3 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from Rio, Brazil

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.

Brazilian Lunch Dinner $$$$
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
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Wed. and Thurs. Closed Tues., Credit cards accepted

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.

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.

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