We had lunch today at 18 do Forte de Copacabana, and it was an amazing experience from start to…read morefinish. The wait time was very short -- only about five minutes -- but it was a Wednesday and not a holiday, so I imagine weekends can get much busier. I'd definitely recommend arriving early or making a reservation if you plan to visit on a Saturday or Sunday.
The food was excellent. We ordered the Pesto e Burrata, which was absolutely delicious and full of flavor. We also tried the Picadinho Tapajós, and it was one of the highlights: the beans were perfectly cooked, the farofa mix was amazing, and it came with a beautifully prepared egg and fried banana. Such a comforting and authentic Brazilian combination that I'm sure everyone will enjoy.
For drinks, the strawberry caipirinha was spot on -- refreshing and perfectly balanced in sweetness. The passion fruit caipirinha also tasted great, although it could have had just a touch more sugar. We also tried the Limoncello Spritz, which wasn't really our favorite, but it may appeal to a different taste.
The real star of this place is the view. It's absolutely impeccable -- honestly, there are very few places in Rio (or even in the world) with a setting this beautiful. Having lunch with a direct view of Sugarloaf Mountain feels priceless.
Prices were a bit above average, but considering the location, atmosphere, and unforgettable scenery, it was 100% worth it. Highly recommend!