It’s no secret that the best restaurants in Brazil draw in thousands of tourists each year. Brazilian steakhouses are very common around the world and what better place to indulge than in the country itself?

While I was in Brazil, I had the pleasure of visiting many delicious restaurants and bars. Though there were so many I enjoyed, I was able to narrow down a list of a few that I think were the best in the country.

So, with that being said, here’s a look at nine of the best restaurants in the gorgeous South American country of Brazil.

Casual

Bar do Mineiro
Bar Do Mineiro is the perfect spot in Rio If you’re looking for a true taste of Brazil. This is the go-to spot for locals and it’s known for serving up some of the best feijoada in town. Feijoada is a traditional black bean stew that’s both hearty and flavorful. It’s a Brazilian favorite in and around Rio.

It is casual and appeals to tourists but this place has a way of making you feel like a local. It has an overall friendly atmosphere and its authentic dishes make it a standout destination in Rio. So, if you’re in the mood for a true Brazilian meal, don’t miss out on Bar do Mineiro.

Restaurante Toca da Traira
Restaurante Toca da Traira offers a unique dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Brazilian cuisine. It’s a chain with 4 stores in Rio. It has a very warm, inviting atmosphere and is a favorite among locals and tourists looking for a traditional meal. The menu features a variety of traditional favorites, including feijoada, Farofa, and more. All dishes are expertly prepared to showcase the delicious eats of the region.

One of the highlights is the restaurant’s signature caipirinhas which are made fresh to order each and every time. When I visited Rio, I genuinely enjoyed my experience here, and I thought the food was delicious and well-priced. So if you’re in Rio and want a casual dinner, I’d recommend Toca Da Traira.

Bar da Dona Onça
If you’re in São Paulo and looking for a spot that truly captures the essence of Brazilian flavors with a modern spin, Bar da Dona Onça should be at the top of your list. It’s located right in the heart of the city and serves up hearty, delicious meals every single day.

The menu? It’s all about Brazilian comfort food, like classic feijoada and locally sourced seafood. The restaurant was founded by the talented chef Janaina Rueda who says it’s all about showcasing the variety of Brazilian culinary traditions. So if you’re looking for a traditional meal, I’d highly recommend Bar da Dona Onça.

Moderate

Clássico Sunset Urca
This one is without a doubt a hidden gem. Classico Sunset Urca perfectly captures the essence of Rio and its bright, colorful vibes. The restaurant has unbelievable views and is located between the iconic Sugarloaf Mountain and the serene Guanabara Bay.

The food is superior but most flock here because it’s views of the Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. It’s the ideal place to take your photos, crowd-free. I would recommend visiting during sunset, only because that’s when the views are taken to the next level with the bright colors of the sky. Hence the name “classic Sunset Urca.”

Camarada Camarão Salvador
If you love seafood just as much as I do, you’ll love Camarada Camarão in Salvador, Brazil. It’s one of the best restaurants for seafood lovers in Brazil. All of the food served here is authentic Bahian cuisine. Most dishes include local spices and fresh ingredients. You can expect things like shrimp moqueca, Abará, and grilled shrimp skewers on the menu.

It’s also helpful that the staff are wonderful and the environment is very lively. I find this really enhances the dining experience as a whole; it makes things comfortable and inviting. All in all, I highly recommend Camarada Camarão as a moderate dining option in Brazil.

Clássico Beach Club – Recreio
Are beachy vibes your thing? Perfect! The Clássico Beach Club, located at Praia da Macumba in Recreio, Rio de Janeiro, is a beach-side restaurant that serves a wide range of seafood dishes and beachside snacks. It offers a more laid-back experience compared to the busier beaches like Copacabana or Ipanema which can get crowded at times. The beach club provides comfortable lounge seating, umbrellas, and a menu featuring fresh seafood, Brazilian dishes, and a variety of drinks.

Praia da Macumba is also well-known for its excellent surf conditions too, so if you’re a surfer, you gotta make it out here! This beach is very scenic, especially at sunset. I highly recommend it!

Luxury

Restaurante Universal
Restaurante Universal is a well-known spot that many locals love. It’s located in Brasilia, in the city center and it offers a true taste of traditional Brazilian cuisine. Restaurante Universal is focused on delivering authenticity and that’s what makes it so special.

The menu here highlights traditional Brazilian cuisine with signature dishes including feijoada, a hearty moqueca, which is a flavorful fish stew with coconut milk. For lighter options, they offer pão de Queijo, cheesy bread balls, and fresh salads.

The drink menu is just as awesome! My recommendation would be to order the caipirinha which is made from cachaça, lime, and sugar. It’s one of my favorites! Overall, I really recommend trying Restaurante Universal if you make it to Brazil’s capital, Brasilia.

Restaurante Pérgula
Almost everyone who visits Rio goes to Copacabana, so why not visit the luxury restaurant, Restaurante Pérgula, which is located in the iconic Copacabana Palace? The dining experience is unmatched and they specialize in Brazilian-Mediterranean fusion dishes with local, fresh ingredients. When I visited Rio, I went for breakfast and I thought it was delicious!!

The famous Sunday brunch is what most get. You’ll get an array of gourmet dishes like oysters, and tropical fruits and to top it off, you’ll get a decadent dessert to finish. The restaurant is in a prime location and it’s very bougie so I would recommend it if you’d like to have a luxury style breakfast when in Rio.

Skye Bar & Restaurante
Skye Bar & Restaurante is one of those places you have to see in person. It’s perched atop the beautiful Hotel Syke in Sao Paulo. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the nightlife within the city. It’s a great rooftop spot that I’d recommend in the evenings. When I was there, I found it to be rather romantic, so if you’re traveling with a partner, even better.

The menu at Skye features a delicious fusion of Brazilian and international cuisine, with some insanely bold flavors. Don’t miss out on their signature cocktails, expertly crafted to complement your meal, no matter what you order. So in all honestly, I recommend Sky Bar & Restaurante for a romantic night out or even just a fancy dinner in Sao Paulo.