The Best Italian Restaurants In Rio De Janeiro

Italian immigration decades ago brought more to Brazil than just people; Italy’s world-renowned cuisine came too, much to everyone’s delight. The majority of the best Italian restaurants are in São Paulo yet Rio de Janeiro also has its fair share, serving up authentic Italian dishes in traditional, cozy restaurants. Here’s our pick of the best in Rio de Janeiro.

1. La Bocca Bar & Trattoria

Restaurant, Italian, Pastries

La Bocca, a wonderful Italian restaurant in Lapa

Lapa has a reputation as party central, but in the middle of the boisterous street parties and heaving nightclubs there are a few quiet, upscale restaurants renowned for their delicious food and La Bocca Bar & Trattoria is one of them. The great service and pleasant environment serve to enhance the high-quality food on offer from creamy risottos and comforting pasta to tender meat and freshly-grilled seafood.

2. Pomodorino

Restaurant, Italian, Vegetarian

The picturesque views overlooking Lagoa Lake in the south zone of Rio provide the postcard-perfect setting for light, Italian cuisine and fine wine. Enjoy a mouth-watering dish of fresh pasta in the elegant dining area indoors or make the most of Rio’s balmy evenings surrounded by exotic plants and a clear sky in the restaurant’s garden. Save room for the well-praised desserts and prepare yourself by bringing cash; this establishment, as modern as it seems, does not accept card payments.

3. Quadrucci

Restaurant, Italian, Contemporary, Vegetarian

Quadrucci in Leblon is a upscale Italian restaurant

With a menu that changes with the seasons to bring more comforting cooking in the winter and lighter dishes in the summer, Quadrucci combines sublime cuisine with a contemporary environment and impeccable service. Classics such as grilled shrimp pasta and lamb risotto look just as good as they taste and the beverage menu offers a wonderful – if somewhat pricey – selection of both imported and national wines. Set in the heart of Leblon, Rio’s wealthiest and most upscale neighborhood, Quadrucci reflects the sophisticated and classy environment it’s surrounded by.

5. La Trattoria

Restaurant, Italian, Vegetarian

Located in the heart of Copacabana, La Trattoria is a fine Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, quality food and reasonable prices. The restaurant caters for its international guests with menus in English as well as Portuguese, and the food options are varied to serve a wider audience including gluten-free pasta and a good selection of vegetarian options. The hearty portions and indulgent desserts make La Trattoria a firm favorite in Copacabana.

6. Pasta e Pallone

Pizzeria, Restaurant, Italian, Wine, Vegetarian

Seafood dish at Ristorante Pasta e Pallone

Located in the heart of Leme, which mirrors Copacabana’s beach-centric vibe but far more peacefully, Pasta e Pallone provides a calm and peaceful environment for gourmet Italian food accompanied by fine wine. With comforting pasta and thin crust pizzas, the restaurant provides a satisfying dinner at a reasonable price and it’s close location to the beach allows for a pleasant stroll along the shore post-meal.

7. La Botticella

Restaurant, Italian

The rustic, homely decor provides a lovely setting for a memorable dining experience. La Botticella is highly-praised for its well-seasoned, authentic dishes and the star of the menu totally depends on personal taste; arguably, everything on the menu stands out. It is not unusual to see the owners dining there too, a reassuring sign that the food is spot on. Although not a cheap venue, for the sublime environment, friendly staff and superb meals, it offers great value for money.

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