Brazil is South America's largest country, offering stunning biodiversity from the Amazon rainforest to iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema. Experience vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, spectacular waterfalls at Iguazu, and the rhythm of samba in Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilian cuisine is one of the world's most diverse, shaped by indigenous traditions, African slave culture, and waves of European and Asian immigration. The three pillars of Brazilian daily eating are rice, beans, and manioc (cassava), supplemented by regional specialties that vary dramatically from the Afro-Brazilian moquecas and acarajé of Bahia to the hearty meat-heavy feijão tropeiro of Minas Gerais, the Amazon's exotic river fish and indigenous ingredients, and the Southern gaúcho tradition of churrasco barbecue.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Brazil.
Feijoada
Brazil's national dish is a slow-cooked black bean stew with a variety of pork cuts (ears, feet, ribs, sausage) served with rice, collard greens (couve), farofa (toasted manioc flour), and orange slices. Traditionally eaten on Saturdays with cold beer.
Where to try: Any traditional Brazilian restaurant or 'restaurante por quilo' on Saturdays
Price: $20-50
Acarajé
Crispy black-eyed pea fritters deep-fried in dendê palm oil and filled with vatapá (spiced bread-shrimp paste), caruru (okra), and dried shrimp. A street food tradition brought by Yoruba enslaved people and now UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Where to try: Baianas in white dress at street stalls in Salvador, especially in Rio Vermelho and Pelourinho
Price: $5-12
Moqueca
Seafood stew simmered in coconut milk, dendê palm oil, tomatoes, onions, and coriander, cooked slowly in a clay pot. The Bahian version uses palm oil while the Capixaba (Espírito Santo) version uses annatto oil and no coconut milk.
Where to try: Yemanjá restaurant (Salvador), any Bahian restaurant nationwide
Price: $30-70
Churrasco
Brazilian barbecue from the gaúcho tradition of Rio Grande do Sul where prime cuts of beef (picanha, costela, fraldinha) are slow-cooked on long sword-like skewers over wood fire and seasoned only with coarse salt. Rodízio style means unlimited meats for a fixed price.
Where to try: Porcão Rio's (Rio), Fogo de Chão (multiple cities), any churrascaria
Price: $30-80 rodízio
Pão de Queijo
Irresistible cheese bread balls made from polvilho (manioc starch) and Minas Gerais cheese with a chewy interior and crispy exterior. Eaten as breakfast or snack with cafezinho, they are ubiquitous and universally loved across Brazil.
Where to try: Any bakery (padaria), airport, petrol station, or street vendor nationwide
Price: $1-4
Tacacá
Amazon's signature soup made with tucupi (fermented yellow cassava broth), dried shrimp, jambu herb (causes mouth numbness), and tapioca starch. Served hot in gourd cups by street vendors (tacazeiras) in Pará and Amazonas states.
Where to try: Street vendors in Belém and Manaus, Ver-o-Peso market
Price: $5-10
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
D.O.M.
Chef Alex Atala's flagship restaurant pioneered using Amazonian ingredients in haute cuisine. Ranked among World's 50 Best Restaurants, D.O.M. offers tasting menus showcasing Brazil's biodiversity with indigenous ingredients and modern techniques.
R. Barao de Capanema, 549 - Jardins, Sao Paulo, SP 01411-011
CT Boucherie
Chef Claude Troisgros blends French techniques with Brazilian ingredients in this beloved Rio bistro. Excellent wine list and consistently high-quality dishes make it a local favorite for relaxed upscale dining.
R. Dias Ferreira, 636 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22431-050
Cervantes
Rio's most famous sandwich shop serves massive late-night sandwiches since 1953. The signature 'Cervantes Special' with steak, pineapple, cheese, and ham draws crowds until 4 AM.
Av. Prado Junior, 335 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22011-040
Acarajé da Dinha
Salvador's most famous acarajé vendor serves crispy black-eyed pea fritters filled with vatapá, shrimp, and spicy sauce. Found at her stall in Rio Vermelho, a local institution for over 30 years.
Largo de Santana - Rio Vermelho, Salvador, BA
Confeitaria Colombo
Rio's most opulent café since 1894 features Belle Époque mirrors, stained glass, and marble. Afternoon tea service includes pastries and sandwiches in this architectural masterpiece in Centro.
R. Gonçalves Dias, 32 - Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20050-030
Mee
Michelin-starred restaurant at Copacabana Palace offers exquisite Asian cuisine with Brazilian influences. Elegant dining room overlooking the pool serves artfully presented dishes combining Japanese, Thai, and Chinese techniques.
Av. Atlantica, 1702 - Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22021-001
Consulado Mineiro
Authentic cuisine from Minas Gerais state served in rustic setting. Generous portions of comfort food including tutu de feijão, pork ribs, and traditional cheese bread make this a São Paulo institution.
Praça Benedito Calixto, 74 - Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, SP 05406-040
Lanches da Cidade
São Paulo chain famous for X-Tudo burgers piled high with everything including egg, bacon, cheese, ham, and more. Late-night favorite with locations across the city serving hearty portions.
R. Oscar Freire, 603 - Jardins, Sao Paulo, SP 01426-001
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Bakery Café
Talho Capixaba
Rio institution since 1987 serves exceptional breakfast and lunch in deli-style setting. Famous for creative sandwiches, fresh juices, and extensive salad bar in multiple Zona Sul locations.
R. Barata Ribeiro, 750 - Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22040-002
Padoca do Maní
Sister establishment to acclaimed Maní restaurant serves artisanal breads, pastries, and light meals. Beautiful pastries, quality coffee, and take-home baked goods in stylish Pinheiros location.
R. Joaquim Antunes, 210 - Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, SP 05415-010
Contemporary Brazilian
Oro
Chef Felipe Bronze's intimate fine dining restaurant in Rio offers creative tasting menus using Brazilian ingredients with international techniques. The sleek, modern space seats just 36 guests for an exclusive culinary experience.
Av. General San Martin, 889 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22441-014
Casa de Tereza
Hidden garden restaurant in São Paulo's Cerqueira César serves creative Brazilian cuisine in romantic setting. Changing menu focuses on seasonal ingredients with excellent wine pairings.
R. Dona Veridiana, 54 - Higienópolis, Sao Paulo, SP 01238-010
Italian
Bráz Pizzaria
São Paulo's best pizza uses high-quality imported and local ingredients on thin, crispy crusts. The margherita and Brazilian-inspired toppings draw crowds, with multiple locations across the city.
R. Vupabussu, 271 - Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, SP 05429-130
Brunella
Upscale café in Ipanema serves Italian pastries, gelato, and coffee in elegant setting. Perfect for afternoon break with exceptional cornetti, tramezzini sandwiches, and authentic Italian coffee.
R. Visconde de Pirajá, 128 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22410-000
Seafood
Moqueca Capixaba
Family-run restaurant in Vitória specializing in moqueca capixaba, the Espírito Santo version of seafood stew cooked in clay pots without coconut milk or palm oil, served with traditional pirão.
R. Joaquim Lirio, 753 - Praia do Canto, Vitória, ES 29055-460
Quiosque Chopp Brahma
Upscale beach kiosk on Copacabana serves fresh seafood and cold beer with your toes in the sand. Perfect for casual beachfront dining with ceviche, grilled fish, and watching the sunset.
Av. Atlantica - Posto 5, Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Specialty Coffee
Coffee Lab
São Paulo's premier specialty coffee roaster serves single-origin Brazilian coffees prepared multiple ways. Knowledgeable baristas guide tastings in minimalist café showcasing Brazil's coffee diversity.
R. Fradique Coutinho, 1340 - Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo, SP 05416-002
Suplicy Cafés Especiais
Family-owned coffee company with multiple São Paulo cafés roasts award-winning Brazilian beans. Offers coffee education, tastings, and perfectly pulled espresso in cozy neighborhood locations.
R. Sampaio Vidal, 1072 - Jardim Paulistano, Sao Paulo, SP 01443-001
Traditional Boteco
Jobi
Historic Leblon boteco established in 1956 serves ice-cold chopp and classic bar snacks. No-frills atmosphere, outdoor tables, and perfectly executed simple food make it a Rio institution.
Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 1166 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22440-035
Bar do Mineiro
Beloved Santa Teresa institution serves classic boteco fare in rustic colonial setting. Weekend feijoada draws crowds, as do daily specials and strong caipirinhas on the charming outdoor patio.
R. Paschoal Carlos Magno, 99 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20241-290
Amazonian
Tacacá do Norte
Rare opportunity to try authentic Amazonian cuisine in São Paulo including tacacá soup, tambaqui fish, and açaí bowls. Simple setting focuses on hard-to-find northern Brazilian flavors.
R. Fernando de Albuquerque, 277 - Consolação, Sao Paulo, SP 01309-030
Açaí Bowls
Açaí na Tigela - Amazon Fruit
Authentic açaí bowl shop serves thick, unsweetened Amazon açaí topped with granola, banana, and guaraná syrup. Different from exported versions, Brazilian açaí is less sweet and more authentic.
Multiple locations Rio and São Paulo
Bahian Street Food
Esquina do Acarajé
Popular Salvador street food stall serves traditional acarajé and abará. Watch as vendors fry black-eyed pea fritters in palm oil and fill them with spicy shrimp, vatapá, and hot sauce.
R. J. J. Seabra - Federação, Salvador, BA
Bahian Traditional
Yemanjá
Salvador's premier spot for authentic Bahian cuisine serves moqueca, vatapá, and acarajé in a colorful setting decorated with Candomblé imagery. Live music on weekends adds to the cultural experience.
Av. Otávio Mangabeira, 4655 - Armação, Salvador, BA 41750-240
Beach Café
Plage Café
Chic Leblon beach café serves healthy breakfasts, açaí bowls, and specialty coffee with ocean views. Popular morning spot for beachgoers wanting quality food before hitting the sand.
Av. Delfim Moreira, 696 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22441-000
Brazilian Bbq Casual
Espetto Carioca
Budget-friendly churrascaria chain with pay-by-weight grilled meats and salad bar. Quick, casual dining with quality meat at affordable prices, popular for lunch throughout Rio.
Multiple locations in Rio de Janeiro
Brazilian Churrascaria
Porcão Rio's
All-you-can-eat Brazilian barbecue with stunning views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. Endless parade of grilled meats plus extensive salad bar make this a carnivore's paradise in prime location.
Av. Infante Dom Henrique, s/n - Aterro do Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20021-140
Brazilian Comfort Food
Aconchego Carioca
Neighborhood boteco elevated to destination status for traditional Rio comfort food. Creative takes on classic dishes using quality ingredients, famous for innovative croquettes and generous portions in casual atmosphere.
R. Barão de Iguatemi, 379 - Praça da Bandeira, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20270-060
Brazilian Contemporary
Maní
Helena Rizzo's celebrated restaurant blends Brazilian flavors with international techniques. The elegant São Paulo dining room serves sophisticated dishes highlighting local ingredients in creative presentations.
R. Joaquim Antunes, 210 - Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, SP 05415-010
Brazilian Innovative
Tuju
Young chef Cesar Costa's São Paulo restaurant pushes Brazilian cuisine boundaries with bold flavor combinations and artistic presentations. The intimate space offers counter seating to watch the kitchen in action.
R. Coropés, 88 - Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, SP 05426-010
Brazilian Pub Food
Baixo Gávea
Lively boteco in trendy Baixo Gávea neighborhood serves traditional bar snacks and cold beer. Popular with young crowds for pastéis, croquettes, and socializing on the street.
Praça Santos Dumont, 116 - Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22470-060
Brazilian Traditional Upscale
Aprazível
Hilltop restaurant in Santa Teresa offers panoramic Rio views and refined traditional Brazilian cuisine. The romantic garden setting and creative presentations of regional dishes make it perfect for special occasions.
R. Aprazível, 62 - Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20241-270
Café & Brunch
Santo Grão
Upscale café chain in São Paulo serves all-day breakfast, brunch, and specialty coffee in stylish settings. Known for extensive menu including eggs Benedict, pancakes, and Brazilian breakfast items.
R. Oscar Freire, 413 - Jardins, Sao Paulo, SP 01426-001
Contemporary Bahian
Amado
Overlooking Salvador's bay, this upscale restaurant reimagines traditional Bahian cuisine with modern techniques. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning sunset views while dining on creative seafood and regional specialties.
Av. Lafayete Coutinho, 660 - Comercio, Salvador, BA 40015-140
Corn
Milho Verde Carts
Corn carts sell boiled and grilled corn on the cob slathered with butter and salt. Simple, satisfying street snack found at beaches, parks, and busy corners throughout Brazil.
Beach and street vendors nationwide
Dessert
Churros Vendors - Parque Ibirapuera
Churros carts around Ibirapuera Park serve hot fried dough filled with doce de leite or chocolate. Crispy outside, soft inside, rolled in cinnamon sugar - perfect park snack.
Parque Ibirapuera - multiple vendors, Sao Paulo, SP
Farm
Lasai
Chef Rafa Costa e Silva's restaurant focuses on local, seasonal ingredients from its own organic garden. The minimalist space in Botafogo serves innovative tasting menus that change based on daily harvests.
R. Conde de Irajá, 191 - Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22271-020
Fresh Juice
Caldo de Cana Vendors
Sugarcane juice vendors throughout Brazil press fresh cane through manual presses. Sweet, refreshing juice often mixed with pineapple or lime is the perfect cooling street drink.
Various locations throughout Brazil
Grilled Skewers
Espetinho Stalls
Street vendors throughout Brazil grill meat, cheese, and vegetable skewers over charcoal. Late-night favorite especially after bars, with multiple skewer varieties at budget prices.
Various locations, common in São Paulo and Rio
Juice Bar
Bibi Sucos
Ipanema juice bar institution serves fresh tropical fruit juices, smoothies, and açaí bowls. Perfect post-beach refreshment with açaí the traditional Brazilian way - thick and topped simply.
Av. Ataulfo de Paiva, 591 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22440-032
Northeastern Brazilian
Mocotó
Chef Rodrigo Oliveira's restaurant celebrates northeastern Brazilian cuisine with dishes from his family's roots. The casual Vila Medeiros location serves authentic flavors rarely found in São Paulo.
Av. Nossa Senhora do Loreto, 1100 - Vila Medeiros, Sao Paulo, SP 02219-001
Northeastern Comfort Food
Maria e o Boi
Casual restaurant serving northeastern Brazilian favorites like carne de sol, macaxeira, and tapioca. Hearty portions and affordable prices in relaxed São Paulo setting.
R. Simão Alvares, 701 - Pinheiros, Sao Paulo, SP 05417-020
Pastéis
Pastelaria Ouro Verde
Legendary São Paulo pastel shop making crispy fried pastries with dozens of fillings since 1969. The pizza pastel and heart of palm are favorites at this Municipal Market institution.
Mercado Municipal, Box 324 - Centro, Sao Paulo, SP
Pizza
Pizzaria Veridiana
Traditional São Paulo pizzeria serving thin-crust pizzas late into the night. Local favorite for post-party meals with quality ingredients and authentic Italian-Brazilian style.
R. Dona Veridiana, 661 - Higienópolis, Sao Paulo, SP 01238-011
Portuguese
Galeto Sat's
Ipanema institution since 1962 serves grilled chicken with garlic sauce and crispy fries. Simple, well-executed comfort food in casual setting draws loyal regulars and tourists alike.
R. Barão da Torre, 192 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22411-000
Sandwiches
Mortadella Sandwich - Hocca Bar
Iconic mortadella sandwich at São Paulo's Municipal Market stacks 300g of folded mortadella on fresh bread. This legendary sandwich draws lines but is worth the wait.
Mercado Municipal, Box 21 - Centro, Sao Paulo, SP
Steakhouse
Santa Grelha
Counter-service steakhouse in multiple São Paulo locations offers quality grilled meats at fast-food prices. Order at the counter, watch meat grilled to order, and enjoy affordable Brazilian steak.
Av. Paulista, 2300 - Consolação, Sao Paulo, SP 01310-300
Tapioca Crepes
Tapioca da Sandra
Beach vendor on Copacabana serves fresh tapioca crepes with sweet and savory fillings. Made to order on portable griddle with options from cheese to Nutella, perfect beach snack.
Copacabana Beach - various locations, Rio de Janeiro
Traditional Brazilian
Casa da Feijoada
Specializing in Brazil's national dish, this Ipanema restaurant serves feijoada daily (not just traditional Saturdays). The classic black bean stew with pork comes with all traditional accompaniments in a casual atmosphere.
R. Prudente de Morais, 10 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22420-041
Traditional Café
Café Girondino
Salvador's historic café established in 1927 serves strong coffee and traditional pastries in art deco setting. Popular morning spot for fresh pão de queijo and cafézinho before exploring Pelourinho.
Praça da Sé, 7 - Centro, Salvador, BA 40020-030
Food tours & tastings in Brazil
Eat your way through Brazil with a guide.
Browse food experiences in BrazilWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Pastel
Deep-fried pastry with crispy wonton-thin dough filled with meat, cheese, shrimp, or hearts of palm. Served piping hot from large woks at market stalls, Feira da Liberdade (São Paulo Sundays), and street carts nationwide. The quintessential Brazilian market snack.
Find it at: Mercado Municipal São Paulo, Liberdade Sunday Fair, local markets nationwide
Coxinha
Tear-drop shaped croquette of shredded chicken encased in a golden dough crust, Brazil's most iconic salgado (savory snack). Every bakery and snack bar sells them, with Minas Gerais claiming the best versions using catupiry cream cheese.
Find it at: Any bakery (padaria) or lanchonete nationwide
Tapioca Crepes
Gluten-free crepes made from hydrated tapioca starch on a hot griddle with sweet or savory fillings - from fresh coconut and guava to chicken and cheese. Northeastern Brazilian breakfast tradition now found nationwide.
Find it at: Beach vendors in Rio and Northeast Brazil, farmer's markets
Churros recheados
Crispy fried dough tubes filled with doce de leite (milk caramel), dulce de leche, or chocolate and rolled in cinnamon sugar. Available at street stalls, parks, and festivals throughout Brazil.
Find it at: Parque Ibirapuera (São Paulo), beach boardwalks, fairs
Empada
Individual savory pies with shortcrust pastry shells filled with chicken, shrimp, hearts of palm, or cod. Slightly different from empanadas - the Brazilian version has a richer dough and is baked, not fried.
Find it at: Bakeries and padarias nationwide, Mercado Municipal São Paulo
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercado Municipal de São Paulo (Mercadão)
São Paulo's magnificent neo-Gothic covered market houses 300 permanent stalls selling imported delicacies, Brazilian artisanal products, and the famous mortadella sandwich. The stained glass windows depicting agricultural scenes are a work of art.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Sunday 6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Ver-o-Peso Market, Belém
The Americas' oldest open-air market dates to 1688 and sprawls along the Belém waterfront with Amazon fish, exotic fruits (cupuaçu, bacuri, açaí), medicinal herbs, and artisan crafts. The cast-iron market hall was imported from England in 1901.
Hours: Daily 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (best in early morning)
Mercado Modelo, Salvador
Salvador's landmark 19th-century customs house market sells Afro-Brazilian crafts, Candomblé ritual items, lace, and traditional Bahian food. The building was a customs house where enslaved people were once held before auction.
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (almoço) is the main meal in Brazil, typically 12-2 PM. Dinner (jantar) is lighter and starts later (8-10 PM in cities)
Prato feito (PF) lunch specials at neighborhood restaurants offer rice, beans, salad, and protein for R$20-40 - Brazil's best value meal
The 10% service charge (gorjeta) is optional in restaurants - you can decline it if service was poor by simply not including it in payment
Water is not automatically brought to tables - ask for 'uma água por favor' and specify 'sem gás' (still) or 'com gás' (sparkling)
Brazilians eat pizza as a dinner food (never for lunch), and São Paulo's pizza culture is as serious as New York's or Naples'
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food (pastel, coxinha, tapioca) and prato feito lunch specials |
| Mid-range | $20-50/meal | Sit-down restaurants, churrascaria rodízio, seafood |
| Upscale | $80-250+/meal | Fine dining, chef's tasting menus, upscale churrascaria |