Hachiko in Downtown Rio is one of the most popular sushi bars in the city. Serving a wide range of Japanese food with pan-Asian undertones and a strong western influence, the restaurant is essentially a contemporary, fusion affair. Uber chic meets the exotic East at this joint, which features traditional-looking bamboo bar-stools, wooden tables and chairs against a backdrop of intense crimsons. Buzzing with people and positive energy, Hachiko is a great place for amazing food and interesting conversations.
This lively samba club is housed in a beautiful old building that doubles as a storage warehouse for props and antiques used by the city's film industry. As a result, you will find yourself shaking a leg to a backdrop of mannequins, antique furniture and other relics from the past. Spread over three floors, revelers can chose to enjoy a meal from the restaurant, or just strut their stuff on the dance floor among bohemian locals and tourists alike. The club frequently hosts excellent live music, from samba to forro - check the website for listings. Always packed on weekends.
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.
Rio has its fair share of excellent Italian restaurants. Fiorino on Avenida Heitor Beltrão in Barra da Tijuca is one fine example of this. Serving an authentic Italian feast made with the freshest ingredients available, the joint is associated with Bologna's prestigious organization Accademia Italiana Gastronomica. Housed within a romantic, old house in a residential neighborhood, Fiorino offers a delectable grub that is both visually and gastronomically appetizing. Needless to say, a visit here warrants a happy customer!
The prime location, relaxed ambiance and delicious bar snacks have combined to make Jobi one of the best-loved bars in Leblon. And you've no excuse not to visit the place – with opening hours that extend from 9am to 4am (5am at weekends), there's always a chance to fit in a drink here. The bar has been a favorite post-beach haunt since it opened in 1956, and its location in the lively nightlife strip of Baixo Leblon means Jobi remains packed right into the small hours. Many people rate the bar snacks here as the best in the city – don't miss the bolinhos do bacalhau (deep-fried cod and potato balls).
At the Academia da Cachaca you'll learn how to eat, drink and be merry, just like the Brazilians. With over 500 concoctions to choose from, you'll never tire of visiting this elegant, yet casual place. Most drinks are made from the traditional Brazilian spirit of Cachaca. The food, which comprises of North East Brazilian cuisine, is also quite an attraction. Enjoy a Manioc Croquette with Cream Cheese while you sip on a Passion-Fruit Caiparinha (with real fruit floating inside).
There are quite a few Internet cafes in Ipanema, but it's not easy to think of anywhere that serves food quite as delicious as the sandwiches and snacks on offer at Geographic Café. The gruyere cheese baguette is a good value, and, while the version with salmon, cream cheese and nuts is pricier, its absolutely delicious. If you need a little pick-me-up while surfing the net, try one of the specialty coffees flavored with chocolate, mint, or almond liquor. Still hungry? The dainty slices of chocolate gateaux should kill off the last of your hunger pangs. Internet access is fast but a little pricey - BRL5 for 15 minutes.
Carioca is the name given to a native of Rio, but the kitchen at Bistro Rio Carioca is in fact headed up by young Swiss chef Elia Schramm. The food has a Brazilian accent though, with Schramm making good use of fresh local ingredients. In a 19th-century building in leafy Laranjeiras, à-la-carte diners can enjoy light dishes such as smoked salmon salad with endives and toasted nuts, and mains such as filet mignon with mini vegetables in a red wine sauce. The set menu is changed regularly to keep the dining experience as fresh and interesting as the ingredients themselves.
This little bar-restaurant, which opened in October 2011, specializes in the popular Swiss dish Rösti, which sees grated potato and onion made into a patty, and cooked in butter until golden brown and crispy. It's a dish that is as delicious as it is simple, so diners can choose from a range of toppings to make their rösti extra special. Furthermore, to keep those meat-loving Brazilians happy, there's also a range of grilled meats to choose from, as well as a good drinks selection and some excellent coffee. Rösti + Grill sits on a corner between Santa Teresa's two public squares - Largo do Guimaraes and Largo das Neves, making it an ideal pit stop on a walking tour of the neighborhood.
Located in a contemporary office building, in the heart of Rio's financial district, Prima Donna is a favorite destination among local businessmen. Shaded by an indoor garden, the restaurant is a good place to escape the crowds and stifling heat of Centro, and diners can take their pick from a buffet that includes over 20 different salads as well as pasta, grilled meat and seafood. The wine list has a reasonable selection of reds, whites and sparklers, and desserts are dangerously tempting.