Restaurants in Rio are expensive, but if you get to know your way you can find excellent food in the best places at reasonable price. Some of the best restaurants in Ipanema and Leblon will offer good deals at lunchtime.
At Alessandro & Federico (either in Ipanema or in leblon, where I had my lunch today), you can find a 3-course gourmet lunch menu for less than 20 dollars. From Monday to Friday 12pm-4pm, the menu offers at least 20 dishes that can be combined as start, main course and desert to provide an amazing food experience. The only problem is that is always difficult to choose among the delicious temptations. Today I decided for the delicious smoked beef Carpaccio as my start, an amazingly done homemade Gorgonzola Nhoque as main course ( I can't resist nhoques!) and my dessert was a lemon pie to die for.
The quality of the food has lot to do with the 5-star classification. But they are not just because of the food. The atmosphere and the location are very inviting and costumers add a special note to everything. Just outside one of the most charming shopping malls (the Rio Design) and in the heart of Leblon, the restaurant is surrounded by "carioquices" (the "carioca way of life). Here you will find old time costumers and new guests, groups of professionals enjoying lunchtime break and tourist enjoying...well everything, all adding a distinctive flavor to the ambience.
Service is very attentive and beverage selections include almost everything, from exotic juices and cocktails to interesting fusions of caipirinhas. It is a must in your visit to Rio. read more