Side Trips from Rio Restaurants

The food here is nothing if not eclectic. Expect to find sushi bars, Italian restaurants, and German biergartens sitting alongside restaurants selling typical Brazilian cuisine. Coastal towns serve a large selection of fresh seafood, and most have a local specialty that's worth trying. Beachfront restaurants, especially the ubiquitous baracas (kiosks), can be a pleasant surprise and most will bring food and drink right up to your chosen spot on the sands.

Paraty and Búzios have excellent restaurants serving international cuisine. During high season they fill up beginning at 10 pm and may not close until after sunrise. Restaurants in Petrópolis and Teresópolis serve European cuisine and comida mineira, the hearty, meaty fare from Minas Gerais. Generally, dinner starts at seven and restaurants close around midnight.

To be on the safe side, don't buy seafood from venders strolling along the beach. Be especially careful about the oysters in Búzios and Cabo Frio, which may not be as fresh as the vendor claims.

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  • 1. 74 Restaurant

    $$$$ | Centro

    A culinary playground of talented Argentine chef Gustovo Rinkevich—who also now runs Rocka Beach Lounge & Restaurant—this innovative restaurant has upped the gourmet stakes in Búzios since opening in 2016. Set on the spectacular terrace of the boutique hotel Casas Brancas with sunset views across the bay, expect Michelin-level cooking using the freshest locally sourced ingredients and a curated selection of Brazil’s leading vineyards.

    Rua Morro do Humaitá 10, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, 28950-000, Brazil
    22-2623--1458

    Known For

    • Mushroom ravioli with raw scallops
    • Saffron-infused gin
    • Baby lobster stew
  • 2. Cigalon

    $$$$ | Centro

    Often cited as one of the best restaurants in Búzios, French-inspired Cigalon is an elegant establishment with a veranda overlooking the beach. Though the waiters are bow-tied and the tables covered with crisp linens and lighted by flickering candles, the place still has an unpretentious feel.

    Rua das Pedras 199, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, 28950–000, Brazil
    22-2623--0932

    Known For

    • Charming atmosphere
    • Thyme-infused lamb
    • Decadent profiteroles

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 3. Punto Divino

    $$$ | Centro Histórico

    Carefully prepared Tuscan and Sicilian dishes are at the fore at this charming candlelit spot set off Paraty's main square. Evening live-music performances lend a touch of festivity to the proceedings, and the covered outdoor space means that diners can enjoy meals alfresco even when the famously torrential Paraty rains start to pour.

    Rua Marechal Deodoro 129, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, 23970–000, Brazil
    22-99879--3941

    Known For

    • Fresh and tasty salads
    • Crisp, generously topped pizzas here are the best in town
    • Romantic atmopshere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 4. Rocka Beach Lounge & Restaurant

    $$$$ | Brava

    Overlooking beautiful Praia Brava, relaxed but sophisticated Rocka is one of Búzios's gastronomic highlights as it focuses on superbly fresh, locally sourced seafood that's combined with seasonal fruit, vegetables, and herbs to wonderful effect. A favorite with surfers, come well before lunch so you can spend the day lounging on sun beds or arrive just before sunset when locals stop by for cocktails.

    Praia Brava 13, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, 28950–000, Brazil
    22-2623–6159

    Known For

    • Spectacular seafood including the freshest oysters
    • Boho-chic vibe
    • Lounging on giant white sun beds or raffia mats on the grass lawn that rolls down to the beach

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Reservations essential
  • 5. Thai Brasil

    $ | Centro Histórico

    This trendy, laid-back restaurant charms with its hand-painted interiors, alfresco courtyard, and affordable prices for its generously sized Thai dishes. In the summer months, live music and great cocktails make this a fun place to spend an evening.

    Rua do Comercio 308A, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, 23970-000, Brazil
    24-3371--2760

    Known For

    • Green papaya salad
    • Mojitos
    • Japanese squid with nirá
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Trutas do Rocio

    $$ | Rocio

    It's off the beaten track—ask a local for directions—and only open on weekends, but this rustic, riverside restaurant is really something special. "Trutas" means trout and that's what you'll find on the menu—trout, trout, and more trout served fresh from the river in many imaginative ways: as appetizers mashed into a pâté or baked in cassava-dough pastry, and as entrées grilled or cooked with a choice of almond, mustard, or orange sauce. The restaurant seats only 22, so reservations are a must. On sunny afternoons, the food is served alfresco.

    Estrada da Vargem Grande 6333, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, 25725–620, Brazil
    24-2291–5623

    Known For

    • Reservations only
    • Atmopsheric alfresco setting
    • Unique riverside location

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Thurs.; no dinner., Reservations essential
  • 7. Banana da Terra

    $$$$ | Centro Histórico

    Seafood is always excellent at this long-standing favorite on Paraty's dining scene, and it's a great place to try giant shrimp when they are in season. The bustling restaurant—usually packed with tourists—is in an elegant colonial house decorated with cachaça labels (the caipirinhas here are another strong suit) and 19th-century pictures of the city. The name of the place comes from another of its specialties: banana da terra (plantain), which is incorporated into many dishes, among them grilled fish with garlic butter, herbs, plantains, and rice.

    Rua Doutor Samuel Costa 198, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, 23970–000, Brazil
    24-3371–1725

    Known For

    • Grilled fish with plantains
    • Giant shrimp
    • Lovely atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Wed. and Thurs. Closed Tues., Credit cards accepted
  • 8. Belli Belli Gastrobar

    $$ | Manguinhos

    Owner Alfredo and chef Roque welcome locals like old friends at this great-value gastro-bar, which specializes in high-class cocktails and tasty tapas. With a beautiful view over Manguinhos beach, it's one of the best spots in town to catch the sunset and stay for a relaxed dinner.

    Av. Jose Bento Ribeiro Dantas 2900, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, 28950-000, Brazil
    22-99611--6590

    Known For

    • Jambu (guava) croquettes
    • Tropical sangria
    • Grilled octopus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 9. Chez Michou

    $ | Centro

    A pancake house might seem an unlikely meeting point for partiers, but this Belgian-owned crêperie is indeed the hangout of choice for many hip young things in Búzios. Locals and tourists alike flock to the street-side tables after dark to soak up the scene and listen to live DJ sets while tucking into their choice of over 50 savory and sweet fillings. By day it's a quieter affair and popular with families.

    Av. José Bento Ribeiro Dantas 90, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, 28950–000, Brazil
    22-2623–2169

    Known For

    • Outdoor big TV screens
    • Happening atmosphere
    • Chocolate crepes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No credit cards
  • 10. Churrascaria Majórica

    $$$

    A classic steak house in the heart of Petrópolis’s historic center, Majórica has been a huge hit with meat lovers since it opened in 1962. Every cut is cooked to perfection and served with flair by attentive waitstaff, and there are excellent fish dishes and sides, too. There’s a decent wine list, although it may be even more tempting to opt for one of the very well-made caipirinhas.

    Rua de Emperador 754, Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, 25620-001, Brazil
    24-2242–2498

    Known For

    • Classic caipirinhas
    • Salted picanha (rump steak)
    • Puffed potato balls
  • 11. Estancia Don Juan

    $$ | Centro

    Take a walk through the center of Búzios and you might think you’ve suddenly landed in Argentina thanks to the large number of Spanish speakers who have adopted Búzios as their home. Of all the parillas serving Argentina's traditional barbecued steak, Don Juan is easily the best as its perfectly grilled cuts of prime beef can be washed down with a glass of Malbec from the well-stocked cellar while you take in a live tango show.

    Rua das Pedras 178, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    22-2623–2169

    Known For

    • Succulent 'bife de chorizo'
    • Well-stocked wine cellar
    • Live tango shows
  • 12. Jardin

    $$ | Abraão

    When you finally tire of eating grilled fish and rich moqueca stews, head to this contemporary dinner-only spot that specializes in fresh salads and vegetarian options crafted from locally sourced ingredients, alongside the more innovative daily fish dishes and hamburgers. The cozy, home-like setting—just three tables set on a veranda that's a 15-minute walk into the forest from Praia da Júlia—gives diners the chance to connect with Ilha Grande's natural beauty; a guided walk along the trails each way is included in dinner.

    Caminho de Palmas, Casa 3, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, 23968-000, Brazil
    24-99914--7738

    Known For

    • The jungle-like setting it apart from Ilha Grande's other dining options
    • Sweet potato fries
    • Generous salads

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 13. Lua e Mar

    $$ | Abraão

    Expect fresh, well-prepared seafood and weekly live music during high season at this longtime favorite, which is often cited as the best restaurant in the village of Abraão. Stroll straight from the beach still wearing your Havaianas to try Dona Cidinha's specialty, fish with half-ripe bananas, or the famous moqueca , which many islanders claim is the best in Rio de Janeiro State.

    Praia do Canto, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, 23968-000, Brazil
    24-3361–5113

    Known For

    • Beachfront location
    • Baked fish with banana
    • Generous portion

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed., Credit cards accepted
  • 14. Mistico

    $$$$ | Centro

    With dazzling views over the bay and out across the mountains, the intimate restaurant at boutique hotel Abracadabara offers impeccable service and exquisitely presented dishes. Enjoy the sunset while sipping signature cocktails and dining on gourmet salads and the freshest local seafood.

    Alto do Humaitá 13, Búzios, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
    22-2623–1217

    Known For

    • The grilled octopus
    • Tropical rum cocktails
    • The tuna ceviche

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 15. O Pescador

    $$ | Abraão

    Inside the pousada of the same name, this restaurant serves local seafood prepared using Italian cooking techniques. After dark, you can dine alfresco on the beach by candlelight, or just pop in for a cocktail and nibbles from the bar.

    Rua da Praia 647, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, 23968–000, Brazil
    24-3361–5114

    Known For

    • Seafood risotto
    • Fresh grilled fish (types vary according to season) bought directly from local fishermen
    • Romantic atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 16. Pizza na Praça

    $$ | Abraão

    On the flagstones of Ilha Grande's main square, this simple restaurant serves up more than four dozen types of pies, from simple margheritas to exotic seafood combinations or dessert pies; salads and other dishes are available at lunchtime. This is a great spot for evening meals on Friday and Saturday nights, when live bands play in the square.

    Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, 23968–000, Brazil
    24-3361–9566

    Known For

    • Great people watching
    • Healthy pizza options
    • Lively atmopshere on the weekends
  • 17. Refúgio

    $$$ | Centro Histórico

    Near the water in a quiet part of town, this seafood restaurant is a great place for a romantic dinner, with candlelit tables and a good wine list. On chilly days, heat lamps warm the café tables out front, while evenings are enlivened by music from local musicians (which comes with an additional cover charge).

    Praça da Bandeira, Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, 23970–000, Brazil
    24-3371–2447

    Known For

    • Attentive service
    • Good cocktails
    • Cheesy rice balls

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted

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