Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro, pt 3
Aprazivel
The Upscale Tree House tucked away in Santa Teresa
Aprazivel has a reputation for being romantic and whimsical. In the time of Covid, I could tell that some of this had been diminished, but I still recommend this place. Be prepared, it is a bit pricey, the dishes are small, and everything is a reimagined or deconstructed version of something popular. The only downside to Aprazivel is that it is NOT easy to get to. There is no public transit to get there. The Santa Teresa neighborhood is SUPER hilly and each road winds around the terrain. Even our uber couldn’t make it. So I had to walk the last quarter-mile in heels and drizzling rain. The food was worth it.
NOTE: With long narrow staircases and only one elevator to descend into the dining areas, it may prove a difficult place to navigate for people with specific physical disabilities.
Restaurant Broth (Buffet Roth)
A Neighborhood Gem for a Home Cooked Meal
This small family business is a well-kept secret. It is not located on a main road with a lot of foot traffic, nor is there loads of parking nearby. The area is almost completely residential. The buffet is small and yet comprehensive, the caipirinhas are tasty and the food is delicious yet well priced. This space is not open late, so make sure you check the hours before you go.
NOTE: At the time of publishing, gloves and a mask were required while in the buffet area, only a limited number of people were allowed in the buffet area at once, and the tables were socially distanced for safety.
T T burger
Best Burger in Rio de Janeiro
I make it a thing to check out popular and cool-looking burger joints while in Brazil and T T Burger is officially my favorite. A simple menu with quality ingredients sets the stage for something special. There are a few locations and the Arpoador location has a super small dining room. If you’re staying nearby, I recommend getting your burger to-go and enjoying it in private because the foot traffic can be high. But you also have the option of getting it to go and enjoying it on the beach. Half the patrons have sand on them when they come in. So it’s very laid back and popular for a reason.
NOTE: The guava ketchup is EVERYTHING! It's housemade and delicious.
Ferro e Farinha
Best Pizza in Rio de Janeiro. Period.
With multiple locations in Zona Sul, Ferro e Farinha is consistently delicious. I had written off the pizza in Rio, as Cariocas seem to not understand what pizza actually is. For several reasons, they ignore the fact that tomato sauce is a key ingredient for a good pizza. The Ferro e Farinha executive chef, Sei, understands what makes a quality pizza and has found a way to fuse what Brazilians want with what is traditionally considered a good pizza. I would eat this pizza no matter where I am in the world. Also, the cocktails are amazing!
NOTE: The cocktails and non-pizza items are delicious. I’m craving the octopus RIGHT NOW.
Confeitaria Colombo (Cafe Colombo)
A Historic Bakery and Worthy Tourist Attraction
Founded in 1894, this historic coffee house is often called a tourist trap, but it is well worth the trek and the wait. As lovely as the photos are, the real thing is far better. And the food measures up. This is where I discovered the Cappuccino Carioca, which has a slight hint of chocolate and cinnamon. The Portuguese pastries are delicious and plentiful. The sandwiches are huge and made to share. And the decor is worthy of every social media photoshoot. I can’t believe how many times I’ve been to Rio de Janeiro before I finally went.
Azur
Upscale Seafood on the Beach
Located in Leblon, directly on the beach road, this quiosque (kiosk) boasts a seafood menu that includes oysters. It has been my experience that raw oysters on a half shell are not super popular in Rio de Janeiro. While the space doesn’t appear to lend itself to large groups, I saw several family parties enjoying the beer and fried fish, which are the perfect combo. It is also a rather romantic spot at night as well.
NOTE: I was not a fan of the bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish fritters), but the fried fish was perfect!
Gringo Cafe
A Fun Concept that Misses the Mark
If you are a native English speaker who knows people in Rio de Janeiro, you’ve likely heard of this place. But I want to warn you that while the menu boasts American classics like bacon and french toast, they are NOT what you think. They are made with Brazilian ingredients, making the textures and sometimes the flavors all wrong. The bacon is not crispy or even browned for that matter. Some gringos love it. THIS gringa does not. I go because my friends like it.
NOTE: Good coffee and belgian waffle. Eggs are usually scrambled appropriately.
