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This week, we have special guest Ignacio Mattos sharing his favorite food spots in the seaside city. Ignacio is behind some of the Gohar World team's best-loved restaurants in New York City - Estela, Altro Paradiso, and Corner Bar (where we shot our Table IV campaign!) - and has lived in Brazil. He frequently returns to visit, and is excited to share his list of food favorites on today's newsletter. Read on to discover Ignacio's Rio recs!
FOR GRILLED MEAT FAVORITES
BRASEIRO DA GÁVEA
"Braseiro da Gávea is a great local spot with a focus on grilled meat.
The grilled baby chicken is a favorite, but the picanha (beef) is also popular.
The sausage appetizer is a must, and it's served with fried bananas, farofa (toasted manioc flour), rice, and beans. On the weekends, the street is closed to traffic and it becomes a party zone - you can drink chopp (draft beer) and snack on cod fritters."
PRAÇA SANTOS DUMONI, 116 - LOJA A - GAVEA, RIO DE JANEIRO RJ, 22470-060, BRAZIL
FOR OYSTERS AND CACHAÇA
LABUTA
"Labuta is a small, new boteco (tavern) with a true local spirit.
It is located on Senado Street along the Cultural Corridor of downtown Rio de Janeiro, a home to several century-old townhouses from the early 20th century.
The daily menu features classic Brazilian dishes, as well as a few creative options.
The oysters are a must-try, and the fried pork belly and bolinho de carne (meatballs) are also delicious. Finish your meal with a shot of cachaça, Brazil's national liquor."
AV. GOMES FREIRE, 256 - CENTRO, RIO DE JANEIRO
RJ, 20231-014, BRAZIL
FOR AN ORGANIC LUNCH
CELEIRO
"Celeiro is a great spot for a light and healthy lunch. It began as a beach snack stall in the 1980s and now offers a typical Brazilian pay-per-kilo buffet with well-prepared and mostly organic fare. It serves a diverse variety of around 40 salads, plus a few selected hot dishes and desserts. The menu changes daily, but you can always expect to find fresh salads, simple proteins, and other nutritious homemade, delicious options."
RUA DIAS FERREIRA, 199 - LEBION, RIO DE JANEIRO RJ, 22431-050, BRAZIL
FOR A BEACHFRONT BEER
BAR URCA
"Bar Urca is a classic Brazilian bar located in the Urca neighborhood. It's a great place to go after taking the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain. Although there is a small restaurant with seating on the floor above, most people take their drinks and food to the long sea wall across the road as the beachfront terrace has stunning views of the city. Pastel de Camarao is the way to go. Accompany your food with one of their caipirinhas or caipvodkas, or the large variety of Brazilian beer available."
BAR) E SOBRELOJA (RESTAURANTE, 20S LOJA - R. CANDIDO GAFFRÉE URCA, RIO DE JANEIRO - RJ, 22291-080, BRAZIL
FOR A HISTORIC NIGHTCAP
CAFE LAMAS
"Cafe Lamas is another great boteco that serves all the classic Brazilian dishes.
Rio's oldest restaurant, the café has hosted presidents, writers, actors, poets since its opening in 1874. Today, it remains a place of celebration and excitement - the servers still wear bowties, and the food is just as good as it always has been.
It's open late until 3 AM, so it's a great place to go for a nightcap."
R. MARQUÊS DE ABRANTES, 18A - FLAMENGO, RIO DE JANEIRO RJ, 22230-061, BRAZIL
