Rio de Janeiro has some of the best food you’ll find in Brazil, from high-end restaurants to cheap street-side snack bars. And if you’ve been on the road for a while and are craving some more international cuisine, the city’s cosmopolitan flair will ensure you a wide range of quality choices, from Middle Eastern to Japanese within every traveler’s budget.
This classic Rio boteco retains its 1950s feel while serving up hearty Brazilian foods, from huge platters for two, to steak sandwiches, to empadas and the best pastéis we found in all of Brazil! This place has an authentically local vibe with Cariocas gathering here after work for a chopp (draft beer), a snack and some socializing. The party spills out onto the street and it can be quite a wait to get a table, so grab a chopp and some pastéis and relax! This is the perfect way to wind down after a long day at the beach and kick-off your Rio de Janeiro nightlife experience. For a more low-key and quiet experience, drop by for lunch. There are several locations around Rio de Janeiro, but the best is the original in Flamengo, easily accessible by bus from the beaches of the Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon).
Chopp R$3, pastéis from R$3 and steak sandwiches from R$12.
Praia do Flamengo 300, Flamengo
This chain of fast-food cum bistro is the latest craze in Rio. Choose from an extensive list of sweet and savory temaki (seaweed rolled around rice and stuffed with salmon, tuna, veggies, beef etc…) – a delicious and cheap lunch or snack. There are numerous stores across town, the original in Ipanema. After months of traveling, this is the perfect place to satisfy those cravings for something other than rice and beans without breaking the bank!
Temaki from R$7.
Rua Maria Quitéria 77, Ipanema
Dozens of different cuts and types of meats are carved directly onto your plate at this traditional churrascaria. There is also an excellent and extensive ‘salad’ bar that includes everything from fish, to chicken, pasta, salads, sushi and more! Carretão is the perfect combo of value and quality for the backpacker on a budget and is easily accessible from Ipanema beach and hostels!
All-you-can-eat rodízio from R$30.
Rua Visconde de Pirajá 112, Ipanema
Related posts: