Neighborhood On The Radar: Ipanema’s Tasty Treasures

When talking about Ipanema, chances are you’ve heard its name thanks to the iconic tune “The Girl from Ipanema” (Garota de Ipanema) or spotted its dreamy beach on social media with the azure sea gently kissing the sand and the uniquely shaped Two Brothers Mountain (Morro Dois Irmãos) towering in the background. Whether it’s through a song or a scroll, one thing’s clear: Ipanema is an absolute gem of Rio de Janeiro.

Photo credit: Restaurante Garota

The beach buzzes with energy from sunrise to sunset and is filled with sunbathers and sea lovers daily. But it’s not just the golden sands that make this neighborhood a must-visit, it’s also the incredible selection of gourmet restaurants, bars, and cafes that turn Ipanema into a food lover’s paradise. For us, it’s hands down the spot to stay whenever we’re in Rio.

So, grab your shades and your appetite, here’s a peek at some of the spots we’ve discovered and loved, which we think definitely deserve a place on your #RadarList the next time you visit Ipanema.

– Featured photo by Jean Carlos on Unsplash – 

Rise & Dine

If there’s one thing we discovered on our adventures in Brazil, it’s that Brazilians don’t just do breakfast, they celebrate it. If you’re the type who dreams of starting the day with pillowy pão de queijo and decadent slices of bolo, you’re in for a treat.

There are a few breakfast spots we found ourselves returning to time and time again, and Padaria Lamego (Ipanema branch) is high on that list. This 24-hour gem welcomes you with a dazzling display of Brazilian sweet treats and savory snacks, ready to tempt you at any hour. We love popping in for a café da manhã a quilo (Brazil’s beloved pay-by-weight dining style, which you’ll find at different places for breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The breakfast line here is brimming with local staples that make early mornings worth it. Whatever you do, don’t skip the pão de queijo — it’s hands down one of the best we’ve had in Brazil.

Baked – Padaria & Forneria is another spot we love where classic bread and cakes from around the world mingle with Brazil’s traditional baked delights, making the menu here as diverse as it is delicious.

For a seaside breakfast with a view, we love starting the day at Sel d’Ipanema Beach Club. While this spot shines brightest during sundowner o’clock with its breezy beach club vibes and postcard-perfect vista, we prefer the quiet magic of the morning hours when Ipanema is still stretching awake and the crowds have yet to arrive. The breakfast menu here is simple yet satisfying, perfectly reflected in our favorite toasted cornbread with butter and salt.

Midday Feast

Beyond breakfast, lunch in Rio is another food moment we absolutely adore. The city is a haven for comida a quilo (food by kilo), a dining style perfect for anyone who, like us, loves sampling a variety of flavors in one sitting. Diners can simply pick from the tempting buffet line and pay by weight. It’s easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.

When we’re in Ipanema, Buffet Roth is our go-to. The restaurant offers a warm, homey vibe and a drool-inducing selection of dishes (so many that it’s impossible to try them all, which is why we can’t help but keep going back there for more).

For true feijoada aficionados, Casa da Feijoada serves up the ultimate bowl of this famous Brazilian bean stew. While it’s their signature dish, they also offer a tempting lineup of other Brazilian classics and refreshing drinks to complete your meal.

Sunset Sip

The beach at Ipanema is dotted with a vibrant array of beachfront kiosks, but Pôr do Sol is by far our favorite. We love stopping by for the chill people-watching and sunset session where we unwind with a cold Caipirinha, a refreshing coconut, or a chilled beer in hand — whatever suits our mood that day.

Fancy watching the sun dip below the horizon in a more refined setting? The famous Boteco Belmonte – Ipanema offers a stunning sundowner experience with great views and expertly crafted Brazilian classics and cocktails.

Savor the Night

Ipanema is magical by day, but when the sun sets, it transforms into a whole new kind of mesmerizing. As the night unfolds, the restaurants and bars come alive with energy, and Mercearia da Praça quickly became our favorite for a cozy date night. With its casual yet charming vibe, this part-restaurant, part-wine and grocery store offers the best of Portuguese cuisine, complemented by an impressive selection of wines.

To truly experience Ipanema, you must also visit the renowned Restaurante Garota where the bossa nova hit “The Girl from Ipanema” was born.

This spot lets you dive deep into Brazil’s cultural soul, not just through music, but also through its menu brimming with authentic Brazilian flavors. The must-try is the churrasco misto, a sizzling mixed barbecue featuring fine cuts of meat grilled to perfection and paired with sides like fluffy rice, crispy fries, and, of course, farofa. It’s a feast for the senses, just like the rhythm of bossa nova itself.

Post-Dinner Treat

After indulging in a hearty Brazilian dinner — the kind we seem to have every day — we love taking a leisurely stroll along the beach in search of the perfect sugar-laden treat. Our favorite sweet stop in Ipanema is Bacio di Latte – Orla Rio Ipanema – Quiosque Picolé, where their gelato popsicles, with an irresistible variety of toppings and flavors, make for the perfect treat to wrap up the night in this seaside neighborhood.