Downtown area of Rio de Janeiro is home to many successful businesses and restaurants, Al Kuwait, is one such example. Established in the '50s by a Lebanese immigrant, the joint serves up a wide variety of traditional middle-eastern cuisine. Ranging from the popular Baba Ganoush to the rarer Arabic dishes, Al-Kuwait can soon become your favorite exotic restaurant.

This unassuming little corner snack bar might not look like much, but step inside and you'll find a world of tasty treats. A runner-up in the "Best Arab Food" category of Rio Show Gastronomia magazine's 2009 awards, this spot has been serving up delicious Arab cuisine for more than 30 years. Light bites include superior esfihas, triangular pastries filled with anything from cheese to meat, while daily set meals combine rice and lentils with vegetables and a variety of mains. To wash it down, take your pick from over 20 types of fresh fruit juice.

The neighborhood of Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro is lined up with some of the most popular hangouts and eateries in the city - Amir Restaurante is a part of this line up. Offering a traditional Lebanese cuisine with a twist, the restaurant is also known for its regular belly dance shows every Friday. With interesting interiors and keen, helpful service, Amir sports a very Arabic vibe; come along and dig into some of the best food from the exotic east.