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Move over Copacabana, Rio’s dining scene is hotter than its beaches.
Everyone flies to Rio for the beaches, samba and caipirinhas. Food? Not usually top of the itinerary. But Carioca chefs are done playing São Paulo’s sidekick, and Michelin finally caught the memo.
At this year’s Michelin splashy awards bash at Rosewood São Paulo, the spotlight shifted east. Longtime stars Lasai and Oro held onto their two stars, while newcomers brought fresh shine. Rio now counts seven starred spots, its strongest showing yet.
Here are five restaurants to watch:
Casa 201 — ⭐
Casa means “home,” and this one cooks like a French-trained roommate who does everything from scratch. Bread, cheese, charcuterie, chocolate—the eight-course tasting menu is a house party Michelin couldn’t ignore.
Oseille — ⭐
Chef Thomas Troisgros, grandson of French Nouvelle Cuisine royalty, calls his 16-seat counter “fun dining.” Michelin called it star-worthy. Expect Brazilian ingredients remixed with French finesse. Think fish with coconut foam or ice cream with mushroom whipped cream.
Lasai — ⭐⭐
This pioneer just broke into the ‘World’s 50 Best,’ cementing Rio on the global stage. Menus pull from organic gardens and local waters, plated with Basque precision and Brazilian flair.
Oro — ⭐⭐
One of Rio’s first Michelin darlings (2015), Oro is still fire. Literally—every dish meets flame, whether grill, yakitori or charcoal. Tropical oysters, single-bite sandwiches and late-night Rio nostalgia all make an appearance.
Oteque — ⭐⭐
Still one of Latin America’s most-hyped (currently #21 on the region’s 50 Best), Oteque is seafood-forward, dramatic and front-row theater thanks to its open kitchen and tasting menu. Industrial chic with Michelin sparkle.
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