Since French actress Brigitte Bardot visited the region, Buzios has become known as the St. Tropez of Brazil. With its golden beaches, crystal clear waters and thriving nightlife, it’s the ideal weekend getaway for Rio’s wealthy crowd. There is no shortage of quality restaurants in Buzios that feature everything from seafood and grilled meat to innovative Japanese cuisine. Here are some of Buzios’ best restaurants.
O Barco
Restaurant, Brazilian, Seafood, $$$
Enjoy ocean views on the open-air terrace at this charming and grounded eatery on the waterfront. The menu features simple, homely dishes such as breadcrumbed fish with rice and greens and large pots of fish stews for two people or more. The prices are reasonable and the menu offers plenty of meals-for-one as well as options-to-share for couples.
Restaurant with Rooms, Seafood, Mediterranean, Brazilian, $$$
The restaurant is part of the guesthouse, Pousada Abracadabra, yet is open to the public too. It’s hard to know what’s better here – the delicious Mediterranean inspired food that includes freshly caught seafood and unusual tastes such as sea urchins, or the magnificent sunset views overlooking the venue’s infinity pool.
Overlooking Praia Brava, Rocka Beach Lounge offers sea views in a relaxed setting. Going there isn’t something to be rushed. After dining on their varied and accomplished seafood menu, many visitors pass the day lazing on the hillside lounge chairs to catch some rays, mingle or simply appreciate the glorious surroundings.
With a menu that fuses classic Japanese gastronomy with flavors from South and Central America, Nami Gastrobar is one of Buzio’s most innovative and exciting restaurants. Like many other restaurants in Buzios, the main focus here is on the seafood with menu highlights including ceviche and freshly grilled fish. For meat-lovers, tuck into steak with Asian-inspired sauces.
Bar do Ze is an upscale restaurant with an outdoor terrace overlooking the scenic Orla Bardot. The food is the star of the show with a variety of options from fresh seafood, creamy risottos and on-the-grill steak, all with a touch of the Mediterranean. Wash down with any of the flawless cocktails on offer.
Primitivo has a privileged location on Rua das Pedras, the hub of bars and restaurants in Buzios. The Italian-inspired menu serves several types of pasta, gnocchi and salad dishes, yet the true highlight is the homemade, thin-crust pizzas with fresh toppings – perfect for when you want to take a break from the town’s abundance of seafood.
Bakery, Restaurant, Brazilian, Beer, South American, $$$
If you’re looking for a casual bite to eat after a sunny day on Azeda or Azedinha Beach, then Sukão offers an ideal setting. The freshly-squeezed fruit juice is sweet enough without any need for additional sugar and the sandwiches come with several filling options on a choice of four different homemade breads. There is also a huge range of typical Brazilian snacks such as pão de queijo, coxinhas and large portions of açai.
Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Brazilian, Italian, Beer, Seafood, $$$
Enjoy the waterfront terrace at Fishbone Cafe with scenic sea views and a peaceful setting. The menu serves a wide range of lunch options such as homely fish stews and light summer salads and sandwiches. It’s an ideal spot for an afternoon beverage of chilled beers or wine with gorgeous tropical surroundings.
One of the oldest restaurants on the Buzio’s gastronomic scene, Restaurante do David has been in operation for the last 40 odd years. Its success comes down to the restaurant’s attentive staff and the varied menu that has dozens of well-made fresh seafood options.
It’s the selection of sweet and savoury crepes that draw the crowds to Chez Michou, yet it’s the lively atmosphere that keeps them there. The crepes have classic fillings such as cheese and ham to more adventurous options such as curried chicken. The chocolate and strawberry one every bit as good as it sounds. The venue has an animated outdoor bar that screens all the big games on large TVs and plays live music on the weekend.
