Rio de Janeiro Restaurants

Specializing in Thai Cuisine from South-east Asia, Nam Thai is known as the best Thai restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. The restaurant received the official seal “Thai Select” from the Thailand government confirming the fidelity of the country's cuisine. Perfect for those who enjoy light and spicy dishes. Tucked in the charming neighbourhood of Leblon, a visit to Nam Thai makes for an authentic culinary treat.

Nam Thai was born in 1998 in order to fill a gap in Thai cuisine in Rio, which did not have any establishment in the genre. Not only did the restaurant fill a gap in the market, but exceeded standards. In 2006, Nam Thai was awarded the “Thai Select Brand” by the Export Promotion Department of the Ministry of Foreign Trade for offering innovative and genuine cuisine. The restaurant was also elected twice by the magazine Exerca, as the best Asian restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, both by popular vote and the jury.

Always searching for novelties and attractions for his clients, the chef Daniel Zisman travels to South-east Asia regularly, bringing fresh creations both from Thailand as well as countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia to the main Nam Thai menu.

With generous portions, the restaurant offers platters to share between two, with special prices for dinners daily. Visitors can't miss the classic Thai serving platter, offering a bit of everything. Try the Bangkok (R$ 120), composed of Himmappon Gai (chicken sautéed with chestnuts, onions, carrots, daikon, shiitake, spring onions and oyster sauce). One of the flagships of the house is the baked sea bass fillet served with lemon sauce, accompanied with perfumed rice, dried prawns and lemon grass leaves.

As an insiders tip- Ask for the dish of the “Restaurant Week festival”; prawns with vegetables and oyster sauce (starter, main course and dessert) that sells for only R$ 41, 90- incredible considering the location and high level of the eatery. With Helio Pellegrino décor accompanied with excellent service, Nam Thai offers both a traditional and cosy atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the restaurant's dessert recommendations: a yoghurt mousse with confit ginger or sweet pumpkin with orange system in a Harumaki tile.

For a tasty Asian delight at a reasonable price, Nam Thai comes highly recommended.

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Asian

Part of the famous Fasano Group of Hotels, Gero has won several awards and is the favoured venue for socialites, journalists, and high society. Try the restaurant's Italian specialities like pasta, lamb cutlets stuffed with folie grass and farfalle pasta bow-ties. Follow the chef's suggestion and try the oven-roasted lamb shank with potatoes or the veal and mushroom ravioli. Meat aside, vegetarian options are plentiful, and the tiramisu is a perfect blend of creamy, expresso-laced mascarpone.

Gero, is an excellent option for business lunches or romantic culinary treats.

Owned by the Italian Fasano chain, the beautiful high-ceilinged, wooden-floor building exhibits the clean,

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Italian

Da Silva offers authentic Portuguese cuisine, such as feijoada bean stews, Dover sole, duck rice, and Bacalhau (traditional Portuguese codfish). The restaurant also serves countless types of Bacalhau (salted cod), prawn and crayfish risotto, along with several brands of local and imported beers and fruity caipirinhas to drink. Don't forget to have traditional deserts like siricaia (sour cream, condensed milk and eggs gratin) or pastels de nata (cream tarts). With a well-lit and decorated large lounge, Da Silva offers a delightful dining experience.

Star Rating: 3/5
Cuisine: Local & Portuguese

The restaurant offers Thai, South American and International cuisine. Zaza Bistro is the number one stop for lunch located on the second block from Ipanema beach. Try their namorado fish fillet with a banana purée and palm heart or prawn ravioli served with grilled salmon in a saffron sauce. With inventive and eclectic tropical dishes and delicious cocktails, a visit to Zaza Tropical Bistro makes for an adventurous dining experience. Perfect for a romantic evening, girls' night out, or family dining.

Star rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Thai, South American and International

Cipriani, a part of the Copacabana Palace Hotel, is a traditional Italian restaurant offering innovative dishes on its menu. It is named in honour of the sophisticated hotel in Venice. In 2019, Cipriani was awarded a Michelin Star, and it retained the same in 2020.

A fine view over the hotel pool and the beautiful décor accompanied with effortless and charming service improves the experience.

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Italian, European

A carioca winner, Cafe Lamas is one of the oldest restaurants in Rio. With a rustic décor and greeted by old-fashioned waiters in white coats, stepping into Cafe Lamas feels like a step back into the Brazilian 70s. The price may not seem so inviting, with prices being similar to most chic restaurants. That said, with huge Brazilian-style portions easily shared between two, food of excellent quality and phenomenal service, the prices become more reasonable. For those who enjoy simple and traditional things, a visit to Cafe Lamas is a must.

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Brazilian, Portuguese

Located near the beach, Amir is an authentic Lebanese and Arab restaurant in Rio. It is known for serving tasty platters of hummus, koftes, kibbe, falafel and other delicious meats and salads in a relaxing atmosphere. The perfect spot with outdoor and indoor dining is suitable for both families and couples. The food served here is excellent & value for money.

Star Rating: 5/5
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Arabic

Satyricon is famous for seafood served in flavoursome sauces. Fish, crustacean, mollusk, seafood and meat are extremely fresh and prepared with unique and excellent ingredients. Highlights of the menu are the grilled lobster with lemon rice and king crab.

The charming, elegant and trendy atmosphere is set in a way to make people feel comfortable. The prices are above average and somewhat exaggerated with reference to the wine list and main dishes.

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Opened in 2007, Braz is popular for its best pizzas made from the freshest and finest ingredients. Braz Pizzaria makes pizzas the classic Neapolitan way: thin, crispy and baked in a wood-fired oven. Visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid queuing. However, the outside waiting area make it the perfect location to enjoy a wine or an ice-cold chopp (draught beer).

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Italian

Serving Brazilian cuisine, the meat served at Marius Degustare comes from organically fed cattle. Many meat dishes are available on the menu, including grilled meat and steaks. With a rustic-chic atmosphere, the property facing Leme beach offers salads, antipasti, cold and more robust dishes such as paella and salmon. Although the décor may be considered a bit OTT to some visitors' tastes, a visit to the restaurant enables visitors to step out from the Leme beachfront to a magical medieval haven.

Star Rating: 5/5
Cuisine: Seafood

Cervantes has been serving the best sandwiches since 1955. It offers a variety of sandwiches, slowly roasted meats, fish and chicken, all accompanied by cheese and a slice of pineapple. Go hungry as you’ll struggle to finish a portion alone. A visit to Cervantes is almost obligatory when in Rio de Janeiro.

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Brazilian

The Aipo & Aipim Copacabana is a chic gourmet heaven in Rio that serves delicious Greek cuisine. The special home-cooked kind of food gives this place a comfortable aura. The restaurant also offers cakes, pastries, and all kinds of scrumptious Mediterranean foods. Dishes like Escondidinho Aipim with Shrimp and Chicken pot pie are absolute must-try on chef’s recommendations.

Star Rating: 4/5
Cuisine: Brazilian