This unpretentious bar in the heart of Lapa is a lifeline for hungry party-goers. Open 18 hours a day, seven days a week, the 100-year-old bar serves wonderful bar snacks such as crispy bolinhos do bacalhau (codfish balls) as well as hearty main meals. The lamb with brocolli rice and garlic has been named best bar dish in Rio by the Brazilian guidebook Guia Quatro Rodas and makes a perfect stomach-filler before a night out in the clubs and bars of Lapa. Head here at the start of the night for a tasty dinner, then do as the locals do and pop back in again at 4a for a sunrise beer and snack before making your way home.

Cachambeer is where you should head to, if you wish to spend a casual evening out in Rio. A brainchild of Marcelo Novaes, Cachambeer replaced a former eatery and has been entertaining guests since its establishment in 2002. Cachambeer has become renowned for its small plates accompaniment, with the highlight being the ribs. The menu also includes delicious meat, seafood and chicken preparations. This is an ideal place to relax with food, drinks and friends.

Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, Stalos cafe is open all day and night serving delicious sumptuous meals. The menu features an extensive range of local and international dishes. Take your pick from grilled meat, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and various meat and seafood preparations. Fruit juices, health drinks and local coffees are available to accompany your food. Located at one end of Copacabana, this cafe is an ideal place to refuel yourself after a joyful day at the beach.

Mexican food is making an impact on Rio de Janeiro's dining scene, and this Mexican grill in Leblon, which opened its doors at the tail end of 2011, has been impressing the locals with the spicy food of the Tex-Mex tradition. Classics like nachos, quesadillas, fajitas and burritos are all present, along with spiced and grilled chicken and meat. The tangy salsas on offer add an extra kick to the dishes, and a heady margarita makes the ideal companion to the tasty Tex-Mex dishes on the menu.