Tasting Ipanema – our top picks
Ipanema is the sweet spot in Rio, small, safe, and right by the beach. It’s like the beating heart of your vacation. You’ll probably find yourself here every day, so, where’s the go-to for your taste buds?
Let’s compile a list of the best restaurants in Ipanema, ordered according to my favorites.
Garota de Ipanema – $$
Number one would be Garota de Ipanema, a restaurant where you can have a Picanha (rump steak) Brasileira, which is a picanha top sirloin. A two-pound piece, sliced thinly, is served on a hot skillet along with rice, fries, and vinaigrette. An ample serving for maybe two to four people, depending on how hungry everybody is.
Galitos – $
The second is Galitos, which is a grilled chicken place on the corner of Farme de Amoedo Street and Visconde de Pirajá Street.
Frontera and Fazendola – $$
The third would be Fronteira and Fazendola, which are food-by-the-pound (comida-a-quilo) restaurants in Ipanema.
Faraj – $
Faraj claims the fourth spot, right on the corner between Ipanema and Copacabana. It specializes in all things Arabic, serving up an array of delicious Middle Eastern delights.
Zaza Bistro -$$$
Then, for dinner, you want to consider Zaza Bistro, on Rua Joana Angelica with Rua Prudente de Moraes. Very progressive, cutting-edge, healthy-style food. Mostly small portions, but everything is extremely fine, and the decor is also beautiful.
Via Sete – $$
Another fun place to go for lunch is Via Sete, a fabulous venue on Rua Garcia Dávila.
Bar Lagoa – $$
Craving German flavors? Look no further than Bar Lagoa, on the Lagoa side of Ipanema, between Vinicius and Joana Angelica, with a view of the lagoon.
Puro Brasa -$$
For beer and food, one of the best places in Ipanema right now is called Puro Brasa. Excellent for a happy hour, and the food is rather impressive.
Le Pulet -$$
If you want something romantic and you’ve already been to Zaza, then I would consider Le Pulet on General Osório Square. You’ll find it on Rua Jangadeiros, number 10.
Canastra – $$
The other incredible place for pizza is Canastra Pizza, also on Rua Jangadeiros.
Satiricon – $$$$
If you want to go all out with seafood, then head to Satiricon, on Rua Barão da Torre.
New Natural – $
If you’re looking for good food by the pound that’s also healthy, you might want to consider New Natural, on Rua Barão da Torre and Farme de Amoedo.
