The 10 Best Restaurants In Urca, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Bar Urca

Be a guest of the Gomes family in this pleasant bar and restaurant that specializes in Portuguese and Brazilian food. Bar Urca is is located in the banks of Baía de Guanabara, very close to the entrance of the historical Forte São João. It has an amazing view of Cristo Redentor. Go for the famous bobó de camarão, a creamy shrimp dish, the ‘bacalhau na cataplana’, a cod cooked in the Algarve style, or the caldo de feijão, a seasoned beans soup and toast. Accompany this with one of their caipirinhas or caipvodkas. The house offers flavors such as lemon, strawberry, pineapple, and passionfruit. Also try the large variety of Brazilian beer available.

Bar e Restaurante Urca, Rua Cândido Gaffrée, 205, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2295-8744

Julius Brasserie

The Dutch Julius Bijlsma and the Brazilian Marcia Helena are the owners of this cozy Brazilian-French bistro. In the parlor of Julius Brasserie, with its exquisite decor, delicious recipes are served. Be prepared to indulge yourself with a mille-feuille of vegetables made of smoked eggplant and goat cheese, sprinkled with reduced sauce of balsamic vinegar, or the burrata served with caramelized cherry tomatoes. Then try the filet mignon with gorgonzola sauce garnished with fresh white asparagus, pepperoni potato and green salad. For those who prefer fish, the grilled turbot with anise liquor sauce and spinach cream is excellent. For dessert, our suggestion is the petit gateau of dulce de leche with coconut ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Avenida Portugal 986, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 3518-7117

Close to the Sugar Loaf, the elegant Zozô combines haute cuisine with its other function, a lively nightclub, a major attraction in tranquil Urca. Initially focused on meats, the restaurant now offers contemporary dishes in a buffet or a la carte. Don’t miss the refreshing ceviche de linguado and the mousse made of Belgian chocolate, a favorite delicacy. To make things even better, the retractable glass roof reveals the view of the Praia Vermelha and the Sugar Loaf. In the lounge, a wall full of saints is the highlight of the interior that was designed by José Neto Possi. On weekends, the house is home to a variety of concerts and parties.

Garota da Urca

This place has a hint of nostalgia. Facing the beach of Urca, this is the former Bar Veloso. It is run by Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes, and is a very busy place. Make sure you find a place in the porch, it’s the best spot. The staff are friendly and they serve delicious boteco-style food. When choosing a snack, go for the meat croquettes or the bolinhos de bacalhau, fried balls of cod. For a more robust meal the picanha, a special meat cut, is an excellent choice. If you prefer fish, the cod is prepared in Portuguese style, drenched in olive oil and is a delicious treat.

Garota da Urca, Avenida João Luíz Alves, 56 lojas A e B, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2541-8585

Terra Brasilis

Located on the beautiful Red Beach, Terra Brasilis offers a great view of the Sugar Loaf. To complete the pleasant environment, an almond tree growing in the middle of the room brings a bit of the beautiful view beyond the windows into the dining area. Among the most popular dishes are the picanha and the shrimp stew. Our suggestion is one of the 20 flavors of pizza accompanied by premium beers – to be enjoyed at any time of day. Last but not the least, the restaurant hosts live Brazilian music every day, so nobody has an excuse to be bored.

Terra Brasilis, Praça General Tibúrcio s/nº, Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, +55 21 2275-4651

Despite the lackluster decor, this restaurant serves delicious, generous home-style Brazilian food at very affordable prices. The moquecafor two, served in a colorful casserole, is full of fresh fish, seafood and vegetables, perfectly cooked with a side dishes. Enjoy your meal with a view to the Praia da Urca.