The 10 Best Restaurants Near Christ the Redeemer

The bright colour scheme with finishing touches such as sombreros on the wall and the odd potted cactus dotted around creates a largely exaggerated but much-appreciated Mexican theme at Guacamole. With a mix of classic tex-mex and margaritas on the menu, it’s the perfect pit-stop after spending a day at the Christ the Redeemer monument.

As the main point of reference for the beginning of the hike up Corcovado, this is quite possibly the nearest restaurant to the statue that you can find. What was once the former abode of industrialist Enrique Lage and his Italian wife, Gabriella Besanzoni, is now an art school and public space. Plage Cafe sits at the back of the reformed mansion with the open roof providing a striking skyline consisting of the Corcovado mountain and the Tijuca forest. It’s the ideal spot for a delicious brunch before heading up to see the Christ.

For authentic Italian-style pizza, head to Braz which serves wood-fired pizza and house specialties in its aspirational yet homely restaurant. One of the most famous appetizers here is the pão de linguica Toscana, a soft bread with Tuscany sausage inside. The pizza is the main draw yet there is a mouth-watering selection of pasta dishes too. They also have a great wine menu with an excellent choice of imported wines. This place is ideal post-visit to the Christ.

For a hearty, feel-good breakfast before heading up to the Christ, start your day at Empório Jardim which is the perfect spot for a gourmet brunch. With a wide variety of options including gluten-free and vegan, there is something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. In addition to a selection of fresh bread, tapioca, and drinks, there are also fancy dishes such as quiche with goat cheese and quinoa with pesto and cashew nuts.

The outdoor terrace provides pleasant views of the Corcovado mountain at Prana Cozinha Vegetariana, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Cosme Velha. With English-speaking staff and a wide choice of delicious foods such as homemade falafel, kibe, smoked ricotta, and curried lentils, it is a popular restaurant among tourists. Its proximity to the Corcovado train station is a welcome bonus.

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Taberna 564 reflects the quiet, peaceful ambiance of Cosme Velha, a neighbourhood in Rio with the Corcovado train station. The outdoor garden terrace creates a serene setting and an ideal spot for a hearty lunch before or after a trip to see the Christ. The main appeal here is the self-service lunch where guests can pick from a wide range of Brazilian style food before paying by the weight.

Literature lovers will appreciate that Assis Garrafaria is the former residence of Machado de Assis, the celebrated Brazilian writer. With typical Brazilian food on the menu, a great selection of imported and locally-brewed beer, and live music in the evening, it’s a pleasant spot to have a few drinks with the locals and listen to Brazilian tunes post-trip to the Christ the Redeemer.

Before taking the train up Corcovado, don’t miss out on the chance to have one of the nicest breakfasts in Rio de Janeiro. The omelets are light and fluffy with delicious flavours such as goat cheese and mushrooms. The coffee is made with scientific precision, using techniques that measure water quantity and the optimal temperature to make the perfect, locally-sourced brew. For anyone familiar with Parisian bistros, this place will take you straight back to the typical French brunch spots.

For a soul-warming lunch in a casual setting, then you can’t go wrong with Mamma Rosa. The homely venue is always full, creating a lively, relaxed atmosphere that is enhanced by the friendly staff and the smells of comforting food. The menu is made up of a mix of typical Italian and Brazilian dishes served in large portions.

Using a selection of locally-sourced ingredients and a menu that is influenced by seasonal availability, Balada Mix offers a healthy lunch option. The menu diversity is impressive with something for everyone, whether you’re looking for hearty ribs or a vegetarian dish. For a quick lunch or snack in a pleasant setting before taking the train up Corcovado, Balada Mix is a great choice.