Starting last year, and continuing in 2012, Copacabana has seen a migration of prized chefs running away from the high rental prices of Ipanema and Leblon, also attracted by the largest concentration of hotels in Rio de Janeiro, several new restaurants have opened, and we selected a few noteworthy.

For the past 12 years Dominique Guerin was responsible for the delicate and exquisite desserts and breads served at the renowned Le Pré-Catelan restaurant, inside the Sofitel, but now, all of his wonderful creations will be available at his new Guerin Boulangerie, where homemade breads made with family recipes brought from France are available for that special picnic, or to eat right there in sandwiches or an afternoon tea. The assortment of patisserie includes macarons, tartes, éclairs, and many other French inspired irresistible delicacies.

A few blocks from there, another French chef opened a charming boutique of sweets called Paradis, which offers an incredible array of macaron flavors, ice-cream locally made and bonbons made with Valrhona chocolate.

At the opposite end of Copacabana, the luxurious Windsor Atlantica hotel recently inaugurated their new venue with high expectations: to become the best Italian Restaurant in town. Luciano Boseggia came from Italy to work at the prestigious Fasano restaurant in São Paulo. Now, 20 years later, he moved to Rio to become the chef of Alloro. The menu he created pays homage to his country going from antipasti to risottos, homemade pastas, and the freshest seafood chosen by him, one of the advantages of living in a costal city, says the chef.

Another Italian chef, from the already well stablished Osteria dell Angolo restaurant, is now also sharing his attention with the new Bacaro do Lido, described by the chef as an Italian bistro. Located under a beautiful art deco building at the Lido Square, the focus of the house is seafood turned into antipasti, bruschettas, carpaccios, or mixed with fresh pasta made at the spot.

In an area filled with bars, the famous “botecos”, known by locals as Baixo Copacabana, a new gastrobar, ZOT, has lured a more refined crowd, following the trend of slow food pared with wines, the only alcohol served at this restaurant. On Wednesdays, live jazz makes the place one of the busiest in the street, so arrive early.

From these latest novelties, the Charleston Bubble Lounge is definitely the most different. Inspired by the cabarets of the 20’s, the waitresses wear pearls and feathers on their hair. Thursdays the house has live jazz and blues sessions that is being praised by patrons. And as the name suggests, the star here are sparkling wines: French champagne, Spanish Cavas, Italian Prossecos, as well as fantastic Brazilian and Argentinean options, something hard to find in other countries, so we suggest you start with these.

Close to the Copacabana Fort, the Arpoador region has always been associated with surfers and their supply shops, that populate the area. But ever since clothing brands identified with the Carioca style, like Osklen and Reserva, opened stores in this area, a young cool crowd has flocked to this section of Copa (as they call the neighborhood) after the beach. One of the new spots is Beijo Carioca with its salads, sandwiches, quick snacks, crepes, pies, cakes and locally produced gelatos. The care and attention to details and ingredients is merit of the owner, Georgiana Mello, wife of the all mighty Executive Chef of the Sofitel and Le Pré-Catelan restaurant, Roland Villard, who convinced his wife that Copacabana is the place to be!

.: All restaurants have staff that understands or speaks English :.


Av Borges de Medeiros, 633 - Sala 405 a 408 - Leblon - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil - 22430-041 www.blumar.com.br - phone: +55 21 2142 9300 - fax: +55 21 2511 3739