The best Brazilian restaurants in Rio de Janeiro in 2025

1st place: DOIS DE FEVEREIRO

The restaurant honors Iemanjá with wall drawings and typical elements of offerings—even the bathroom mirror references the orixá. Although not located by the sea, the space sits in Largo de São Francisco da Prainha, a region that once had a beach before landfills and remains a symbol of Black culture. There, founder Raphael Vidal also runs two other ventures, Casa Porto and Bafo da Prainha, with the same spirit. The current acclaim of Dois de Fevereiro—simple ambiance with sidewalk tables—owes much to chef João Diamante, who became a partner last year and revamped the menu. Born in Andaraí, Bahia, he gained recognition after time in France and through the social project Diamantes na Cozinha. Today, he celebrates his roots through the flavors he serves. The menu is divided into chapters, taking diners on a journey of tastes that begins with the octopus vinaigrette served with pastel slices (R$ 79). The shrimp bobó from the main section (R$ 75, individual; R$ 145, for two) also appears among the appetizers, complementing the trio of coxinhas (R$ 40.90). The Bahian moquecas—such as fish with shrimp (R$ 75 and R$ 145) or plantain with heart of palm (R$ 62 and R$ 120)—are served with rice, pirão, and dendê farofa. From Friday to Sunday, feijoada is available: the classic version with dried meat, ribs, paio sausage, pork cracklings, and greens (R$ 75 and R$ 145), or the vegan option with maxixe, pumpkin, and okra (R$ 65 and R$ 125). Among the most distinctive dishes, the sun-dried picanha with baião de dois stands out (R$ 78). For dessert, it’s worth staying until the end: options include a cup of soft coconut sweet with paçoca farofa (R$ 16) and coconut-soaked cake with a unique dendê ice cream, corn cream, and crispy corn (R$ 40). Saúde: Rua Sacadura Cabral 79. Tue to Sun, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2nd place: SUD, O PÁSSARO VERDE

Eight years ago, the acclaimed chef Roberta Sudbrack decided to venture out on her own—and she has never been alone on this journey since. Without partners or the burden of high-end gastronomy, she opened her restaurant in a charming white house, unmarked at the entrance but revealing itself as you pass through the wooden gate. The unmistakable aroma of good food wafts from the clay oven, the centerpiece of the dining room, adjacent to the open and lively kitchen where dishes receive their final touches. Connected for decades to small producers of organic and artisanal ingredients, Roberta is a culinary artisan, constantly seeking new inspirations from the land and sea. Some recipes, however, have become classics and remain on the menu, like the organic roasted cauliflower with house-made tahini hummus (R$67, photo) and the eggplant with black tucupi miso (R$75). A favorite, the free-range chicken (R$185) is served with green beans, baby carrots, and organic potatoes. It’s hard to resist the dulce de leche pancake (R$55), served still sizzling. And here’s good news for fans: after a few months of renovation, the chef has reopened Da Roberta, her street food bar in Botafogo. Jardim Botânico: Rua Visconde de Carandaí 35 (3114-0464). Tues to Thurs, 6 PM to 10 PM. Fri, 12 PM to 3 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM. Sat, 12 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 10 PM. Sun, 12 PM to 5 PM.

Named the best Brazilian restaurant in the latest edition of the Rio Show Gastronomy Award, this is the current culinary haven of Kátia Barbosa. Stepping into the cheerful turquoise-blue house, guests are transported into a world of flavors that evoke the chef’s memories and stem from meticulous research into ingredients and habits that shape Brazilian cuisine. Here, comfort food goes beyond mere rhetoric: named in honor of the Barbosa family matriarch, the restaurant serves an irresistible chicken drumstick with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, and bertalha (R$58, photo), one of Mrs. Sofia’s favorite dishes. To start off well, the pork salpicão (R$42), unique in the city, is a great choice—and also appears as a starter on the executive menu (R$75, three courses). The famous Katita feijoada is served on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (R$61 for one; R$120 for two). On Sundays, the restaurant also offers a buffet-style breakfast (R$75 per person) from 9 AM to 12 PM, with a generous spread and freshly prepared items like tapiocas and couscous. For a creative finish, the Brazilian tiramisu (R$29.50) combines cupuaçu, tapioca, coffee, chocolate ganache, and cream, in a dessert that encapsulates the restaurant’s inventive and distinctive spirit. Praça da Bandeira: Rua Barão de Iguatemi 257-C (3269-3716). Wed to Fri, 12 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 11 PM. Sat, 12 PM to 11 PM. Sun and Tues, 12 PM to 4 PM.

Brazilian restaurants nominated at the Rio Show Gastronomy Awards

For forty years, it has stood as one of the main references for Brazilian cuisine in Rio. With two locations in the city, the brand dedicated to the national spirit was founded in October 1985, in Leblon, when cachaça was far from receiving the appreciation it does today. Currently, the menu boasts about 80 labels produced in 13 states. The standout is the famous feijoada (R$179.90), made with pork loin, jerky, sausage, ribs, and thin sausage. Rice, collard greens, farofa, orange, and—of course!—a shot of cachaça complete the ritual. A well-known starter is the cheese curd and rosemary empanadas (R$19.90) or shrimp (R$21.90). For an individual order, the sun-dried beef stew with bacon farofa, fried egg, butter bean, rice, and fried banana (R$64.90) is also delightful. It’s worth exploring the creative caipirinha menu, with highlights like the famous “famosinha” (R$27.90), one of the most requested, prepared with the namesake cachaça from Minas, Sicilian lemon, ginger, honey, and biquinho pepper. The Minas cheese ice cream with guava syrup (R$19.90) is the perfect ending. Leblon: Rua Conde de Bernadotte 26 (2239-1542). Mon to Thurs, 12 PM to midnight. Fri and Sat, 12 PM to 1 AM. Sun, 12 PM to 10 PM. Barra: Av. Armando Lombardi 800 (98450-1711). Tues to Thurs, 12 PM to 11 PM. Fri and Sat, 12 PM to midnight. Sun, 12 PM to 7 PM.

The birthplace of the feijoada dumpling—an iconic Rio de Janeiro cultural dish—continues to enchant generations with its shareable plates. Kátia Barbosa, the founder and creator of the snack, remains as a consultant, setting the kitchen’s standards. The must-try dumplings are served alongside crispy pork cracklings and lemon caipirinha (R$44, four pieces). Another famous starter is the portion of tapioca and cheese curd cushions, filled with creamy requeijão and herbs (R$55, six pieces). Among the main dishes, one of the city’s best shrimp bobós stands out, served with rice and palm oil farofa (R$168, serves two). To quench your thirst, Brahma draft beer (R$12.90), the classic caipirinha (R$28), and the batidas, like the passion fruit with pepper (R$10, 50ml), are popular choices. Alongside her daughter, Bianca Barbosa, Kátia also signs the menu of northeastern spices at Kalango, a hybrid bar and restaurant located on a bustling corner of Botafogo. Praça da Bandeira: Rua Barão de Iguatemi 245 (2273-1035). Tues to Sat, 12 PM to 11 PM. Sun, 12 PM to 6 PM.

Originally a steakhouse, the restaurant embraced its Brazilian roots under the leadership of chef Vanessa Rocha, named breakout star at the 2024 Rio Show Gastronomy Award. The menu offers a journey through flavors from various regions of the country, with dishes like the “Beijo Mineiro” (black Angus tongue with feijão-tropeiro and fried egg, R$72), tambaqui ribs with açaí barbecue (R$92), and VM shrimp in moqueca sauce with rice noodles (R$98). Among the shared dishes, the 550g flank steak (R$244) stands out, which can be served with crispy cassava with aioli and parmesan (R$42). Dessert features coconut pudding with mango coconut candy (R$37). Ipanema: Rua Maria Quitéria 111, Ipanema (3502-4634). Mon, 12 PM to 4 PM and 6 PM to 11 PM. Tues and Wed, 12 PM to 11 PM. Fri and Sat, 12 PM to midnight. Thurs and Sun, 12 PM to 10 PM.

French chef Jérôme Dardillac, residing in Brazil since 1995, combines his extensive experience with a passion for local flavors on the menu of the elegant Fairmont hotel restaurant. The goat cheese salad from the Serra Carioca (R$75) gains character with açaí vinaigrette, confit tomatoes, salted peanut brittle, and pão de queijo croutons. Fresh fish from the Posto 6 fishermen’s colony forms the base of a flavorful dish, served with roasted plantain puree, crispy collard greens with Bahia orange, and peanut farofa (R$165). For sharing, highlights include meats prepared in the charcoal-fired Josper oven, such as the pirarucu belly with tucupi emulsion from Pará (R$250, 500g) and the Angus flank steak with guaraná demi-glace (R$450, 600g). The vegetarian baião-de-dois (R$55) accompanies both nicely. The desserts, true works of art, live up to the hotel’s five-star reputation—especially the “caju” (R$65), made with white chocolate ganache, lime, and cashew nut crunch, shaped like the fruit. Copacabana: Fairmont. Av. Atlântica 4.240 (2525-1232). Daily, 12:30 PM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM.

After winning over the Carioca audience with their grilled Amazonian fish and carimbó dance events (held one Sunday a month) at Riachuelo, the house of Maranhenses Adriana Veloso—who recently participated in the reality show “Chef at a High Level” on TV Globo—and José Maria, known as Júnior, arrived in the South Zone this March. The new Leblon location, with a sidewalk deck, features exclusive dishes such as the “pororoca” dumpling (R$42.90), made with piracuí dough and potato filled with shrimp, plus jambu mayonnaise; tambaqui ribs in tucupi, served with charred vegetables and passion fruit and Pará nut farofa (R$109.90); and filhote with a nut crust, plantain puree, and jambu pesto (R$124.90). Mixologist Thiago Teixeira’s cocktails are reimagined in Leblon: the “Égua do Pará” features jambu cachaça, lime, taperebá foam, and smoked nut shavings (R$36.90). The well-known tasting menu (R$149.90) remains strong in both locations, with maniçoba, tacacá, tambaqui ribs, and other hits. However, to dance the carimbó, you’ll need to head to the North Zone. Leblon: Rua João Lira 97 (97895-6221). Mon, 11 AM to 4 PM. Tues to Sat, 11 AM to 11 PM. Sun, 11 AM to 6 PM. Riachuelo: Rua Vitor Meireles 92 (2239-9540). Tues to Sat, 11 AM to 9 PM. Sun, 11 AM to 6 PM.

No need to be a guest to enjoy the fine dining at the Ipanema Inn restaurant, led by chef David Cruz. Born in São Paulo with Minas and Recife roots, the chef presents recipes that exude Brazilianness, resulting from meticulous research into regional flavors. To start the day, nothing beats the “sertanejo combo” (R$69): couscous with egg, cheese curd, and plantain, cartola, daily or orange juice, tea, or coffee. If there’s still room, don’t skip the excellent cheese breads (R$28, four pieces). Lunch offers an executive menu from R$49 (main course only) to R$78 (with starter and dessert). The main menu is available from 12 PM to 10:30 PM, with options like shrimp dumplings with sausage and mango gel (R$25, three pieces). A house hit, the sun-dried filet mignon (R$99) with rapadura demi-glace, creamy canjiquinha, pickled pumpkin, and toasted okra remains a great choice. To finish, the delicate guava tartlet with crumble and house-made cream ice cream (R$38) sweetens the visit. Ipanema: Rua Maria Quitéria 27 (2267-4603). Daily, 7 AM to 10:30 PM.

Since 2023, the two-story 1930s property on one of Rio’s trendiest streets has become a reference point for contemporary Brazilian cuisine. The tone is set by Danilo Parah, a Rio native and breakout chef at the 2023 Rio Show Gastronomy Award, who draws on his childhood memories alongside his mother and grandmother, both cooks. To start, try the refreshing duo of oysters (R$32) with green mango sorbet and cashew vinaigrette. The cheese bonbon (R$65), with tomato textures, Pardinho cheese fondue, pesto, and crunchy breadcrumbs, also has its fans. Move on to the main course with the chef’s take on the classic shrimp with chayote (R$129), featuring grilled crustaceans with potato-baroa, chayote fondant and pickles, and bisque sauce with tucupi. The curraleiro beef shoulder (R$92), a Brazilian breed with a distinctive flavor, is served with charred potatoes, sprout watercress, and toasted vegetable sauce. Finish with a comforting cassava cake (R$38), with cappuccino ice cream and toffee sauce. Ipanema: Rua Garcia D’Ávila 118 (98385-7051). Sun to Tues, 12 PM to 11 PM. Wed to Sat, 12 PM to midnight.

A slice of Bahia in Jardim Botânico. This is the current haven of chef Ísis Rangel, who gained fame leading the now-closed Siri Mole in Copacabana for over two decades. Since 2018, she has shared the helm with her daughter Erika, determined to keep the legacy of celebrating Bahian cuisine alive in Rio. Inspired by Jorge Amado’s work—where food plays an essential role in storytelling—the house sets the tone for a menu rooted in tradition. Upon arriving at the charming townhouse, start with the acarajé (R$39), the chef’s signature dish, born in Canavieiras and residing in Rio for three decades. The black-eyed pea fritter with onion, fried in dendê, arrives as tradition dictates: with vatapá, caruru, shrimp, and tomato salad. The moquecas are the menu stars, with fish, crab, or shrimp versions (R$119, individual; R$205, for two) and also a great vegan option (R$71 or R$121), made with plantain, zucchini, eggplant, and mango. To finish, choose from homemade sweets of guava, banana, or cajá (R$21). Only the view of the Farol da Barra is missing. Jardim Botânico: Rua Maria Angélica 197 (3796-0905). Tues to Sat, 12 PM to 11 PM. Sun, 12 PM to 9 PM.

With a privileged view of Rio, this restaurant is one of the charms of Santa Teresa and, for nearly three decades, has attracted locals and tourists in search of good food and unforgettable scenery. Each visit offers new angles to admire the city—whether in the gardens with wooden gazebos or on the main house’s veranda. Between one sigh and another, savor the delights of chef Ana Castilho, who predominantly works with organic ingredients. Such is the case with the crab shell (R$58), inspired by Amazonian cuisine, with water flour and Bragança crab from northeastern Pará. Her Minas roots shine in the cheese bread from Serra da Canastra and Grana Padano, filled with copa lombo or Tiradentes sausage (R$62, six pieces), a house classic. The “polvo carnaval” (R$190), with potatoes and ratatouille, is a traditional option, while the “baião with tucupi” (R$75) offers a flavorful vegetarian option. To finish, the “manga maravilha” (R$48), infused with lemongrass and tucumã sorbet, is light and refreshing. The drink menu impresses with over a hundred cachaça labels and a selection of natural wines. The coffee service is also noteworthy. A note: The Secreto, a space where the chef serves a tasting menu for up to ten people, is available by reservation. Santa Teresa: Rua Aprazível 62 (96741-3850). Tues to Sat, 12 PM to 11 PM. Sun, 12 PM to 6 PM.