After you top up your tan in Copacabana or Ipanema, it’s time to get out of the sun and enjoy what Rio de Janeiro has to offer foodwise. There are plenty of first-rate brunch restaurants and cafes here offering authentic Brazilian breakfasts, rich and smooth coffee and typical South American fare. Combining fresh ingredients and traditional age-old recipes, here’s our guide to the 10 best brunch joints in this vibrant city.
If you came to Rio to enjoy the sea breeze you won’t be disappointed at Café 18 do Forte. Located in the idyllic grounds of the Copacabana Fort, ask for your brunch to be served on one of the outdoor tables to enjoy spectacular vistas of the turquoise ocean. A top pick here is the enormous ‘farmhouse breakfast’ featuring cheese, pao de queijo and fresh fruit.
This cafe-restaurant offers customers the chance to do two essential things whilst in Rio; learn about the area’s history and simultaneously enjoy an exquisite brunch. Sweet cakes and pastries are waiting to be discovered by all of those travelers with a sweet tooth at Confeitaria Colombo, and the expert staff are always on hand to dispense interesting information about the region.
Attention vegetarians: if you’re staying close to Ipanema Beach, New Natural is the spot you don’t want to miss. The venue’s buffet operates with a pay-by-weight system, and you can choose between many delectable food options made with only nutritious and fresh local fruits and vegetables. Get here early and enjoy people watching from the sidewalk tables.
This spot will start any day in Rio off brilliantly. Inside the well-known Copacabana Palace sits this hidden gem of Pérgula, a fancy poolside cafe where you can enjoy a delicious brunch and some mimosas whist in your swimsuit and flip-flops. Keep your camera close, both Madonna and President Obama have been seen here!
If you can’t start your day without a good cup of coffee, Alle Caffe is the joint for you. More than 50 types of blends are available and you can even prepare your own personal blend with beans that come directly from family farms in the interior of the state. Croissants, sandwiches or pastries, which one will accompany your steaming cup of joe?
If you’re looking for gluten-free fare, and you enjoy eating the best organic ingredients, then you won’t be able to get enough of Cultivar Brazil. This is the spot to try the authentic Pao de Queijo; small cheese bread balls made with manioc flour. Don’t forget to get some of these for the road, they’re a taste you’ll truly miss when you’re back home.
A venue that feels like home; that’s the aim of Da casa da Tata. The staff and owners go above and beyond to make their customers happy and keep them coming back for more. An extensive range of homemade breads will make your decision a tough one, and brunch options go from simple coffee and toasts to larger dishes comprised of cake, pastries, bread, cheese plates and fresh juice. The best part? Their coffee is exceptional.
Owned by an Argentinian chef, Cafecito allegedly has the best cappuccinos in town. Overlooking one of Santa Teresa’s most popular streets, this is one of the best places to enjoy some people watching in Lapa. If you feel like sampling something refreshing, make sure your brunch order includes an ice cold beer or fruity caipirinha; you won’t regret it.
The owners here had one aim in mind: to open up a cafe that appeals to North Americans who miss traditional northern brunches whilst in Rio. Hash browns, pancakes and waffles with syrup and buttery French toasts are just some of their specialties. And the best part? Breakfast is served all day, so you can indulge in a plate of streaky bacon whenever you want. Start drooling over their plates right now and check them out on Instagram.
Incredibly good cappuccinos, espressos and lattes go along perfectly with this spot’s pastries and tasty baked goods. Locals and tourists looking for a caffeine boost to accompany a good magazine or book congregate inside Cafeina. We can assure you, this place will not be forgotten easily, and is a top choice for a light bite between beach lounging. You can also place your order online and have it delivered at your hotel.
