The Best French Restaurants In Rio De Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a buzzing, vibrant metropolis located in the south of Brazil. The city is famed for its annual carnival, its lively nightlife scene and its general sense of joie de vivre. It is also home to some fantastic Brazilian restaurants that specialize in popular Latin American dishes. Churrasco is a traditional dish of barbecued cuts of meat typically served by waiters who rotate around the restaurant slicing meat onto the customer’s plate. For those tiring of the meat-heavy cuisine, there are a handful of fabulous French restaurants dotted around the city; a slice of the gastronomical capital in the party capital of the world.

Le Pré Catelan

Le Pré Catelan is a taste of fine dining in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, near the iconic Copacabana beach. The food is an interesting mix of French cuisine with a Brazilian twist making for a unique dining experience. Dishes are presented with immaculate attention to detail, and the service is of the highest of quality. The design of the interior and the atmosphere add to the pleasure of the experience, with elegant chandeliers and contemporary works of art making the restaurant a stylish spot for an enjoyable evening meal.

Address & telephone number: 4240 Avenida Atlântica, RJ 22070-002, +55 21 25 25 11 60

Le Vin Bistro

This restaurant is idyllically located just a stone’s throw from Rio’s Ipanema beach. This particular district is popular among the young backpackers that flock to the city in the summer months, as well as the hip local crowd that are drawn daily to the seafront. The restaurant itself is designed to mirror a typical French townhouse, with terracotta tiling and a charming balcony complete with French shutters. The theme continues inside the restaurant, with gingham table cloths and an abundance of rustic French charm. The food on the menu is also delicious; try the duck breast or choose from the selection of cheeses.

Address & telephone number: 490 Rue Barão da Torre, Ipanema, RJ 22411 002, +55 21 35 02 10 02

CT Boucherie

Situated away from the tourist hot spots, CT Boucherie is still within walking distance of Ipanema beach, making this restaurant the ideal place for a quiet evening meal. The restaurant is a hybrid of a French bistro and a Brazilian barbecue house, with a structure that mimics a classic Brazilian churrascaria; faultless service from attentive waiters who offer a variety of side dishes to your table. Enjoy your meal inside or enjoy the Rio sunshine on the restaurant’s shaded terrace.

Address & telephone number: 636 Rua Dias Ferreira, Leblon, RJ 22431 050, +55 21 2529 2329

Lorenzo Bistro

This restaurant is designed to mirror the typical décor of a homey French bistro. The interior is decorated with contemporary red feature walls and black and white pictures of French scenery, adding to the inviting, cozy atmosphere. The menu is traditional French cuisine such as duck confit and foie gras – the dishes making a break from the somewhat heavier Brazilian cooking. The food is presented well, with some dishes charmingly served in the iconic French Le Creuset casserole pans. Choose from the excellent wine list for the ultimate French experience.

Address & telephone number: 2 Rua Visconde de Carandaí, RJ, 22460-020, +55 21 22 94 78 30

La Fabrique

Dine at La Fabrique for the ultimate location just across the road from the legendary Copacabana beach. This contemporary restaurant has a pleasant terrace shaded by a gazebo which is lit by fairy lights in the evening for a romantic dining experience. The menu offers a selection of typically Brazilian food as well as French dishes of organic, locally sourced seafood and succulent steaks. Despite the outstanding location, the delicious food is moderately priced, making La Fabrique a good option when in the city.

Address & telephone number: 994 Avenida Atlântica, Copacabana, RJ 22010 000, +55 21 2541 2416