The Best Organic Food Spots In Rio De Janeiro

The demand for more organic food options in Rio de Janeiro has caught the attention of savvy restaurant owners who are keen to serve fresh, pesticide-free dishes to a rapidly growing audience. Once a rarity in Rio, restaurants specializing in organic meals are on the rise. Here’s where to find the best organic food spots in Rio de Janeiro.

1. Teva

Restaurant, Vegan

Teva may be new on the block, yet it’s quickly becoming recognized as the best vegan restaurant in town. The meals are well-considered to factor in fresh, local ingredients and bundles of flavor to create light dishes such as Thai salads, vegan burgers, and bruschetta. The restaurant holds a strong stance against plastic so expect to see metal or paper straws in your drinks instead. Couple all of this with a modern, stylish environment and it ticks all the boxes for a memorable (and organic) meal out.

2. Refeitório Orgânico

Restaurant, Healthy, Vegetarian

Buddhist art and wooden furnishings give a zen-like feel to this organic restaurant that serves a wide range of vegetarian food through its buffet or a la carte options. Each food option has been carefully considered so that ingredients complement each other not only in taste but to help absorb the protein from the plant extracts. Dishes on the menu include Moroccan couscous, light bean salads, rice mixed with raisins and nuts, and vegetarian burgers. For drinks, try any one of the freshly-made fruit juices.

3. Azteka

Restaurant, Mexican

A tiny venue located in the heart of Ipanema, Azteka is one of the few Mexican restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. Its food is as close to authentic Mexican as you can find in Rio, although it still leans more towards the Tex-Mex category – which is no bad thing at all. The generously stuffed burritos and crispy nachos are both satisfying and delicious, and all the dishes on the menu are made with locally sourced, organic ingredients whenever possible.

5. Bio Carioca

Restaurant, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Of all the healthy restaurants in Rio, Bio Carioca is one of the most complete with lactose-free, egg-free and gluten-free options available making it widely accessible. The chefs prepare and cook the orders in full sight of the restaurant, creating an intimate and relaxed experience between the diners and the staff. Everything on the menu is vegan, organic, and full of flavor, making it a healthy food option for both vegan and non-vegans alike.

6. Vegan Vegan Espaco Vegetarian

Restaurant, Healthy

Vegan Vegan was one of the first vegan restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. Today, it serves a rotating menu based on local availability that keeps the food options innovative and different every day, plus all the ingredients are organic. Inside the restaurant is a home-brand shop that sells various health foods and products; the venue occasionally hosts vegan-cooking workshops.

7. Spazziano

Restaurant, Vegan, Vegetarian, Healthy

One of the most popular organic restaurants in Rio de Janeiro, the Spazziano restaurant is an extension of the Spa Maria Bonita de Friburgo in Ipanema and provides healthy, chemical-free food for both spa clients and the general public. The restaurant offers a buffet-style lunch every day, which includes salads made from ingredients that come from the Spa de Friburgo’s vegetable garden. A green juice, a shot of energy juice, and a dessert are all included in the fixed price of lunch. Brazil’s most famous dish, the feijoada (a bean stew usually served with different cuts of meats), is served vegan-style on Saturdays and is a star on the Spazziano menu for both vegans and non-vegans alike.

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