TOP 5 Leisurely Lunch Restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Hello everyone! Tom here (remember me?!). Today we’re doing something a little different and hosting a guest-post from Lauren of Casa Bromelia. Take it away Lauren! [2024: Most of these places don’t exist anymore]

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Rio de Janeiro is never about the obvious. Casa Bromelia Rio Travel takes you to our favorite hidden lunch restaurants in this tropical city, where you can lose your afternoon to a colorful plate and an ice cold cocktail.

Rio Restaurant with a view

 

 

The Best Restaurants in Rio are Hidden Gems

All of the city’s best finds tend to be in unsigned buildings, out of guide books and only in the mouths of ‘Cariocas’. I have lived in Rio for years, but it wasn’t until I learned the context of this language, this culture, and their dining habits that I really started to experience the real Brazilian life…. So if you have already hit Ipanema beach and are in the mood to venture into the real Rio, here is a list of my top 5 hidden gems for a Carioca lunch that is fresh, bright in flavor and pairs perfectly with an afternoon beverage.

 

Lá em Cima @ Dona Coisa – R. Lopes Quintas, 153 (Neighborhood: Jardim Botânico)

Ambiance: A moment of inspiration

Hidden on the 2nd floor of one of Jardim Botânico’s most unique boutiques, Dona Coisa is a space that blends the visuals of an art gallery, the feel of a tropical tea house and the elegance of a French café. My favorite spot is at a table at the front of the space, adjacent to large Colonial windows that open up exhibiting the flora and fauna that the neighborhood is famous for. Open only for breakfast and lunch, Lá em Cima offers a blend of Brazilian and European classics with a sprinkling of original delights, such as cardamom cheesecake and Gruyère clouds.

Lunch Dona Coisa Rio Restaurant Casa Bromelia.jpg

Organic Chicken Torta with Wild Greens & Hibiscus Tea @ Lá em Cima

 

La Carioca – Rua Garcia d’Avila, 173 (Neighborhood: Ipanema Beach)

Ambiance: Latin American Passion

One of Ipanema’s newer restaurant ventures, La Carioca is your Rio lunch spot for a mid-afternoon line-up of Peruvian ceviche (think classic leite de tigre) and several cold Pisco Sours. I describe this gem on the corner of a small pebbled Ipanema sidewalk with all outside tables, as pure fun! All elements remind you that you are in South America: the salsa music playing, the beautiful people passing by in bright colorful clothes and the rich salt smell of the sea in the air. Known for its ceviche, I highly recommend ordering a small handful of different takes on this classic and don’t forget to add the homemade banana chips!

 

 

Bazaar Café @ Livraria da Travessa – R. Visc. de Pirajá, 572 (Neighborhood: Ipanema Beach)

Ambiance: Trendy

You would never know it was there, simply passing by the storefront of this famous Rio bookstore. On the 2nd floor of this bustling shop is a café from the well known Ipanema Restaurant, Bazaar. The look is sleek, the feel is intellectual yet modern, the food is an assortment of classical yet trendy international dishes from Falafel to Burgers, Lemon Tarts to Cappuccinos. You will equally be fulfilled sitting lunch-ing alone with your new book and a Rio classical dish, Caldo de Feijoada, as you would with the new friend you met at the museum this morning who is tickled to share an afternoon bottle of Sauvignon with you.

 

 

Bar Astor – Av. Vieira Souto, 110 (Neighborhood: Ipanema Beach)

Ambiance: a Taste of São Paulo on Ipanema Beach

If Manhattan, São Paulo and Ipanema had a baby, Bar Astor would be her name. One of the few restaurants with an ocean view, Bar Astor is always electric. Any time of the day, you will find atmosphere in this hip little Rio restaurant, right in front of Posto 8 at the beginning of Ipanema Beach. They have one of the few NY style bars where you can actually sit at the counter, with a large lit up colorful bar that will surely add that tropical feeling to your already balmy afternoon. You can either grab a stool, a plate of oysters and a glass of champagne, or pull up a seat at an outside table for a chopp (a draft beer) and a steak tartare. If there is an ounce of room still left, I recommend the Brioche Bread Pudding!

 

 

Plage Café @ Parque Lage – R. Jardim Botânico, 414 (Neighborhood: Parque Lage)

Ambiance: Classic Rio

Situated at the base of Christ the Redeemer, in one of the last untouched parts of the Rio rainforest, Plage Café is located inside of an old sugar mill turned aristocratic mansion turned art school. This picturesque setting is ideal for everything from brunch to lunch to late afternoon coffee. All seating is outside in the inner courtyard, situated around a beautiful pool (made famous in Snoop Dog’s Beautiful music video). This French-style café offers a large variety to appease any palate, from Salade Niçoise to roast chicken. The structure itself is stunning, but add to it a glass of Chilean red and a plate of bruschetta and you have the formula of an afternoon of memories.

Parque lage Casa Bromelia

Plage Café in the Rio Rainforest at the base of Christ the Redeemer

1 reply
  1. lauren quinn
    lauren quinn says:

    There are so many incredible places to Eat in Rio de Janeiro, but this list has some of my absolutely favorite spots for lunchtime…especially when I am in the mood for a cocktail!

    Reply

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