The Best Alfresco Restaurants In Rio De Janeiro

There’s never-ending sunshine in Rio de Janeiro, so soak up the goodweather and vibrant culture at this smart selection of al fresco venues for a breezy hedonistic meal. Don’t forget your sunscreen!

1. Café das Ruínas

Restaurant

Café das Ruínas

Located in the charming Parque das Ruínas in the bohemian quarter of Santa Teresa, this restaurant has a great view of the city. A very well constructed menu by the chef Natasha Fink offers well-prepared, alternative food in a relaxed outdoor setting. Try the breakfasts that include, among other things, omelettes and tapioca pancakes. Later go for the spiritual mushrooms: a mix of fresh seasoned mushrooms served with fresh bread and tacacho, a lightly toasted plantain with pesto basil and gorgonzola cheese. To heat things up, the chocolate with rum and special caiprihinas developed with Brazilian fruits and herbs are a winning choice.
Rua Murtinho Nobre 169 (Parque das Ruínas), Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil +55 21 2215-0621

2. Estaçōes

4 Estaçōes

The big charm of 4 Estaçōes is its very atmospheric, insular location, on an island in Lake Marapendi in Barra da Tijuca, with luxurious vegetation all around. Brazilian seafood is the house specialty. Try their excellent shrimps. You need a ferry to get there, but don’t worry, it’s fast and simple.

Ilha da Coroa, 20, Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

3. Pérgula

Restaurant, Hotel Restaurant, Cafe, Seafood, Cocktails, Wine, Dessert, Brazilian, European, South American, Street Food

Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro

What about a restaurant by the pool? The Pérgula at the historical Copacabana Palace Hotel is a bespoke restaurant. Sip Champagne cocktails and dine on seafood and light pasta dishes. The service includes both a buffet system and an à la carte menu. Brunch is served on Sundays and includes pastas, cheeses and cold meats with bread, salads, hot dishes and dessert. Expect to find salmon and caviar. The customer is also entitled to a glass of sparkling wine and assorted juices.

4. Azul Marinho

Azul Marinho

Located in a stunning spot at Arpoador beach, Azul Marinho is one of a kind. In addition to a delicious buffet, there are great seafood choices from the a la carte menu: fish stew, assorted pastries, and of course, the famous caipirinhas.
Rua Francisco Bering s/n°, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2513-5014

5. Real Astoria

Restaurant, Spanish, Brazilian, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Fast Food

Located in an beautiful setting, with panoramic views of Baía de Guanabara, the Royal Astoria Restaurant specializes in Spanish food. Besides the privileged location, near the center and various sights of the city, the ambience is joyful and well designed with tables on the porch. Have a proper glass of wine and savor the wonderful Valencian paella.

6. Espírito Santa

Espírito Santa

The Espírito Santa is another good outdoor lunch option, with nice tables on the balcony of a beautiful mansion built in 1875. The chef, Natacha Fink, who also runs Café das Ruínas, is inspired by typical Amazonian ingredients and adds a touch of sophistication when creating the dishes. Recommended starters are the tapioca blinis or crunchy cookie curd cheese. For main course try the fillet of Barbacena – filet mignon in bread crust on leek and rice – or ‘widow’s boyfriend’ – grilled fish fillet with chestnut crust on grilled peach palm sprouts. For dessert try the crispy patty stuffed with sweet chocolate and cupuaçu jam or guava pie. Precious and gorgeous food.
Espírito Santa, Rua Almirante Alexandrino 264, Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2507-4840

Santa Teresa at sunset © Matheui Bertrand Struck/Flickr

7. Très

Food Kiosk

Très

Managed by two welcoming and smiling people from Marseilles, this beach kiosk between Posto 3 and Posto 4 allows you to take a drink or a meal overlooking Copacabana beach. Try the buckwheat pancakes or the homemade hamburger, not to mention the traditional caipirinha. At weekends, enjoy live Brazilian music.

Avenida Atlântica s/n quiosque 18, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

8. San Remo

San Remo

San Remo is ideal for lunch or dinner, with beautiful views of the Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Try the squid risotto, full lobster, the salads or the tall scallops. The drinks are prepared by the sympathetic bartender Waldeck Rock.
San Remo, Lagoon Gourmet, Avenida Borges de Medeiros, 1424 – Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil +55 21 2249-8762

9. Aprazível

Aprazível

Here, the atmosphere is cool and relaxed, and the food is delicious. Their speciality is seafood. Try their carioca rice, their lamb dish (Cordeiro Sagrado) and the refreshing desserts made of fruit, like sorbets and coulis.
Aprazível, Rua Aprazível 62 Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

10. Atlantis

Atlantis

Atlantis provides diners with a beautiful view of the Copacabana beach and the Pão de Açúcar (Sugar Loaf) with a wonderful breeze. Their soup and tasty fresh bread are a must-have to start your meal. We recommend the tasty, beautifully presented cod or the feijoada, both served on a buffet on Saturdays. To drink, opt for the perfect caipirinhas served with olives, nuts and free and plentiful fries.
Atlantis, Avenida Atlantica, 4240 Sofitel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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