What Food To Try in Rio de Janeiro and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Rio de Janeiro for 2024.
National currency: Brazilian Real, symbol — R$ (international currency code BRL).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Rio de Janeiro cafes and restaurants
$7.2
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $5.35
$32.1
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $22.72
$6.1
Combo Meal
Starting from $5.35
What to Try in Rio de Janeiro
Must-try Dishes
Feijão Tropeiro - Tropeiro Beans (savory bean dish) - A mix of black beans, bacon, sausage, and manioc flour, this hearty dish is packed with flavor. Locals often enjoy it during casual get-togethers or family meals on weekends.Pastel de Feira - Street Pastry (crispy stuffed pastry) - This deep-fried pastry is usually filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables, crunchy on the outside, and gooey within. Vendors sell them at street markets and fairs, making them a go-to snack for a midday break.
Feijoada - Black Bean Stew (traditional stew) - A rich stew made with black beans, assorted pork cuts, and spices, served with rice and orange slices for balance. It's a typical Saturday lunch, enjoyed with friends and family, constituting a festive meal after a long week.
Moqueca - Brazilian Fish Stew (coconut milk stew) - This vibrant dish blends fish, coconut milk, tomatoes, and palm oil, simmered to perfection. Usually enjoyed during Sunday family gatherings, its bright flavors encapsulate the coastal spirit of Rio.
Pão de Queijo - Cheese Bread (cheesy snack) - These chewy, cheesy bread balls are made from tapioca flour and cheese, making them gluten-free treats. They're popular at breakfast and pair wonderfully with coffee, often found at bakeries across the city.
Acarajé - Fried Bean Cake (spicy street food) - These crispy black-eyed pea fritters are filled with spicy shrimp and served with a zesty sauce. Surprisingly, locals like to savor them as a mid-morning snack, especially during festivals and cultural events.
Bolinho de Bacalhau - Codfish Cake (savory fish fritter) - Made from salted cod and mashed potatoes, these golden brown fritters have a crunchy outside and soft inside. Commonly enjoyed as a late afternoon snack, they're best paired with a cold drink on hot days.
Virado à Paulista - São Paulo-style Meal (substantial rice dish) - This dish consists of rice, collard greens, fried egg, and sausage, all served together. Usually enjoyed at lunch, it's a hearty option that fills you up and offers a taste of local cuisine.
Desserts & Drinks
Guaraná Soda - Guaraná (energizing soft drink) - A fizzy drink made from the guaraná fruit, known for its energizing properties. Locals enjoy it chilled, especially during summer days at the beach or while watching football matches, as it packs a refreshing kick. Café com Leite - Café com Leite (coffee with milk) - This comforting drink combines rich Brazilian coffee with steamed milk, creating a velvety texture. You'll see people savoring it in the mornings at local padarias (bakeries) alongside fresh pão de queijo, a popular breakfast combo.
Caipirinha - Caipirinha (lime cocktail) - Made with cachaça (sugarcane spirit), sugar, and fresh lime, this drink is the quintessential Brazilian cocktail. It's typically prepared right before serving, with muddled lime that gives it a refreshing zing, often found being sipped in the lively streets of Lapa during the evenings.
Pudim - Pudim (Brazilian flan) - A creamy flan made from condensed milk, eggs, and sugar, giving it a luscious caramel layer on top. Best enjoyed chilled during family gatherings or special occasions, it'll melt in your mouth and is often a must on dessert tables during birthdays and holidays.
Açaí na Tigela - Açaí na Tigela (açaí bowl) - This frozen treat blends açaí berries with a bit of guaraná syrup, served topped with granola, banana slices, and honey. Commonly enjoyed by locals at beach kiosks post-exercise, it's a refreshing boost on hot days—and by the way, make sure to order it without peanut butter if you're not into that combo!
Food and Groceries in Rio de Janeiro
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.44 |
| Oranges | $1.04 |
| Potatoes | $1.12 |
| Apples | $1.64 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.66 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.02 |
| Imported Beer | $3.29 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $8.02 |
Various Groceries
| Chicken | $3.19 |
| Cigarettes | $1.87 |
| Rice | $0.92 |
| Local Cheese | $5.02 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
In the bustling heart of Rio de Janeiro, the dining scene remains vibrant and steeped in cultural nuances. A fascinating local custom is the late afternoon feijão com arroz (rice and beans) that many cariocas enjoy. While tourists often have dinner around 7 p.m., locals typically eat later, with supper around 9 p.m. or even later on weekends. On weekdays, restaurants can be packed around this time as people unwind after work (hint: expect long waits unless you arrive early).
Meal prices vary greatly depending on the district. For instance, in the more tourist-heavy areas like Copacabana or Ipanema, a typical almoço (lunch) can cost around R$35-50 at mid-range establishments. In contrast, venture into the artistic Lapa district, and you might find similar meals for R$20-30. Street food is an excellent budget option too, with snacks like pastéis (savory pastries) and coxinhas (chicken croquettes) available for around R$5-10. Eating in more local spots often gives you a bigger bang for your buck, especially since they serve authentic dishes.
Payment customs here lean heavily towards convenience. Many restaurants prefer cash, especially smaller ones, while larger establishments often accept credit and debit cards. However, some may add a 10% service charge automatically, so it’s wise to check your bill. Tipping is generally expected, but rounding up or adding 10% suffices, especially if service was good (although some locals skip it altogether in casual eateries).
Common dining habits include communal eating—shared plates are the norm. This is a great way to try various flavors, so don’t hesitate to ask for the prato do dia (dish of the day).
As for reservations, they’re highly advisable during weekends, especially in popular neighborhoods. Many locals appreciate the flexibility of dining out without a reservation on weekdays, but that flexibility doesn’t apply to peak times.
Finally, keep an eye on the weather as it can significantly impact dining patterns. Sunny days often lead to crowded outdoor seating at restaurants by the beach or in parks, while rainy spells have locals opting for hearty stews or comforting pasta dishes.
Ultimately, understanding these local dynamics will enhance your experience in Rio's lively gastronomic scene.
Meal prices vary greatly depending on the district. For instance, in the more tourist-heavy areas like Copacabana or Ipanema, a typical almoço (lunch) can cost around R$35-50 at mid-range establishments. In contrast, venture into the artistic Lapa district, and you might find similar meals for R$20-30. Street food is an excellent budget option too, with snacks like pastéis (savory pastries) and coxinhas (chicken croquettes) available for around R$5-10. Eating in more local spots often gives you a bigger bang for your buck, especially since they serve authentic dishes.
Payment customs here lean heavily towards convenience. Many restaurants prefer cash, especially smaller ones, while larger establishments often accept credit and debit cards. However, some may add a 10% service charge automatically, so it’s wise to check your bill. Tipping is generally expected, but rounding up or adding 10% suffices, especially if service was good (although some locals skip it altogether in casual eateries).
Common dining habits include communal eating—shared plates are the norm. This is a great way to try various flavors, so don’t hesitate to ask for the prato do dia (dish of the day).
As for reservations, they’re highly advisable during weekends, especially in popular neighborhoods. Many locals appreciate the flexibility of dining out without a reservation on weekdays, but that flexibility doesn’t apply to peak times.
Finally, keep an eye on the weather as it can significantly impact dining patterns. Sunny days often lead to crowded outdoor seating at restaurants by the beach or in parks, while rainy spells have locals opting for hearty stews or comforting pasta dishes.
Ultimately, understanding these local dynamics will enhance your experience in Rio's lively gastronomic scene.