KEY2 Pick
Best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro
Counters, dining rooms and neighbourhood favourites, chosen for the way they actually eat — not for how loudly they market.
KEY2 Pick
KEY2 Pick
KEY2 Pick
Brazilian • $$
Academia da Cachaca
A Leblon institution pairing Brazilian small plates with one of the city's biggest cachaça lists.
Best for: Group Dinner
Botequim • $
Bar do Mineiro
A Santa Teresa neighbourhood institution for feijoada and cold chopp beer, packed with locals on weekends.
Best for: Casual Dinner
Juice Bar & Sandwiches • $
Bibi Sucos
A Leblon juice-bar chain institution serving fruit juices and sandwiches to beachgoers year-round.
Best for: Casual Lunch
Botequim • $$
Braseiro da Gavea
A Gavea square-side botequim serving grilled meats and ice-cold beer to a lively late-night crowd.
Best for: Casual Dinner
Historic Cafe • $$
Confeitaria Colombo
A Belle Epoque tearoom in the city centre, unchanged since 1894, famous for its jointed pastel de nata and mirrored dining room.
Best for: Sightseeing Lunch
Steakhouse • $$$
Esplanada Grill
A Leblon steakhouse favoured by locals for its dry-aged cuts and unfussy service since 1986.
Best for: Group Dinner
Pizzeria • $$
Ferro e Farinha
A tiny, wood-fired Santa Teresa pizzeria with no reservations and a queue that starts before it opens.
Best for: Casual Dinner
Botequim • $$
Garota de Ipanema
The bar that inspired "The Girl from Ipanema," still serving cold beer and grilled classics a block from the beach.
Best for: Casual Dinner
Steakhouse • $$$
Irajazinho
A Botafogo picanha specialist popular with locals for its charcoal-grilled beef and casual sidewalk tables.
Best for: Casual Dinner
Fusion • $$$
Zaza Bistro Tropical
An eclectic, colourfully decorated Ipanema house mixing Asian and Brazilian flavours on a candlelit back patio.
Best for: Date Night
Questions, answered
What are the best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro?+
The KEY2 editors' top picks for restaurants in Rio de Janeiro are Aprazivel, Lasai, Olympe, Oro. Every listing in this guide is individually vetted, with hours, prices and booking links.
Where can I find good-value restaurants in Rio de Janeiro?+
For $$-level restaurants in Rio de Janeiro, consider Academia da Cachaca, Bar do Mineiro, Bibi Sucos, Braseiro da Gavea.
What are the best restaurants in Rio de Janeiro for a special occasion?+
For a splurge, the KEY2 guide recommends Aprazivel, Lasai, Olympe, Oro. Reserve ahead — the booking link is on each listing.
Do I need to book restaurants in Rio de Janeiro in advance?+
The most popular restaurants in Rio de Janeiro fill up days or weeks ahead. Every KEY2 listing includes a direct reservation or booking link where one is available.
More Rio de Janeiro guides