In celebration of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 in Rio de Janeiro this November – the city’s second consecutive year hosting – here’s a round-up of its finest venues, offering a taste of what this buzzing destination has to offer
With tourist numbers in Rio de Janeiro hitting a decade-record high in 2024, Brazil’s second-largest city is proving it’s a top South American destination. With its laid-back beach vibes, alive with the jazz-spiked influence of bossa nova, few places rival Rio’s energy. To help you get the most of this multi-layered city, 50 Best reveals the finest places to stay, eat, drink and explore.
STAY
Belmond Copacabana Palace
@belmondcopacabanapalace
(Image: Alexandre Macieira, RioTur)
The century-old Belmond Copacabana Palace has welcomed legendary figures from pop icon Madonna to Rod Stewart, who drew the largest crowd in history to the hotel’s beachfront during his free concert in 1994. Old-world elegance touches every corner, from the marble-clad lobby to the 239 elegant rooms and suites. Multilingual staff provide standout service at the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurants: MEE, featuring pan-Asian cuisine , and the Italian-inspired Cipriani.
Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana
@fairmontrio
(Image: Alexandre Macieira, RioTur)
Also set on the Copacabana, the Fairmont Rio de Janeiro Copacabana exudes 1950s glamour across its 375 rooms, two pools, spa and many restaurants. Walk-ins can also savour the hotel’s gastronomy, from Brazilian dishes with French influences courtesy of chef Jérôme Dardillac at the Marine restaurant, to cocktails and nibbles at the chic Spirit Copa bar with its ocean backdrop.
Where else to stay in Rio de Janeiro:
MGallery Santa Teresa Hotel RJ
@santateresamcgallery
A rustic five-star hotel with one of Rio’s top spas – it won three awards at the Luxury Spa Awards 2024 – and the renowned Térèze restaurant (pictured above), set on the hillside of Santa Teresa.
Emiliano
@hotelemiliano
Bask in the outdoor infinity pool overlooking Copacabana beach in this five-star hotel with modern touches such as a living tropical wall and a futuristic panel facade.
Hotel Fasano
@fasano
Understated luxury with a rooftop pool and bar overlooking Ipanema Beach.
Janeiro Hotel
@janeirohotel
Beachfront boutique luxury with a plunge pool and views of the Dois Irmãos peaks in upscale Leblon.
EAT
Seafood temple Oteque (No. 37 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024) and intimate chef’s table Lasai (No.58 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 extended list) are a given, but the city has so much to offer if you’re looking for great food.
Aprazível
@aprazivel
A rustic, softly lit terrace in bohemian Santa Teresa sets the scene for Aprazível’s cuisine, which reflects the country’s diverse flavours. To the backdrop of dazzling city views, savour local delicacies such as the roasted palm heart followed by mains such as tropical fish with coconut rice or the classic chicken stew. Caipirinhas made with local cachaça take centre stage on the drinks menu, particularly those using cashew or cupuaçu
Yayá Comidaria
@yayacomidaria
Led by chef Andressa Cabral, Yayá Comidaria offers homely Brazilian dishes that draws on the country’s African influences. Think picanha do sol, a tender cut of meat with white beans and cassava, as well as sharing options such as the moqueca, a seafood stew. The local theme continues to starters such as dried meat with banana balls; desserts, like the brigadeiro with cashew nuts; and the drinks, including a Bloody Mary made with cachaça.
From Brazilian to vegan, where else to eat in Rio de Janeiro:
Mesa do Lado
@mesa.do.lado
(Image: Tomas Rangel)
An intimate experience that blends fine dining crafted by chef Claude Troisgros with a multi-sensory journey and expert wine pairing.
Bota
@botarestaurante
Serving Italian cuisine best enjoyed on the outdoor patio overlooking the Glória Marina and the picturesque Guanabara Bay.
CT Boucherie
@ctboucherie
In the heart of upmarket Leblon neighborhood, expect a French menu with prime cuts of grilled beef and fine wine.
Dois de Fevereiro
@dois.de.fevereiro
Classic Brazilian fare is served in Rio’s fashionable after-hours neighbourhood of Saúde, led by chef João Diamante, founder of non-profit Diamantes na Cozinha (Diamonds in the kitchen).
Flor do Céu
@restauranteflordoceu
A menu made with seasonal ingredients served on a bright, airy terrace overlooking the sea.
Teva Vegetal
@tevavegetal
Vegan dishes served in an industrial-chic setting, adorned with plants on the walls.
DRINK
Nosso Bar
@nossoipanema
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Nosso’s tropical vibe spans three floors, inviting visitors to dive into the action at the main bar or relax on the rooftop. Award-winning bartender Daniel Estevan showcases 20 cocktails inspired by Brazilian flavours, including the Tacacá Sour – a blend of gin, jambu, lime and national fruits tucupi and cupuaçu – and the Bloody Macuxi, a local twist on the Bloody Mary made with cachaça, tomato juice and Amazonian caxiri.
Belisco Bar de Vinhos
@belisco.rj
(Image: Belisco)
Led by an all-women team, Belisco Wine Bar is a collaboration between chef Monique Gabiatti and sommelier Gabriela Teixeira. Located on one of Botafogo’s prime streets for drinking and dining, Belisco offers more than 150 wine labels in a low-lit, buzzing atmosphere. Pair your selection with appetisers such as burrata Siciliana or the charcuterie platter.
Where else to drink in Rio de Janeiro:
Arp Bar
@arpbar
(Image: Tomas Rangel)
The picturesque backdrop of Arpoador beach and gentle live music almost steal the show from the classic cocktail and wine menu.
Academia da Cachaça
@academiadacachaca
A top spot for sampling an enormous variety of cachaça, paired with typical carioca (local) food.
Bar Urca
@barurca
The ideal spot for laid-back outdoor mingling over cold beers and prawn pastels with Guanabara Bay in the background.
Hocus Pocus DNA
@hocuspocusdna
Locally brewed craft beers, ranging from a light, citrusy American ale to robust stouts, in a rustic room with exposed brickwork.
Meza Bar
@mezabar
Impeccable cocktails and wine options served in a trendy setting, with live music every Wednesday.
SEE
Christ the Redeemer
(Image: Pedro Kirilos, RioTur)
It may be obvious, but no visit to Rio is complete without seeing one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Opened in 1931, the Christ the Redeemer statue has symbolised the city ever since. Choose from several ways to visit: take the cable train or van up the mountain, or hike up Corcovado through lush tropical forest.
Sugarloaf Mountain
(Image: Alexandre Macieira, RioTur)
One of Rio’s most popular attractions, the Sugarloaf juts from the mainland into the sea, offering sweeping views of the city’s blend of urban and tropical landscapes. Most visitors reach the top by cable car, while some prefer to climb. Go on a clear afternoon to catch the sunset as it dips behind the city’s silhouette.
More to see in Rio de Janeiro:
Carnival parades
(Image: Marco Terranova, RioTur)
Experience the evocative spectacle of Rio’s parades or join millions of costume-sporting revellers in the Carnival street parties during February and March.
Botanical Gardens
Explore Brazil’s vast variety of flora on a daytime visit or experience it after dark with a nighttime tour.
Maracanã
Tour the Maracanã Stadium and catch a local football match to experience Brazil’s unmatched passion for the sport.
Roxy Dinner Show
Enjoy a musical showcasing Brazil’s rich musical landscape – from Rio’s samba and funk to northeastern axé – paired with a dinner of local flavours.
Tijuca Forest
Explore the Tijuca Forest through a range of activities from hikes along leafy trails to dips in natural waterfalls.
The list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will be announced on Tuesday 26 November from Rio de Janeiro. Discover more places to eat, drink and stay in Rio de Janeiro.
(Header image: Fernando Maia, RioTur)
