The Quirkiest Restaurants And Bars In Rio De Janeiro

The bar and restaurant scene in Rio de Janeiro is flourishing, with new venues popping up all the time. For a dining and drinking experience that goes beyond just good food and potent beverages, check out these quirky bars and restaurants in Rio de Janeiro that embrace all things different, jaw-dropping and unconventional.

1. Jungle Garden Pub

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub, Brazilian, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub

The potted palms, the leafy ceiling, and the vines creeping up the walls all add to the jungly vibe of Jungle Garden Pub. Playing on Rio’s extraordinary mix of urban and nature, this pub brings the outside in to create a striking setting that instantly puts guests at ease. Coupled with the excellent cocktails and not to mention the live Brazilian pop bands there, Jungle Garden bar sets the scene for a memorable night out.

2. Mama Shelter

Bar, Brazilian

A mix of hipster and modern elements contribute to the chilled out vibe at Mama Shelter. Quirky interior design pieces such as staircase seating, piles of cushions, and rows of potted plants all add to the uplifting and casual experience. Based in bohemian neighbourhood Santa Teresa, Rio’s artistic and creative hub, Mama Shelter is a cocktail bar, restaurant, and hotel all rolled into one.

3. Ten Kai

Restaurant, Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian

The dimly lit environment with low seating creates an intimate atmosphere at the Japanese restaurant, Ten Kai. With wooden features and elegant furniture, the aspirational decor is certainly pleasing but it’s the menu that deserves attention for its quirky choice of ingredients. As well as the typical food items you would expect to find on the menu, such as salmon, tuna, and oysters, other more unusual ingredients include crickets and eels.

5. Zazá Bistrô Tropical

Restaurant, Bistro, Moroccan, Asian, Seafood, Brazilian, Mediterranean

The famous Ipanema beach is just one block away from Zazá Bistrô Tropical, a quirky two-story Moroccan-style restaurant on the corner of Ipanema’s main street. The downstairs has a pleasant, charming atmosphere yet it’s the upstairs dining area that sets the scene for a memorable night. Guests take off their shoes before padding across the soft, carpeted floor to the large futons and low-rise tables. The low-lighting creates an atmospheric mood and the quirky touches such as the hanging fairies and unusual artwork all add to the unforgettable dining experience.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.