5 Best Restaurants in Copacabana and Leme, Rio de Janeiro

Adega Pérola

$$ | Copacabana
One of the most authentic botequim (traditional bar) experiences in Rio is this hole-in-the-wall kitchen serving up tasty Portuguese-style tapas to shared tables and a long deli-bar where regulars crowd after dark. While the staff's English is limited, the service and general atmosphere—vintage prints and liters of wine lining the walls—is so warm and welcoming that you will barely notice; be prepared for a wait in the evenings if you want a table, or head to the bar and order directly from the counter.
Portuguese Lunch Dinner $$
Rua Siqueira Campos 138, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22031-010, Brazil
21-2255--9425
Known For
  • friendly local atmosphere
  • strong flavors, including generous helpings of marinated garlic cloves
  • the calamari
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.

Cipriani

$$$$ | Copacabana
The most lavish of Copacabana Palace's three restaurants is this homage to Northern-Italian cooking, set overlooking the enormous swimming pool and replete in soft lighting, velvet chairs, and impeccable staff. A contender for the most formal restaurant in Rio, it's a serious special treat to feast on fabulous fresh pasta and sip a Cipriani (champagne muddled with fresh peach juice).
Italian Lunch Dinner $$$$
Av. Atlântica 1702, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22021–001, Brazil
21-2545–8747
www.belmond.com
Known For
  • homemade gnocchi with lobster
  • impeccable fine-dining contrasted by bikini bathers by the pool
  • live pianist
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

D'Amici

$$$$ | Leme

A world away from the touristy restaurants that line Copacabana's beachfront, this refined Italian restaurant is easily overlooked but well worth seeking out. The menu celebrates Italy's diverse regional cuisines, including wonderful homemade pastas, quality meats, and delicious desserts. The knowledgeable staff can advise you about appropriate wine pairings—helpful, as the list is extensive.

Italian Lunch Dinner $$$$
Rua Antônio Vieira 18, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22010–100, Brazil
21-2541–4477
Known For
  • fish-stuffed ravioli with saffron and shrimp sauce
  • delicious desserts like tiramisu
  • elegant interiors
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential

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Restaurante Shirley

$$$$ | Leme

Traditional Spanish seafood casseroles are a strong suit at this small restaurant on a shady street, which has been attracting locals for more than 70 years; the waiters, clad in white suits, add to the nostalgic 70's atmosphere. A line snakes around the block at peak hours, but it's worth the wait to find a table: the food, served in generous portions big enough to share, is terrific.

Spanish Lunch Dinner $$$$
Rua Gustavo Sampaio 610, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22010–010, Brazil
21-2275–1398
Known For
  • seafood paella
  • friendly, attentive service
  • traditional atmosphere
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: No credit cards, Reservations not accepted

Venga Chiringuito

$$$ | Copacabana
This contemporary Spanish chiringuito is always packed, thanks to its vibrant vibe and prime beachfront location overlooking Copacabana's Posto 5. Opt for one of the alfresco tables and feast on top-quality tapas, plates of high-class charcuterie and rich seafood rices washed down with big jugs of tropical fruit cleriquot (a South American champagne punch); there are sister locations in Leblon and Ipanema.
Spanish Lunch Dinner $$$
Av. Atlântica 3880, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22070-002, Brazil
21-3264--9806
www.venga.com.br
Known For
  • fun, local atmosphere
  • the salted dark-chocolate mousse
  • black squid-ink rice