Rio de Janeiro remains beautiful, and this Saturday (1st), in the midst of Carnival, it will celebrate its 460th anniversary. With breathtaking scenery and iconic postcard views, the Marvelous City lives up to its nickname, inviting everyone to appreciate the beauty in every detail. When it comes to gastronomy, the restaurants know how to make the most of all these attributes. From windows framing the Christ the Redeemer to terraces overlooking Marina da Glória, these establishments combine great cuisine with stunning settings. Planned a trip to Rio and want to combine business with pleasure? Here are some restaurants to explore with beautiful views of the city.
Read More: Território Aprazível
Aprazível, one of the most traditional restaurants in Rio, is nestled in the Santa Teresa neighborhood, offering a breathtaking view over Rio de Janeiro. When it comes to dining with a view in Rio de Janeiro, Aprazível in Santa Teresa stands out as one of the city’s most iconic destinations. The space offers a privileged view of Guanabara Bay and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. Chef Ana Castilho leads the menu, blending her Minas Gerais roots with other Brazilian flavors. Also noteworthy are the cachaça cocktails.
Baleia Rio’s
With a Mediterranean menu, Baleia Rio’s is located at Aterro do Flamengo and offers breathtaking postcard views of the city. Located in Aterro do Flamengo, Baleia Rio’s provides a seaside experience with views of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corcovado, and even Niterói. Chef Bruno Barros commands the menu, exploring fresh Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant blends style with relaxation, making it ideal for both casual lunches and special dinners. For cocktail enthusiasts, the menu features both classic and unique creations, such as “Azul da Cor do Mar,” made with vodka, lychee, pineapple, coconut water, ginger, blue curaçao, and lime.
Assador
Assador offers a privileged view of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. With a prime location facing Guanabara Bay and a stunning view of Sugarloaf Mountain, Assador is a great choice for those seeking an authentic gaucho barbecue in the Marvelous City. Offering premium cuts, varied dishes, and a pleasant ambiance, the restaurant presents more than 30 cuts in a rotating service. For a lighter experience, guests can choose a fish-only option. Sides like fried manioc, onion rings, fried polenta, and egg farofa are ordered at the table and freshly prepared, along with salads served from a wheeled cart.
Corrientes 348
Located within Marina da Glória, Corrientes 348 is a staple for Argentine cuisine in Brazil. Set within the iconic Marina da Glória, Corrientes 348 has become a go-to for Argentine culinary experiences in Brazil. With views of Rio’s downtown skyline and the breeze from Guanabara Bay, it’s the perfect setting for a delightful lunch. The restaurant has been a fixture since the marina’s revitalization in 2016. For those pressed for time and heading to the airport, there’s an exclusive cart service to Santos Dumont Airport.
Xian
With a beautiful view of Marina da Glória, you can visit Xian as soon as you touch down in Rio (literally). Situated next to Santos Dumont Airport in the Bossa Nova Mall, the restaurant was established with an investment of R$10 million covering over 3,000 m². Restaurateur Marcelo Torres draws inspiration from Asia’s diversity, offering a menu with sharable portions. Divided into Lounge, Restaurant, and Club, Xian was designed by architect Miguel Pinto Guimarães of MPG Arquitetura to captivate audiences.
Masi
On the thirtieth floor of the iconic Hotel Nacional, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, Masi features large windows offering a panoramic, breathtaking view of São Conrado Beach and Niemeyer Avenue’s coastline. Led by chef Nao Hara, with over three decades devoted to Japanese cuisine, Masi presents a sophisticated menu merging Mediterranean and Asian influences. Noteworthy are elaborate tapas, crudos, exclusive sushi bar creations, and main dishes showcasing the chef’s technique and creativity.
Casa Horto
In the heart of Horto, Casa Horto is housed in a charming restored 1839 mansion, offering vistas of Christ the Redeemer. In the heart of Horto, a lovely mansion from 1839 has been renovated into one of the area’s most charming establishments. With a design emphasizing integration with nature, it provides a privileged view of Christ the Redeemer and the Botanical Garden. The ground floor, known as Pátio, features a menu focused on parrillas, created by Argentine chef Adair Herrera (formerly of Tragga), with premium cuts and seafood. Upstairs, P’Alma, the more elegant section of Casa Horto, which only opens for dinner, is managed by chef Luisa Veiga, offering various creations from land, sky, and sea. Highlights include truffled steak tartare with parmesan crisp and mini octopus sandwiches for starters. Drinks also steal the spotlight.
Elena
Since its inauguration almost two years ago, Elena has distinguished itself in the national culinary scene for its innovative experiences. Located in Horto, the restaurant boasts various settings and delights with a kitchen led by chef Itamar Araújo, as well as an excellent drink menu crafted by mixologist Alex Mesquita. Its most sought-after area is the rooftop, with views of the Botanical Garden greenery and Christ the Redeemer.
Rubaiyat
Located inside the Jockey Club Brasileiro, Rubaiyat Rio boasts views of the tracks and Christ the Redeemer. Located inside the Jockey Club Brasileiro, one of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic landmarks, Rubaiyat has been an established presence in the city for ten years. The 1400m² house offers views of Christ the Redeemer and the Jockey tracks. Guests have a full view of the kitchen, allowing them to watch the preparation of dishes. Known for its premium cuts, the restaurant has also gained a special tradition among Rio residents: every Saturday, from noon to 6 PM, a special feijoada is served. Made with baby pork from the Rubaiyat family, it is presented as an all-you-can-eat buffet: the meats are served separately, allowing guests to select their preferred choices, along with various accompaniment options.
Gero
Located inside the Hotel Fasano Rio, Gero offers a view of Ipanema Beach…
