7 Best Restaurants in Centro, Rio de Janeiro

At the turn of the 20th century, the belle epoque structure that houses Colombo Confectionery was Rio's preeminent café, the site of elaborate balls, afternoon teas for upper-class senhoras, and a center of political intrigue and gossip. Now, visitors stop for arguably the most atmospheric coffee, melt-in-the-mouth sweet treats, and tasty salgados (savory snacks) in town while admiring the elaborate, Old-World interiors—enormous jacaranda-framed mirrors from Belgium, stained glass from France, and tiles from Portugal are among the art nouveau decor's highlights.

The elaborate Portuguese tilework, bow-tied waiters, and first-class seafood dishes make this lunchtime, weekday-only spot one of the top picks for an atmospheric lunch in Rio's downtown. Perch at one of the alfresco bar-stools for a more informal snack, or head inside to dine in the colonial vestiges of one of the city's oldest restaurants, serving the city's well-to-do since 1884; if you're on a budget, opt for a snack at the restaurant's more affordable back annex.

The best spot for city-center people-watching, this vast pavement boteco overlooking the Biblioteco Nacional and the Theatro Municipal has been a Carioca institution since it opened in 1921. Waitstaffers in bright yellow waistcoats and bow ties flit among the bustling tables delivering reasonably priced Brazilian dishes and ice-cold draft beer to a local after-work crowd. Don't confuse Amerelinho with the adjoining bar, Vermelhino—both have yellow roof canopies and yellow plastic chairs, but Amerelinho serves superior food.

Open since 1933, the Ancoramar (formerly known as Albamar) is not hard to spot: this outstanding seafood house is inside a distinctive green octagonal building with 360-degree views of Guanabara Bay a few minutes walk from Centro's bustling Praça XV square. Chef Rodrigo Costa is behind the array of seafood risottos, fresh fish, and pasta dishes that now draws Centro's business moguls.

Facing the patio at the cool, whitewashed Paço Imperial (The Imperial Palace) and close to the Palacio Tirandentes in the Praça XV square, this charming little bistro is a good option for a light lunch, coffee, or snack for Centro sightseers. European influences abound, and the vegetarian-friendly menu includes salads, quiches, and grilled fish; make sure to leave room for the tempting desserts.