarius, Indian spices at Natraj and one of the best Japanese restaurants, Madame Butterfly. On your way back from the beach, be sure to stop at Bracarense, a typical Brazilian boteco that's famous for its draft beer and appetizers.

Botafogo, Lagoa and Jardim Botânico

These districts have recently gained many new good restaurants, including the traditional Portuguese spot, Aurora. If it's brilliant French cuisine you're looking for, some can be found beneath the outstretched arms of Rio's Christ statue at Carême or Troigros. The younger set prefers the busy places on J.J. Seabra Street like Caroline Café. Across the street, you'll find Quadrifoglio and its sophisticated Italian cuisine, and the exotic fruits-come-ice cream at Sorveteria Mil Frutas.

Gávea and São Conrado

These are essentially residential areas with wonderful gastronomic options. Guimas draws a beautiful, sophisticated crowd that appreciates equally sophisticated cuisine. Teenagers and the young at heart (and stomach) adore the burgers at Joe & Leo's Burger.

Barra, Vargem Grande and Guaratiba

Getting away from the city does not mean getting away from good food. At Barra, you find the only Creole restaurant in Rio, La Louisiane. Some kilometres away, Vargem Grande has several restaurants that are worth the visit, like Quinta. Much further on, amongst the mangrove shores of Guaratiba are hidden such rustic delights as César.

Of course, there are many more regions and exceptional dining places to explore in and around this city. The trip could go on and on, stopping at the botecos and restaurants of the northern part of Rio, going up the mountains and across the bay.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 101