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Botafogo is a charming and vibrant neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone, offering countless options for entertainment, culture, and, of course, gastronomy. If you’re looking for where to eat well in Botafogo, this guide highlights excellent restaurants that cater to every taste and budget.
Botafogo boasts dining options for every occasion, ranging from simple and affordable eateries to refined, award-winning restaurants. You can enjoy everything from traditional Brazilian cuisine to a wide variety of international flavors, including French, Italian, Arab, Spanish, and Japanese food.
Photo: marchello74 / Shutterstock.com
In addition, Botafogo has a lively nightlife scene, with trendy bars and craft breweries that attract a fun, stylish crowd. Whether you want to unwind during happy hour or impress someone with a romantic dinner, Botafogo offers outstanding restaurants for every moment.
Below, check out the list of great restaurants in Botafogo, curated by our partners at Tesouros do Brasil.
List of Great Restaurants in Botafogo: 25 Must-Visit Spots
Miam Miam - One of our favorites — comforting food in a stylish setting that feels like a 1960s home.
Marchezinho - We discovered this spot through a video and loved the concept of using only Brazilian ingredients.
Lasai Restaurant - In our opinion, the best restaurant in Rio and our go-to choice for special celebration dinners. The menu changes frequently to reflect the seasonality of ingredients.
Lima Cocina Peruana - Perfect for those who want to discover that Peruvian cuisine goes far beyond ceviche.
Tutto Nhoque - Pizza and pasta are great, but it’s the melted cheese dish that makes people line up outside.
La Villa - French cuisine served in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.
Tragga - A must for meat lovers, featuring generous and flavorful cuts.
Oteque - Another Rio restaurant ranked among the best in the world — a true fine-dining experience.
Ino - A legitimate Italian restaurant offering fresh, house-made pasta.
Botequim Restaurante - Brazilian recipes served in a beautiful historic house. The picadinho comes with a pastel on the side!
Joaquina Bar & Restaurante - Located inside Cobal do Humaitá in an open-air area. Portions are very generous.
Coltivi - A hidden garden in the back makes this a wonderful place to enjoy pizza outdoors.
Naturalie Bistrô - For those always asking for vegetarian restaurant recommendations, this is one of the best in Rio.
Gutessen - Have you ever tried Jewish cuisine? This is one of Rio’s kosher restaurants.
Il Leone Restaurant - A recently opened Italian restaurant on Rua Conde de Irajá that has quickly become a local gastronomic hotspot.
Assunção Restaurant - One of those small neighborhood spots locals love because it’s always a reliable choice.
Aurora - A very traditional restaurant serving nostalgic dishes such as medalhão à piemontese, octopus rice, and feijoada on Saturdays.
Galeto Sat’s Botafogo - If you’ve seen our “Perfect Day in Copacabana” video, you’re already familiar with Galeto Sat’s — and there’s also a Botafogo location.
Hell’s Burguer - Their burger is made with beef short ribs and is absolutely fantastic.
Sult - Modern décor paired with classic Italian recipes loved by fans of the cuisine.
Ferro e Farinha Botafogo - Pizzas made with naturally fermented dough and perfectly charred edges, just the way they should be.
Signatures - Located inside the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school, offering a chance to enjoy fine dining at more accessible prices.
Kotobuki Japanese Cuisine - Despite being inside Botafogo Praia Shopping Mall, the ocean view makes it well worth the visit.
Cave Nacional - A restaurant focused on showcasing excellent Brazilian wines — dinner is the perfect accompaniment.
Mazzo Pizzeria - Another excellent Botafogo pizzeria, featuring wood-fired ovens.
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FAQ – Best Restaurants in Botafogo: 25 Must-Visit Places
Photo: Alexandre Macieira / Riotur
1. Why is Botafogo one of the best neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro for food lovers?
Botafogo is considered one of Rio de Janeiro’s top food districts thanks to its culinary diversity, excellent value for money, and award-winning restaurants. The neighborhood offers everything from casual Brazilian comfort food to world-class fine dining, all within a vibrant and easily accessible area.
2. What types of cuisine can I find in Botafogo restaurants?
Restaurants in Botafogo cover a wide range of cuisines, including:
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Brazilian (traditional and contemporary)
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Italian (fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza)
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French
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Peruvian
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Japanese
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Jewish (kosher cuisine)
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Vegetarian and healthy dining
This variety makes Botafogo ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.
3. Which are the best fine dining restaurants in Botafogo?
Some of the most acclaimed fine dining restaurants in Botafogo include:
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Lasai Restaurant – a seasonal menu and one of the most celebrated restaurants in Rio
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Oteque – an internationally recognized gastronomic experience
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Signatures (Le Cordon Bleu) – high-end cuisine at more accessible prices
These venues are perfect for celebrations and memorable dining experiences.
4. Where can I eat well in Botafogo on a budget?
If you are looking for affordable yet excellent restaurants in Botafogo, great options include:
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Marchezinho – dishes made exclusively with Brazilian ingredients
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Botequim Restaurante – classic Brazilian recipes
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Galeto Sat’s Botafogo – traditional, casual, and budget-friendly
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Assunção Restaurante – a local favorite among neighborhood residents
5. What are the best restaurants in Botafogo for a romantic dinner?
Botafogo offers several charming spots ideal for a romantic evening, such as:
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Miam Miam – cozy atmosphere and comforting, nostalgic cuisine
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La Villa – French cuisine in a relaxed and intimate setting
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Cave Nacional – focused on Brazilian wines in a warm, elegant ambiance
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Coltivi – a hidden garden perfect for open-air dining
6. Are there good vegetarian and alternative dining options in Botafogo?
Yes! Botafogo is known for its inclusive culinary scene, with standout options such as:
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Naturalie Bistrô – one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Rio
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Gutessen – traditional Jewish kosher cuisine
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Lima Cocina Peruana – authentic Peruvian flavors beyond ceviche
7. What are the best pizza places in Botafogo?
Some of the most popular pizza spots in Botafogo include:
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Ferro e Farinha Botafogo – natural fermentation dough and wood-fired ovens
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Coltivi – artisanal pizzas in a beautiful outdoor garden
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Mazzo Pizzaria – classic recipes baked in a wood-fired oven
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Tutto Nhoque – famous for its melted cheese that draws long lines
8. Where can I find great meat and burgers in Botafogo?
Meat lovers will find excellent options in Botafogo, such as:
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Tragga – generous cuts and bold flavors
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Hell’s Burguer – burgers made with beef short ribs
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Aurora – traditional recipes like filet medallions and Saturday feijoada
9. Is Botafogo a good neighborhood for nightlife and happy hour?
Absolutely. Botafogo has a lively nightlife scene, with bars, craft breweries, and restaurants that are perfect for happy hour, casual gatherings, and late-night dining.
10. Is it worth creating a food itinerary in Botafogo?
Definitely. A food itinerary in Botafogo allows visitors to:
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Explore multiple cuisines within walking distance
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Combine dinner, drinks, and dessert without long commutes
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Discover both award-winning restaurants and local hidden gems
Botafogo is one of the best neighborhoods in Rio de Janeiro for travelers who want to eat well and enjoy a complete urban experience.
