Routes Americas 2026
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil • ExpoRio CIDADE NOVA
• 3 – 5 March 2026
Destination Guide
Looking for the best restaurants, bars and day excursions in Rio? Our host has curated their recommendations for Routes Americas delegates when visiting the destination.
Gastronomy - Discover the flavours of Rio
Rio de Janeiro’s culinary scene is as vibrant and diverse as its landscapes. From traditional Brazilian fare to sophisticated international cuisine, every meal tells a story of Rio’s cultural mix and heritage. Here are just a few of our top picks in the vicinity of Routes America’s hotels in the Zona Sul of the city.
BOTECOS
After the beach or before dinner, head to one of Rio de Janeiro’s informal and democratic bars for a chopp and a petisco.
Jobi
A Leblon institution since 1956, Jobi remains open into the early hours for an excellent chopp and typical Portuguese origin snacks such as bolinho de bacalhau or pastel de queijo. Ideal for the Routes Americas After Party!
Bracarense
Another Leblon favourite; try their excellent empadinha de camarão or filet aperitivo. Beachwear is the norm here!
Rainha
At the heart of Leblon’s Dias Ferreira Street, Rainha recreates the classic style of Rio de Janeiro’s old botecos and serves Portuguese and Spanish classics to share.
Belmonte
A popular chain of botecos that can be found all across Rio de Janeiro; check out their flagship bar at Ipanema’s beach front.
STEAK HOUSES & CHURRASCARIAS
Brazil is famous for its churrascarias, and Rio de Janeiro has some of the best.
Assador Rio’s
A premium steakhouse in the Flamengo neighbourhood, offering exceptional cuts of meat and panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and the Sugar Loaf.
Churrascaria Palace
A timeless classic near Copacabana Beach, famous for its impeccable rodízio and tradition.
Corrientes 348
Located at the Marina da Gloria, this is an Argentine-style grill known for prime cuts, great wines, and warm hospitality.
Malta Beef Club
Founded by a meat merchant, Malta serves some of the city’s finest prime cuts. Try their fraldinha or costela together with the best French fries in town. Two locations, in Leblon and Jardim Botânico.
Giuseppe Grill Leblon
Another sophisticated steak and seafood house, located in Leblon, offering top-quality ingredients and impeccable service.
Braseiro da Gávea
Great value-for-money grill, attracting large crowds especially on the weekend. Expect to down a few chopp on the street whilst waiting for a place.
BRAZILIAN RESTAURANTS & BISTROS
Rio de Janeiro’s bistros and restaurants offer a unique experience, combining international cuisine with local favourites and flavours. Here are just a few:
Balcão 201
Relaxed, small bistro by Michelin Star Chef João Paulo Frankenfeld, on Leblon’s Dias Ferreira Street.
Yaya Comidaria
A charming and intimate spot offering contemporary Afro-Brazilian cuisine with homemade flavors.
Chez Claude
The Rio outpost of chef Claude Troisgros, serving French Brazilian cuisine with creativity and flair (Leblon).
Clan BBQ
Also on Dias Ferreira Street in Leblon, everything here comes from their open fire grill, including one of the best hamburgers in town.
Guimas
A stylish bistro in Gavea, offering international cuisine with a traditional bar atmosphere, combining simplicity, good food, and a relaxed vibe. The favourite of a generation of Cariocas.
Escama
A modern seafood restaurant that brings the freshness of the ocean to your plate in the heart of Jardim Botânico.
Jojo
Charming bistro café located opposite the botanical gardens in the Jardim Botânico neighbourhood, offering al fresco dining.
Koral
Contemporary cuisine in a stylish setting in the heart of Ipanema. 28-year-old chef Pedro Coronha’s dishes are inspired by his time at Noma in Copenhagen and Eleven in Lisbon.
Aprazível
If you have a bit more time, head out to the Santa Teresa neighbourhood where Aprazível combines stunning views of Rio de Janeiro with classic Brazilian dishes.
GASTRO BARS
End your evening at one of Rio de Janeiro’s many fashionable gastro bars.
Elena
A stylish two-story mansion in the Jardim Botânico neighbourhood brings together quality food, good drinks, and music with views of iconic landmarks of the Marvelous City (and perhaps a famous football player or two).
Casa Camolese
A gastro bar combining gastronomy, culture, and music, located between Jockey’s horse racetracks and the Jardim Botânico.
Maguje
Another trendy gastro bar with live music, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere. Same location as Casa Camolese.
Nosso
A laid-back space in Ipanema that is equal parts restaurant, cocktail bar and roof terrace. With chef Bruno Katz in charge of food, Nosso offers twists on local dishes. The drinks menu is perfectly suited to the chilled out, tropical atmosphere.
ITALIAN
Brazil has a large Italian-descendant population and Rio de Janeiro offers some of the best Italian cuisine in the country.
Babbo
This Italian-Carioca Osteria in the hearty of Ipanema and run by chef Elia Schramm is one of the most popular Italians in the Zona Sul. The chef’s take on Carbonara is worth the obligatory wait for a table.
Grado
One of the city’s top-rated Italian restaurants, with chef Nello Garaventa at the helm. Set in a little house on a quiet street in Jardim Botânico, Grado offers a charming interior and an excellent-value set menu. Try the Agnolotti de Javali.
Padella
Chef Nello’s second restaurant is as much a culinary as an architectural experience. Located in a beautiful old Botafogo mansion, this award-winning trattoria offers handmade pastas and Italian meat dishes.
JAPANESE
More than 1.5 million Brazilians are of Japanese descent and the unique Japanese Brazilian fusion style is must-try for those that like their sushi.
Haru Copacabana
To “become as Japanese as the Japanese themselves” is Haru Suhi Bar’s motto and it shows. Choose between relaxed sidewalk dining or a more traditional ambience on the upper floor.
Sushi Leblon
Innovative and cool since 1986 and located on Leblon’s Dias Ferreira Street, Sushi Leblon offers contemporary Japanese Brazilian fusion and the chance to spot the odd celebrity.
Gurumê Ipanema
A contemporary Japanese restaurant known for its fresh ingredients, refined sushi, and elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, offering a sophisticated dining experience in the heart of Ipanema.
PIZZA
Brazilians love their pizza and so will you. Bráz (Jardim Botânico), Capricciosa (Ipanema), Ella (Jardim Botânico), Oficina Local (Copacabana) and Mamma Jamma (various locations) are all great choices.
JUICE & SANDWICHES
If you are just looking for a snack, stop at any of Rio de Janeiro’s juice & sandwich bars such as Polis Sucos in Ipanema and Bibi Sucos or BB Lanches in Leblon. You can’t go wrong with a suco de fruta de conde e um queijo minas no árabe.
Great areas to go out
The Routes After Parties are legendary so why not head to one of the Zona Sul’s bohemian and gastronomic hot spots such as Rua Dias Ferreira and Baixo Leblon, Baixo Gavea, Baixo Botafogo or Horto for a few drinks. Just ask your taxi driver or concierge for directions and hit the night. Further out, the Lapa neighbourhood offers entertainment into the early hours.
Nightclubs and shows
Samba, live jazz and dinner shows, Rio’s nightlife offers plenty of entertainment after a long conference day.
Blue Note Rio
The Copacabana chapter of the iconic New York jazz club, hosting world-class performances in a refined setting.
Roxy Dinner Show
A glamorous experience that blends fine dining with live entertainment and dazzling performances showcasing Brazilian culture (Copacabana).
Manouche
An intimate club beneath Casa Camolese in Jardim Botânico, where live music and mixology come together seamlessly.
Rio Scenarium
A must-visit samba venue in Lapa, combining vintage décor, live music, and the city’s most authentic atmosphere.
Day Trips - Take a break beyond the city limits
For those with an extra day to explore, Rio’s surroundings offer postcard-perfect escapes from coastal sophistication to untouched island beauty.
Day Off in Búzios
A glamorous seaside getaway with charming boutiques, beachside restaurants, and crystal-clear waters. 2hour-drive
Day Off in Ilha Grande
A paradise of lush rainforest and pristine beaches, perfect for relaxing or snorkeling in turquoise coves. 2h30-drive
Plan Your Experience
Make the most of your stay in Rio de Janeiro with our host's official Routes Americas 2026 Tour Operator. They offer curated tours, restaurant reservations, and bespoke experiences tailored for event participants. Book your activities and excursions directly with the official DMC to enjoy exclusive access and local expertise.