Rio Like a Carioca
Bars & Restaurants | Walking Distance
Rio is not a foodie destination — the main attribute of a Carioca restaurant is usually its character.
You probably won’t have the dinner of your life, but hopefully you’ll live some memorable moments in one of our favourite places, listed below:
⭐️ A house favourite. It’s a counter where you can buy fresh take-away pasta. Early beach + Veronese’s lasagna ( + nap) is a winner Sunday combo.
63 locals recommend
La Veronese
29 A R. Visc. de Pirajá⭐️ A house favourite. It’s a counter where you can buy fresh take-away pasta. Early beach + Veronese’s lasagna ( + nap) is a winner Sunday combo.
They began as a hole-in-the-wall serving Brazilian wine and good quality finger food and now draw crowds to drink and flirt standing up on the street, specially on Tuesdays.
180 locals recommend
Canastra Bar
42 R. JangadeirosThey began as a hole-in-the-wall serving Brazilian wine and good quality finger food and now draw crowds to drink and flirt standing up on the street, specially on Tuesdays.
B de Burger
Well… good burgers.
TT Burger
67 R. Francisco OtavianoWell… good burgers.
TT Burger
67 R. Francisco OtavianoWell… good burgers.
⭐️ Best cocktails in town, specially if you’re into Rum.
Food is quite good as well.
29 locals recommend
NOSSO
91 R. Maria Quitéria⭐️ Best cocktails in town, specially if you’re into Rum.
Food is quite good as well.
Greek(ish) restaurant, a bit more upscale.
But in Rio things are seldom really upscale.
36 locals recommend
Oia
340 - A R. Barão da TorreGreek(ish) restaurant, a bit more upscale.
But in Rio things are seldom really upscale.
Pici Trattoria
348 R. Barão da TorreOia’s Italian cousin. Vegetable lasagna is pretty good.
Despite the fact that most of the patrons are “gringos”, serves excellent food with typical Brazilian ingredients. Drinks are also good, as are the vegetarian alternatives. Very cool atmosphere.
301 locals recommend
Zazá Bistrô Tropical
40 R. Joana AngélicaDespite the fact that most of the patrons are “gringos”, serves excellent food with typical Brazilian ingredients. Drinks are also good, as are the vegetarian alternatives. Very cool atmosphere.
⭐️ True carioca institution, serving since 1934. Younger waiter must be 60. Excellent place if you’re really hungry after the beach (go for the “bife a milanesa com salada de batata” (breaded steak with potato salad) and a chocolate pie for dessert) or if you just want to see the day pass sipping cold chops (draft beers).
149 locals recommend
Bar Lagoa
1674 Av. Epitácio Pessoa⭐️ True carioca institution, serving since 1934. Younger waiter must be 60. Excellent place if you’re really hungry after the beach (go for the “bife a milanesa com salada de batata” (breaded steak with potato salad) and a chocolate pie for dessert) or if you just want to see the day pass sipping cold chops (draft beers).
Ceviche, carioca style (laid back, on the sidewalk, drinking cold chopp and / or caipirinhas).
64 locals recommend
La Carioca
173 Rua Garcia d'AvilaCeviche, carioca style (laid back, on the sidewalk, drinking cold chopp and / or caipirinhas).
⭐️ Vegan restaurant that will please even the most convict carnivore.
Food and drinks are superb and the atmosphere is quite cool.
35 locals recommend
Teva
110 Av. Henrique Dumont⭐️ Vegan restaurant that will please even the most convict carnivore.
Food and drinks are superb and the atmosphere is quite cool.
⭐️ You probably heard about Açaí, the super berry from the North region. You can have it at any juice house, but there it’ll be made a la carioca, this is, mixed with loads guaraná syrup. Amazonia Soul serves açaí as they eat in Pará, which I think is much much better.
36 locals recommend
Amazônia Soul
37 R. Teixeira de Melo⭐️ You probably heard about Açaí, the super berry from the North region. You can have it at any juice house, but there it’ll be made a la carioca, this is, mixed with loads guaraná syrup. Amazonia Soul serves açaí as they eat in Pará, which I think is much much better.
Satyricon
192 R. Barão da TorreFancy and (truly) upscale seafood.
Brazilian barbecue house (“churrascaria”), where they’ll bring you all kinds of meat in skewers until you say “enough”. Literally. It’s not the best churrascaria, but it’s really really close to the apartment…
190 locals recommend
Carretão Ipanema Classic Grill
112 R. Visc. de PirajáBrazilian barbecue house (“churrascaria”), where they’ll bring you all kinds of meat in skewers until you say “enough”. Literally. It’s not the best churrascaria, but it’s really really close to the apartment…
Cheap and tasty naturally fermented dough pizza.
Nema is a closer, cheaper but not-as-tasty alternative.
8 locals recommend
joana pizza bar
47 R. Joana AngélicaCheap and tasty naturally fermented dough pizza.
Nema is a closer, cheaper but not-as-tasty alternative.
Skip Starbucks and head here for different grains of Brazilian coffee.
12 locals recommend
Armazém do Café
261 R. Visc. de PirajáSkip Starbucks and head here for different grains of Brazilian coffee.
What this little cafe lacks in charm (it is inside a commercial gallery), it excels in quality. Pão de queijo and the sweet pastries are delicious.
11 locals recommend
Le P'tit Cafe
444 R. Visc. de PirajáWhat this little cafe lacks in charm (it is inside a commercial gallery), it excels in quality. Pão de queijo and the sweet pastries are delicious.
⭐️ Our favourite juice spot, you definitely should try it. Our favourite is passion fruit + sugar-apple (“fruta do conde com maracujá”), but you satisfy your curiosity and try different exotic flavours. A small tip is enthusiastically welcomed by the staff.
89 locals recommend
Polis Sucos
70 R. Maria Quitéria⭐️ Our favourite juice spot, you definitely should try it. Our favourite is passion fruit + sugar-apple (“fruta do conde com maracujá”), but you satisfy your curiosity and try different exotic flavours. A small tip is enthusiastically welcomed by the staff.
Used to be a good boteco (cheap laid back pub), but then self-gentrified and became a strange thing.
Nevertheless, the caipirinhas and empadinhas are still excellent and it’s conveniently located between the beach and the apartment.
1062 locals recommend
Boteco Belmonte
242 R. Domingos FerreiraUsed to be a good boteco (cheap laid back pub), but then self-gentrified and became a strange thing.
Nevertheless, the caipirinhas and empadinhas are still excellent and it’s conveniently located between the beach and the apartment.
Bars & Restaurants | Worth Checking
⭐️ Not exactly a restaurant. Well, they do have a restaurant, but the deal here is order some cold beers and “empadinhas” and sit by the shore, enjoying one of the best views in Rio. Highly advised for sunset.
420 locals recommend
Bar e Restaurante Urca
205 R. Cândido Gaffrée⭐️ Not exactly a restaurant. Well, they do have a restaurant, but the deal here is order some cold beers and “empadinhas” and sit by the shore, enjoying one of the best views in Rio. Highly advised for sunset.
Favourite Italian restaurant in Rio.
Nearby streets have some cool boutiques.
19 locals recommend
Grado Restaurante
31 R. Visc. de CarandaíFavourite Italian restaurant in Rio.
Nearby streets have some cool boutiques.
As cariocally laid down as possible, serves excellent sea-food and cold chopp.
85 locals recommend
O Caranguejo
771 R. Barata RibeiroAs cariocally laid down as possible, serves excellent sea-food and cold chopp.
⭐️ Best choice for late late night post party hunger strike. Or pre-party warmup.
Specialised in cachaças (100+ brands) and sausage sandwiches (the sausage + garlic bread sandwich is superb).
107 locals recommend
Galeto Sat's
7 R. Barata Ribeiro⭐️ Best choice for late late night post party hunger strike. Or pre-party warmup.
Specialised in cachaças (100+ brands) and sausage sandwiches (the sausage + garlic bread sandwich is superb).
Neighbours in Baixo Botafogo, or BotaSoHo, a cluster of hip bars where the 20-somethings hang out.
18 locals recommend
Quartinho Bar
124 R. Arnaldo QuintelaNeighbours in Baixo Botafogo, or BotaSoHo, a cluster of hip bars where the 20-somethings hang out.
Neighbours in Baixo Botafogo, or BotaSoHo, a cluster of hip bars where the 20-somethings hang out.
43 locals recommend
CoLAB
Neighbours in Baixo Botafogo, or BotaSoHo, a cluster of hip bars where the 20-somethings hang out.
⭐️ Best feijoada and perfect excuse to head to Santa Teresa.
If there’s a waiting line, just relax and wait sipping some cold beers and making new friends in the sidewalk.
289 locals recommend
Bar do Mineiro
99 Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno⭐️ Best feijoada and perfect excuse to head to Santa Teresa.
If there’s a waiting line, just relax and wait sipping some cold beers and making new friends in the sidewalk.
⭐️Rare place for more elaborate food in Centro.
One of the best Cost x Benefit ratios in town.
6 locals recommend
Lilia
45 R. do Senado⭐️Rare place for more elaborate food in Centro.
One of the best Cost x Benefit ratios in town.
Fika - Cafés especiais
58 R. do CarmoExcellent special coffee places in Centro.
Cafe ao Leu
50 R. Alm. Gonçalvesgoooood coffee...
⭐️ Must go if you’re a die-hard carnivore.
Churrasco (endless meet on skewers) at its best + great views.
24 locals recommend
Assador Rio's
s/n Av. Infante Dom Henrique⭐️ Must go if you’re a die-hard carnivore.
Churrasco (endless meet on skewers) at its best + great views.
Other Activities
A splendid house from the 50’s, tucked in the middle of the forest in Gavea, now turned into Rio’s best cultural center. They also have a good cafe inside.
216 locals recommend
Instituto Moreira Salles - IMS Rio
476 R. Marquês de São VicenteA splendid house from the 50’s, tucked in the middle of the forest in Gavea, now turned into Rio’s best cultural center. They also have a good cafe inside.
A Brazilian Art Museum, located at the Olympic Boulevard, renovated for the… yes, the Olympic Games. In the boulevard you’ll also find gigantic street art panels, an Aquarium, a recently opened giant ferris wheel and Calatrava’s Museu do Amanhã. Oh, and exquisite views from Baia de Guanabara. If you happen to be there near dusk, try to catch the sunset from MAR’s balcony in the last floor.
563 locals recommend
Museu de Arte do Rio - MAR
5 Praça MauáA Brazilian Art Museum, located at the Olympic Boulevard, renovated for the… yes, the Olympic Games. In the boulevard you’ll also find gigantic street art panels, an Aquarium, a recently opened giant ferris wheel and Calatrava’s Museu do Amanhã. Oh, and exquisite views from Baia de Guanabara. If you happen to be there near dusk, try to catch the sunset from MAR’s balcony in the last floor.
Another Museum + Cafe combo, 15 mins from the Olympic Boulevard.
719 locals recommend
Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil - CCBB Rio de Janeiro
66 R. Primeiro de MarçoAnother Museum + Cafe combo, 15 mins from the Olympic Boulevard.
“Santa” is a bohemian / artist neighbourhood. Nothing special to see or do, but quite pleasant to walk by. During summer there will probably be a samba around Largo dos Guimarães. Go up by Uber (Taxis will avoid going up because of the steep cobblestone streets). Recommend Lunching at Bar do Mineiro (se “restaurants”) or, if you’re up for a fancier experience, at Térèze or Aprazivel (booking advised on both).
593 locals recommend
Santa Teresa
“Santa” is a bohemian / artist neighbourhood. Nothing special to see or do, but quite pleasant to walk by. During summer there will probably be a samba around Largo dos Guimarães. Go up by Uber (Taxis will avoid going up because of the steep cobblestone streets). Recommend Lunching at Bar do Mineiro (se “restaurants”) or, if you’re up for a fancier experience, at Térèze or Aprazivel (booking advised on both).
Rio’s Botanical Garden, really worth the visit. Commissioned by Brazil’s last emperor (yup…) due to his love of Brazilian flora. Very pleasant stroll, that can be coupled with one of Jardim Botanico’s (the neighbourhood) many restaurants.
468 locals recommend
Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro
1008 R. Jardim BotânicoRio’s Botanical Garden, really worth the visit. Commissioned by Brazil’s last emperor (yup…) due to his love of Brazilian flora. Very pleasant stroll, that can be coupled with one of Jardim Botanico’s (the neighbourhood) many restaurants.
Be sure to watch sunset from Pedra do Arpoador. Not much more to be said. It’s glorious.
379 locals recommend
Arpoador Rock
s/n Avenida Francisco BheringBe sure to watch sunset from Pedra do Arpoador. Not much more to be said. It’s glorious.
Traveler advice
Customs and culture
At the beach [1]
The apartment is 5 mins away from the beach.
However, I prefer to walk another 5 minutes to the left and settle in front of Hotel Fasano or Hotel Arpoador Inn. Usually it’s a bit less crowded there.
Specially during summer, it’s important to keep your eyes on your belongings at all times.
Tourists are easy prays for pick-pocketers and fake merchants. No reason to panic, just pay attention.
If you’re all going to the water at the same time, it’s customary to pack your belongings on your tote bag, handing it to your “neighbour” and asking him to keep it until you return.
Customs and culture
At the beach [2]
Feel free to use our umbrella and beach chairs. They are in the service bathroom.
It’ll save you +- 50 bucks / day.
Once returning, please enter through the garage and take the service elevator.
And pleeeeease clean the sand from your feet and legs carefully before going up. There’s a faucet in the garage where you can wash it.
Don’t bring the beach home with you :P
Getting around
Choose subway or Uber
If you stay between Zona Sul and Centro (you probably will), things are pretty close by.
Best ways to move around are Uber and Subway. Subway station is 2 minutes from the apartment (General Osório station). In order to buy your tickets, it’s better to enter through the Visconde de Pirajá entrance.
Getting around
Supermarkets and Drugstores
Supermarkets:
Can’t be any easier: there’s a Zona Sul supermarket beneath the apartment. If you don’t fancy this one, there are 6 other alternative within an 1 km radius.
Drugstores:
Almost as easy. Walk 5 mins left or right from the apartment and you will pass at least three drugstores.
Don't miss
Climb on!
Rio is the largest urban climbing center in the world, with more than 500 different routes to choose from. That means you can on an easy route (easy as anyone from 6 to 60 can do it) and have a spectacular and exclusive view of the city. I highly recommend trying. Call or text my instructor Raoni (+55 21 988-415-510) or Companhia da Escalada (+55 21 993-935-060) and schedule a session. They will provide all gear needed. And, yes, it’s very very safe :D
Don't miss
The Classics!
Christ Statue
You can either go by tram leaving from the bottom of the mountain in Cosme Velho (this way is more charming) or take a van leaving from Lido Square at Copacabana. Be sure to also check the view from Mirante Dona Marta once you’re up there.
Sugar Loaf
You can walk up the first mountain through a trail beginning at Pista Claudio Coutinho. It’s an easy trail, children often do it. You can go down by the cable car even if you went up hiking. Ooooor you can climb up there! More than 50 routes lead you to the top of Pão de Açúcar, including a few easy ones.