Rio-de-janeiro
Brazil
Discover the best restaurants, dishes, and local cuisine in Rio-de-janeiro, Brazil. Read authentic reviews, browse menus, and find your perfect dining experience.
Browse by Cuisine
Restaurants in Rio-de-janeiro
Showing 11 of 12 restaurantsCopo Do Gigante
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Copo Do GiganteAverage Rating
Manteiga De Garrafa 200ml
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Manteiga De Garrafa 200mlAverage Rating
Doce De Buriti 400g
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Doce De Buriti 400gAverage Rating
Goiabada Cascão 500g
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Goiabada Cascão 500gAverage Rating
Quebra-queixo 100g
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Quebra-queixo 100gAverage Rating
Coxão De Moça 100g
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Coxão De Moça 100gAverage Rating
Pë De Moça 100g
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Pë De Moça 100gAverage Rating
Average Rating
Pimenta Calabresa Do Gigante
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Pimenta Calabresa Do GiganteAverage Rating
Pimenta Malagueta Do Gigante
Restaurante Gigante Nordestino Recreio / Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
View Pimenta Malagueta Do GiganteAverage Rating
Average Rating
Signature Dishes
Rio's cuisine is characterized by its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and hearty dishes. Expect bold flavors, often featuring garlic, onions, peppers, and herbs. The food ranges from street snacks to sophisticated restaurant offerings, but always maintains a sense of Carioca charm.
Feijoada
Considered Brazil's national dish, Feijoada is a rich stew of black beans simmered with various cuts of pork and beef. It's typically served with rice, farofa (toasted cassava flour), orange slices, and collard greens. Although not originally from Rio, it's a staple found everywhere.
Churrasco
Although churrasco (barbecue) is common throughout Brazil, Rio's churrascarias are famous. Various cuts of meat are grilled over charcoal and served rodizio style (all-you-can-eat) by waiters who carve slices directly onto your plate. Picanha (rump cap) is a particularly prized cut.
Moqueca
A seafood stew, moqueca is typically made with fish, shrimp, or a combination, simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cilantro. Dende oil (palm oil) is sometimes added for a distinctive flavor and color, though this is more typical of Bahia. Rio's moqueca tends to be lighter.
Bolinhos de Bacalhau
Salt cod fritters are a popular appetizer or snack. The cod is soaked to remove the salt, then shredded, mixed with potatoes, onions, and parsley, formed into small balls, and deep-fried until golden brown.
Acarajé
An African-Brazilian street food, acarajé is a deep-fried ball of mashed black-eyed peas, onions, and salt. It's typically split open and filled with vatapá (a creamy shrimp and coconut milk puree), caruru (okra stew), and hot pepper sauce. While more commonly associated with Bahia, it can be found in Rio.
Mate Leão
A toasted mate tea, often consumed iced, is a very popular drink, especially at the beaches.
Biscoito Globo
A light and airy, slightly salty biscuit, very popular and sold on every beach in Rio.
Local Tips
To truly experience Rio's cuisine, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Try the Local Markets
Visit the local markets (feiras) to experience the freshest produce and local delicacies. They are a great place to sample new flavors and see how locals shop.
Learn Some Basic Portuguese Phrases
While many restaurants have English menus, knowing a few basic Portuguese phrases will enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture. Try 'Obrigado/Obrigada' (thank you), 'Por favor' (please), and 'Bom apetite' (enjoy your meal).
Be Open to New Flavors
Rio's cuisine is diverse and flavorful. Don't be afraid to try new things and step outside your comfort zone. You might discover your new favorite dish!
Tipping
A service charge of 10% is often added to restaurant bills, but it's not mandatory. If you're happy with the service, you can pay it. If the service was exceptional, you can leave an additional tip.
Watch out for hidden costs
Some restaurants will place appetizers on your table before you order. These are not free. If you don't want them, politely decline.
About Rio de Janeiro
RJ
Food History
Rio de Janeiro's cuisine is a vibrant blend reflecting its diverse history. Indigenous ingredients were combined with European, particularly Portuguese, cooking techniques. The transatlantic slave trade brought African influences, further enriching the culinary landscape with ingredients and dishes adapted to local availability. This fusion has resulted in a unique and flavorful gastronomy.
Food Culture
Food in Rio is more than just sustenance; it's a social event, a celebration of life, and a connection to the city's vibrant culture. From beachside snacks to family gatherings, food plays a central role in Carioca life.
Beach Culture
The beaches of Rio are not just for sunbathing and swimming. They're also a hub for food vendors selling everything from Biscoito Globo (a light, airy biscuit) and Mate Leão (iced mate tea) to grilled queijo coalho (a type of cheese) and açai bowls.
Botecos (Bars)
Botecos are casual bars that are ubiquitous throughout Rio. They serve cold beer (cerveja), caipirinhas (Brazil's national cocktail), and a variety of snacks (petiscos) like bolinhos de bacalhau, pastéis (fried pastries), and empadas (small pies).
Family Gatherings
Sunday lunches are a cherished tradition in Rio. Families gather to share a large meal, often featuring Feijoada or Churrasco, and enjoy each other's company. These meals are a time for connection and celebration.
Street Food
Rio has a thriving street food scene, with vendors selling a variety of treats. This includes vendors on the beach and street vendors in the center of town that cater to office workers and passersby.