What could I possibly say about Bar Jobi that hasn't been said before? A total Rio institution and a Leblon heavy hitter since the 1950's. Just go.
Places like this are rare in Rio, yes you heard me right. Even just 10-15 years ago there were more gems more like this in Rio, but with Globalization, China becoming the new & biggest--rapist/trading partner of Brazil, mix that with inflation, devaluation of the dollar and real, and neighborhoods like Copacabana becoming no-go zones....yes, Jobi is simply a dying breed. I've seen Rio in better shape before. I might as well mention the World Cup and soon to be Olympics in Rio are not a blessing but a curse. Prices will only go up and quality goes down. Keep in mind I went at a time to avoid ALL OF THIS, and still dealt with stupid prices. Grocery shopping was simply a sad affair and a waste of money.
This last visit was a huge wake-up call. Rio has never been the culinary epicenter of Brazil and it is NOT a food destination. I'm sure I'll get the death threats and tears about that comment, but anyone from Brazil or that is well traveled through Brazil knows it's true. If you've seen more than just Rio, you will vouch for me. São Paulo, Bahia and other places have the good eats. Rio is a beach town where mediocrity meets the sand and you must dive deep to find good spots like Jobi. Is Rio amazing? Yes....just not the food.
Jobi, does everything in house, and the place is small, ultra tiny, every last bit of room is used for something. Roasted pig-leg and other meats with tasty sides make for a comforting meal, almost Thanksgiving-esque, beautiful pork-rinds to crunch on gratis as you sip your beer or cocktail. And of course a lot of other Brazilian classics too.
Bar Jobi's owner might even stop by your table and ask how your meal is, a jovial Carioca indeed. The crowd here is very-local, and it's a freedom-zone, I like how free at times you can feel in Rio. The waiters dressed in black & white, stop by and use a pen to make tick-marks on your paper table-cover as you are racking up your beer count. I'm not the biggest beer drinker, but when you are in Brazil, it's necessary.
Over all, this place is a spot I'd eat at every single day, why even bother with any other place? The food is very good, basic & lovingly put together, my idea of comfort food done right, prices are very fair, given that Rio is UN-GODLY expensive.....and the fact that Jobi sits in thee most expensive neighborhood of Leblon. This place won't disappoint. read more