Porcão Rio’s
Flamengo

Carnivores will be thoroughly satiated by the authentic riodizio at Porcão Rio’s. "It's considered the best churrascaria in town," says Cassiano Vitorino, the Chief Concierge at Copacabana Palace. "They serve nonstop Brazilian barbecue, and the view of Sugarloaf mountain and the bay is beautiful." That said, others complain that it's large and can be loud and touristy—it's far from trendy—but if you want the real meaty deal, well … When in Rio! Try to book a table near the window so you can enjoy the panorama, which is especially nice during daylight. Great for big groups and families; only go when you're VERY hungry!

Porcão Rio’s
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique s/n
Aterro do Flamengo
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
+55 21 3389 8989

Located on the main drag across from Copacabana beach, this popular lunch spot has a fun vibe and will give you a true sense of the city's vibrant atmosphere. Classic Bossa Nova and modern beats complement the mix of deliberately retro 1960s decor and sleek, contemporary interiors. Bistro fare is eclectic and good; expect perfect caipirinhas and their signature burgers made with salmon, tuna or beef, served by a good-looking staff (this last point seems to be a refrain in Rio!). Copa is also a solid bet for evening drinks, and for later on when the downstairs bar/lounge gets quite lively.

3056 Avenida Atlântica
Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
+55 21 2235 2947

Liquid lunch? If you like caipirinhas, don't miss Academia da Cachaça, a casual bar and restaurant devoted to Brazil's famous white spirit distilled from fermented sugarcane. Its shelves are stocked with hundreds of varieties, and the cocktail menu features an array of exotic concoctions; the mad-scientist bartenders there are always brainstorming new ways to blend the fiery liquor. Wash it all down with traditional dishes from Brazil's northeastern states, such as shredded jerked beef, or feijoada—a thick and delicious clay pot stew made with black turtle beans, sausages, and salted pork and beef.

Academia da Cachaça
26 Rua Conde de Bernadotte
Leblon
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
+55 21 2529 2680

Get away from Rio's congested downtown and take a taxi up windy roads into the hills to dine on a leafy patio overlooking the city. It's worth the trip. Aprazível is actually the home of chef Ana Castilho, who prepares delicious Nouvelle Brazilian cuisine from Wednesdays through Sundays. You can dine indoors or on one of the garden terraces. Her charming restaurant is a star among the growing number of culinary attractions in Santa Teresa, a historic district full of narrow streets and colonial-era homes. In recent decades the neighborhood has been the rundown haunt of artists, but lately has blossomed with art galleries, shops, museums and eateries—and fashionable Cariocas are now showing up in force. If you go to Santa Teresa, be sure to carve out time to explore the neighborhood.

Aprazivel
Rua Aprazivel 62
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
+55 21 2508 9174

Cassiano Vitorino, the Chief Concierge at Copacabana Palace, recommends this eatery in Leblon for a more intimate dinner. After the success of the first Carlota in São Paolo, renowned Chef Carla Pernambuco has also lured a dedicated Rio following with her delicate Portuguese, Brazilian and Asian fusion dishes, such as tuna tornado with miso and ginger sauce, potato and ginger mousseline.

Carlota
64 Rua Dias Ferreira
Leblon
Rio de Janeiro
Brazil
+55 21 2540 6821