Rio is with no doubt one of the world’s most impressive cities, many speak about the amazing views, the golden beaches and the intriguing cultural life. But what about the culinary scene, inspired by TripAdvisor’s hidden gems list, we’ve selected 3 culinary hidden gems in Rio de Janeiro. You should not miss out on these restaurants & bars during your trip to the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro.
Market – Innovative and Healthy Food
Ipanema
Market Ipanema is the place for those looking for fresh, healthy and tasty food and juices. It’s a colorful place with in- and outdoor seating, this cozy little restaurant is the perfect spot for good healthy lunch. The courtyard is probably the most attractive part of the restaurant, find yourself there sitting in a cute tropical garden, complete with palms in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Furthermore the atmosphere in the restaurant is very simple and chic, it’s definitely an upscale place, make sure to wear a nice summer dress if you decide to come directly from the beach to this chic, but laidback restaurant.
The Market offers many vegetarian options all daily made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. But let’s be honest this place is known for its excellent and surprising freshly made juices, think about combinations like pineapple, mint and ginger and various veggie juices. Let’s move to the food now, these are our recommendations. Go for one of the many salads if you cannot choose we recommend to try the strawberry, goat cheese, almond and greens salad and if you’re more in for a hot dish you may want to try the Tilapia with ginger and veggies or the delicious lime risotto. Market also serves various innovative cocktails, it’s definitely worth trying their ‘Longo’!
The restaurant also had a little shop where they sell homemade products, as granola, biscuits and other gluten free and vegetarian products.
‘Delicious fusion cuisine! This is a hidden gem in the Ipanema district, really something different!’
Bip Bip – The must go-to local Samba bar!
Let’s be very clear about this, Bip Bip is the local gem when it’s about local Samba music, the service is definitely not first class, but one of our favorite spots for live samba music. Every day local musicians, whether they are newbies or old professionals start their performance around 7.30PM and a different genre will be touched depending on the day of your visit. Expect to hear anything from ‘choro’ and ‘bossa nova’ to ‘rodas de samba’. Local artists will come and go during the night and play anything they feel like sharing with the crowd.
Bip Bip is a little tiny place with stage, bar (self-service!) and place for a couple of visitors to be inside, all others will enjoy the outside seating. Note that Sunday is the busiest day!
‘The music is absolutely wonderful, really a gem, near the Copacabana beach!’
Aprazivel – Upscale tree house dining
Any of the Class Adventure Travel Specialists will recommend to visit Aprazivel, because of the amazing views of Rio de Janeiro and the unique setting, you will be dining in a tree house! The views over Rio from high on Santa Teresa’s hillside are something that you cannot miss out on. Even though this place is quite a taxi ride away from most Copacabana and Ipanema hotels, it’s worth the ride.
The surroundings are tranquil and the service is top notch. Aprazivel’s menu is extensive and includes as well several vegetarion options from typical ‘mineiro’ and ‘carioca’ to tropical fusion, dishes in various Brazilian styles are available. Let us recommend several dishes, as a starter the ‘Acaraje’ a typical Northern Brazilian dish and the ‘Aprazivel’ salad are very good options, then continue with the ‘Bacalhau’ this fish is one of their signature dishes or the lamb if you prefer a meat dish. They also offer a wide range of deserts and several delicious cocktails.
Aprazivel is the place to splurge during your premium Rio de Janeiro visit. Get in contact with one of Class Adventure Travel’s destination specialists to arrange your perfect Rio de Janeiro vacation, that can be combined with many other Brazilian and South American destinations.