Where locals eat in Rio de Janeiro

The neighborhood places residents go back to, with what to order at each.

12 places in Rio de Janeiro · by Chef Amazing · updated October 20, 2026
Photo: Wilfredor, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons

1. 1

   Bar Urca

   Brazilian seafood bar · Urca

   Get: the bolinhos de bacalhau and a cold chope, eaten on the sea wall

   Beloved Urca kiosk in Rio known for cold beer and fresh seafood snacks by the bay.

   Rua Cândido Gaffrée, 205 - Urca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22291-080 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Adega Pérola

   Copacabana

   Get: a few dishes from the counter, like the octopus salad and sardines

   Open since 1957.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Bar do Mineiro

   Santa Teresa

   Get: the feijoada and pasteis de feijao

   Expect to queue on Saturdays.

   Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20240-290, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Bar Bracarense

   Leblon

   Get: the bolinhos de aipim com camarao and a chope

   Leblon has gathered here since 1961.

   Rua José Linhares, 85 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22430-220, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   Aconchego Carioca

   Praça da Bandeira

   Get: the bolinho de feijoada and a craft beer

   Rua Barão de Iguatemi 245, Praça da Bandeira, Rio de Janeiro-RJ, 20270-060 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Galeto Sat's

   Copacabana

   Get: the grilled chicken hearts and galeto with garlic bread

   Open late at the counter.

   Rua Barata Ribeiro, 7 - Loja D - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22011-001, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   Cervantes

   Copacabana

   Get: the roast pork sandwich with pineapple

   Open into the early hours since 1959.

   Avenida Prado Júnior, 335 - Loja B, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22011-001, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Pavão Azul

   Copacabana

   Get: the bolinhos de bacalhau and pataniscas

   Run by two Portuguese sisters.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Nova Capela

   Portuguese · Lapa

   Get: the roast kid with broccoli rice

   Lapa's late-night table since 1903.

   Av. Mem de Sá, 96 - Lapa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20230-150, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Cosmopolita

    Portuguese · Lapa

    Get: the file a Oswaldo Aranha, steak with garlic, potatoes and farofa

    Open since the 1920s.

    Travessa do Mosqueira, 4, 20021-270, Lapa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
11. 11

    Bar Jobi

    Botequim · Leblon

    Get: the bolinhos de bacalhau and a chope

    A Leblon corner since 1956.

    Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, 1166 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22440-035, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
12. 12

    Rio Minho

    Portuguese seafood · Centro

    Get: the sopa Leão Veloso, a seafood soup

    The city's oldest restaurant, busy at lunch.

    Rua do Ouvidor, 10 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20010-150, Brazil · Map · Add to Chef Amazing