We had a bit of fun in Rio de Janeiro – we sunbathed a little, we ate a little, we drank a little.. and we shopped a little (I am a big fat liar, but a lady never tells!)
Here are some of the places we have been to (and many thanks to João, Alessandra and Mariana for the wonderful tips, which we followed literally!). This is my Rio de Janeiro address book.
To make it easier, I have added website links where possible and the neighbourhoods.
FOOD & DRINK
Breakfast
It’s always time for Pão de Queijo (bread with cheese inside)
Mornings start early in this part of the world – one needs to squeeze in a dip in the sea, a run by the Calçadão or a full workout at one of the many (seriously many) gyms. It is an iterative process, i.e. you work out so you can have wonderful breakfasts!
– Talho Capixaba – Leblon
– Café du Lage at Parque Laje – Jardim Botanico – very busy at weekends, worth going midweek
– Escola do Pão – Lagoa – weekends only
Lunch
Pasteis de Queijo e Carne – Cheese or Meat Pastries.. with a side of Caipirinha
– Celeiro – Leblon – known for its salads, which are supposed to be the best in Rio
– Gula-Gula – Ipanema – great outdoor space
– Aprazivel – Santa Teresa – a bit further away from the centre, but worth the cab ride
– CT (Claude Troisgros) Boucherie – Leblon – great executive lunch
– Braseiro da Gávea – Gávea
Aprés-beach
It is customary to make a little stop after a day at the beach in one of the “pontos”, which can be quite basic places where people meet up for a “choupe” (a small cold draught beer) and a pastel de carne (meat pastry). Always a good idea before you start with the caipirinhas.They are also good spots to go for a stand-up drink after dinner.
Great atmosphere at Bar Astor
– Veloso – Leblon
– Pizzaria Guanabara – Leblon
– Jobi – Leblon
– Astor – Ipanema
– Bar Urca – Urca
Dinner
Please book a couple of weeks before going to Rio or you will be disappointed! The coolest restaurants are limited (in terms of space) and you will have a bit of competition!!
Zuka is one of Rio’s hotspots
– Zuka – Leblon
– Quadrucci – Leblon
– Carlota – Leblon – doesn’t take bookings, need to turn up before 9pm to get a table
Carlota is one of Rio’s best kept secrets
– Sushi Leblon – Leblon
– Gero – Ipanema
– Al Mare (Fasano)
– Antiquarius – Leblon
– Esplanada Grill – Ipanema
A visit to Brazil without some steak does not count…
– Fogo de Chão – Brazilian steakhouse – Botafogo
– Porcão – Brazilian steakhouse – Ipanema
– Venga – tapas bar – Leblon
A BIT OF MUSIC
We had a great evening at Rio Scenarium
Venture out of Ipanema and Leblon and head towards Lapa, the home of samba in Rio. If you want to go to some of the most popular venues, book on the Monday before you intend to go, in order to get a table (usually best tables are on the ground floor, and you need to turn up by 8pm. If you are one minute late, it will (and believe me it will) be given to someone else. Bars as stay open til past 4am, but standing room only.
Carioca da Gema – www.barcariocadagema.com.br
Rio Scenarium – www.rioscenarium.com.br
SHOPPING
It would be so wrong to go to this amazing city and not help the local economy! Interestingly, the fashion scenery isn’t the same as in all global cities. There are many local chains which add a bit of variety.
Farm – one of the nicest shops I have been to!
There’s more to Rio than Havaianas and Melissa jelly shoes – which are of course worth a visit! Local brands include Osklen, Cavendish, Richards, Cris Barros, Farm Rio and Schutz to name just a few.
Bikinis are a must buy for the ladies – and don’t worry, they aren’t all tiny. Best brands are Cia. Maritima, Salinas, Água de Coco and Rosa Chá, among others.
Leblon
The main shopping street in Leblon is Ataúlfo de Paiva and its cross streets. You will also find here 2 of the best malls in Rio.
Rio Design Leblon Mall
Rio Design Leblon – www.riodesignleblon.com.br
Shopping Leblon – www.shoppingleblon.com.br
Ipanema
One of the many Havaianas stores in Ipanema
The main shopping street is Av. Visconde de Pirajá and its cross streets, where you will find many of the above mentioned brands.
Before and after they become precious stones.. at H. Stern
If you like jewellery (who doesn’t?) it is worth going to H. Stern’s HQ in Ipanema (they do a free transfer to and from selected 5* hotels). It has a duty free shop (excellent!) and some incredible stuff, including a sale counter with an extra 25% off –
Other Malls
Barra Shopping (Barra) – huge!
Rio Sul Shopping (near Botafogo)
Fashion Mall (São Conrado) – has all the international designer brands
There are plenty more places to go, and I shall be updating this page on a regular basis. We tried, tested and loved all of these – and won’t settle for anything less!
If you want to see some great photos of Rio and how we fell in love with this wonderful city, just click here.
Mrs O.
Thais
June 27, 2014 at 7:56 pm
Rio it’s really wonderful….I love!!!
Congratulations to your blog.
Thais
@mrsoaroundworld
June 28, 2014 at 12:58 am
Thank you!
Shikha (whywasateannualleave)
April 25, 2014 at 9:53 am
I am so sad that I had not seen this before I went to Rio a couple of months ago – I’d love to go back one day though and will definitely be bookmarking this for my next visit! 🙂
Shikha (whywasateannualleave) recently posted..Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina
@mrsoaroundworld
April 25, 2014 at 9:56 am
Ohhh!! Better late than never!
Danielle
June 10, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Wonderful! Definitely printing this out to take with me! Thinking now that maybe I will just wait to get a swimsuit when I’m there… 😀
@mrsoaroundworld
June 11, 2013 at 8:25 am
Oh yes! Salinas or Cia Maritima. Actually you are spoilt for choice. Btw, re restaurants, to pre book them
the lazy travelers
January 29, 2013 at 7:45 pm
saving this for whenever we finally make it to rio! someday.
the lazy travelers recently posted..cozy up, new york
@mrsoaroundworld
January 30, 2013 at 4:57 pm
I think you ladies will quite like it!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin
January 29, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Making me miss Rio. I’d love me some pastel de queijo and some freshly squeeze sugarcane juice right about now. Great guide for Rio, Mrs. O!
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..What We Hate About Australasia
@mrsoaroundworld
January 30, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Thank you! Tried and tested every single place, so you can trust it. Love Rio!
Pola (@jettingaround)
January 29, 2013 at 8:02 am
I’d love to visit Rio someday, and this will certainly come in handy! I love the title of the post too – cute. 🙂
Pola (@jettingaround) recently posted..Photo of the Week: Golden Gate Bridge & Crissy Field
@mrsoaroundworld
January 29, 2013 at 8:10 am
Thank you, Pola! Rio is a great city to visit, and these places were, without a doubt, my favourites!
The World Wanderer
January 28, 2013 at 10:11 pm
You can bet I’m bookmarking this one! I hope to be spending NYE in Rio this year, and I trust your opinions, so I will be following this advice for sure. 🙂
The World Wanderer recently posted..Music Monday: Hero.
@mrsoaroundworld
January 29, 2013 at 8:10 am
Excellent! Make sure you book a month before as they do get really full!
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Leah Travels (@L_e_a_h)
March 7, 2012 at 10:49 pm
I met the wife of the general manager of the Sheraton. Sweet lady. 😉 I’m totally bummed that I didn’t get into one of the Havaiana stores. I’m a sucker for those simple, rubber shoes!
mrsoaroundtheworld
March 7, 2012 at 11:23 pm
And they are so good 🙂 I actually didnt get any as mine as still perfect after a couple years!
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