If you’ve ever heard of the Girl from Ipanema, you probably know a little something about Copacabana’s neighbor district. This affluent area located on the south portion of Rio de Janeiro has one of the most beautiful beaches around the city, attended by tribes of all kinds.
Aside from the drop-dead gorgeous sunset, Ipanema has
In this post, we’re going to give you a complete tour of the Ipanema district, pointing out the main points of interest like bars, restaurants, hotels, places you can go shopping, things to do around the neighborhood, and every detail you must know if you want to visit this fancy Rio district!
Note: all values stated in this post were calculated based on the exchange rate of the day this article was written (USD 1.00 = BRL 5,35), so prices may differ once you do your own research.
Oh, and just in case you’re looking to know some little-known interesting facts about the district, don’t forget to read our 5 facts you probably didn’t know about Ipanema!
Quick History Lesson on Ipanema
As stated earlier, Ipanema is a district located in the south of Rio de Janeiro, founded in 1894 by José Antônio Moreira, also known as the Ipanema Count. The district borders with Copacabana, Leblon, and Lagoa. Prior known as Villa de Ipanema, its development intensified in the beginning of the 20th century, when the local citizens started to prefer the coastal districts.
Back then, Ipanema was still an unpopulated beach, with very little infrastructure (which was more focused in Rio de Janeiro’s downtown area). To facilitate the urbanization process, cable car lines inaugurated in 1902, marking the beginning of the district’s emergence.
Since then, over the years, Ipanema served as background for some pretty interesting events in the history of Rio de Janeiro. In 1906, for example, senator Pinheiro Machado challenged journalist Edmundo Bittencourt in a duel, as he considered Edmundo’s pieces to be offensive towards him.
The two of them met by the seashore (where Avenida Vieira Souto stands today), stood back to back, walked 10 steps each, and turned around to shoot. The senator ended up winning the duel, hitting Edmundo’s iliac bone.
Fast forward to the late ’50s, and Ipanema was again the center of attention, as the Bossa Nova genre was just about to be created. On an ordinary day, friends Tom Jobin and Vinícius de Moraes were having a drink at Bar Veloso (which still exists – we’ll go over it in later topics) and saw Helô Pinheiro (who wasn’t famous whatsoever at the time) passing by. In no time, the duo composed “Garota de Ipanema,” mesmerized by the girl’s beauty.
We have recently visited the neighborhood to show you all the main points of interest you should visit, take a quick look:
And until this day, the people still maintain some traditions from the golden years of the district. One of these traditions is clapping at the sunset seen from the Ipanema beach, as you still get to see a lot of people praising the breathtaking nightfall.
Back in 1968, journalist Carlos Leonam was a regular at the beach, always accompanied by other big Brazilian entertainment names like movie director Glauber Rocha and TV host Jô Soares. While staring at the sunset, Leonam got up and said that moment deserved a round of applause. He was joined by his friends, and it didn’t take long for others to follow suit
And since we’re talking about beaches, that leads us straight to our next topic:
The Ipanema Beach
The Ipanema Beach is one of Rio de Janeiro’s most famous views. Aside from the natural beauty, the beach and coastline are very representative of the Carioca (how Rio de Janeiro locals are called) way of life. The district has tons of bars, restaurants, stores, outdoor activities, and plenty to keep you busy.
In total, the Ipanema beach is 2,6km (1,6 miles) long and has 3 lifeguard posts. Rio’s coastline has numbered lifeguard posts, which start at Copacabana at 1 and end in Leblon at 12. Ipanema’s lifeguard’s posts are numbers 8, 9, and 10. Each of them has plenty of infrastructure for services like showers, bathrooms, and of course, trained lifeguards in case something should happen.
Along the years, each of the posts became popular with different types of beach-goers, and are traditionally frequented by:
Lifeguard Post 8 – younger beachgoers looking to have fun, flirt and have a good time. It’s a very famous spot for the younger generations, and it’s not unusual to see a lot of them listening to music and partying in the sands.
Post 9, for its closeness to Farme de Amoedo street, is a popular spot within the LGBTQIA+ culture ever since the late 70s. Late singer and composer Cazuza, who was already openly gay back in the ’80s, was a regular in that part of the Ipanema beach, as it is a safe spot for queer people.
And if you’re traveling with your family by any chance, Post 10 is the place to go. This part of the Ipanema beach is a well-known spot for families looking for a more peaceful and calm environment to spend some quality times with their kids.
Ipanema’s Neighbor Beaches
The Ipanema beach stands right between the Leblon and Arpoador beaches. The latter is also a pretty fmaous spot to watch the sunset, especially if you walk up to Pedra do Arpoador. It’s well worth the effort, as the view is truly amazing.
On the opposite side, you’ll get to the Leblon beach, which is very sought after by tourists, as it is considered one of the safest beaches in regards to criminality (you can read more on that on this piece we made on the Do’s and Don’ts of swimming in Rio beaches). It is also a good place to practice sports and have a cold beer in one of the local bars.
If you prefer video, check out this one we prepared just on Brazilian beach etiquette on our Youtube channel:
You can also visit the Leblon Observatory, which is a very charming place from which you can get a complete view of the whole coast. If you want to know more about what to do in the district, don’t forget to check our Complete Guide to Leblon.
At last, the Copacabana beach is not right next to Ipanema’s, but it’s close enough to reach it by bike or even just by walking by the paradisiac coast, which should take around 15-20 minutes from one beach to the other. The Copacabana beach is, as you may already know, one of the most traditional and famous spots in Rio de Janeiro.
Aside from the many bars and restaurants, you’ll be able to find at the Copacabana shorelines, you can also visit the Copacabana Fort, which is a historical tourist site from which you can get an amazing view of the city.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas
The famous Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is right next to the Ipanema beach and definitely worth visiting. Many citizens (especially those who live close by) like to use it for sports practicing, like bike riding, jogging, and paddling.
It is also surrounded by many bars and restaurants with great infrastructure if you like to have a drink on the outside. Amongst a few, we can highlight Quiosque Viquim Roots, Bar Lagoa, and Palaphita Kitch bar as some of the options to choose from.
And of course, you can rent one of the famous swan-boats so you can paddle around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, which is very popular amongst both tourists and locals.
Best Hotels in Ipanema
If you’re planning on staying in Ipanema, there’s a lot to choose from in terms of accommodations. Being one of the main tourist districts in town, you’ll find many options for lodging for any type of budget you’re on. To give you a few examples, here’s what we gathered:
Hotel Fasano
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 80 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Average Daily Rate: USD 243.00
The Fasano Hotel is one of the most famous hotels in Rio de Janeiro, having hosted A-list celebrities such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, and Will Smith. It has a very high-profile restaurant (which we’ll catch more info later on this post), and a breathtaking view, as it is located near Pedra do Arpoador. Needless to say, watching the sunset from the Fasano balcony is an absolute must.
The hotel’s insides are very sophisticated and decorated in a Bossa Nova style, which couldn’t be more Carioca. It also has a bar by the pool, which is perfect after a day out on the beach.
Caesar Park (Sofitel)
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 460 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Average Daily Rate: USD 211.00
Widely used as a reference point at the Ipanema Beach (mainly because of its size), Caesar Park stands right in front of one of the hottest spots at the shores. And just like with the Fasano Hotel, if you want to take a dive in the ocean, just across the street and quench your thirst!
The Caesar Park hotel has everything you need, from the amazing view of the Ipanema skyline to saunas, spas, a gym, and a restaurant. The place is also beautifully decorated, so you’ll definitely feel like a rockstar if you chose to stay here.
Sol Ipanema
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 320 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Average Daily Rate: USD 211.00
Another great option if you want to stay right across the street from the beach. Sol Ipanema hotels houses over 90 apartments that are simple yet elegant and comfortable, with half of them facing the ocean view. It’s the perfect choice if you don’t want to spend tons of money on accommodations but still want to keep it posh.
Right next to the hot spots at Post 9, the hotel has a beautiful terrace with a bar and a pool and an Italian restaurant with a panoramic view of the city. Its also beautifully decorated, having all the essentials to accommodate and meet your expectations.
Arpoador Fashion Hotel
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 320 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Average Daily Rate: USD 211.00
Also known as the Best Western Premier, the Arpoador Fashion Hotel is located in one of the most coveted spots in Ipanema, as it has a clear view of almost the entire shore. It is beautifully decorated by Brazilian stylist Glória Coelho, features a spa and wellness center and even a customer service that will bring you anything you want right at the beach.
The hotel’s restaurant, called Obeijú, specializes in Brazilian culinary, so you’ll be able to have a 360 Brazilian experience while staying at the Arpoador Fashion Hotel.
Ipanema Inn
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 320 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Average Daily Rate: USD 211.00
Now, if you’re looking for something nice but a little more affordable, the Ipanema Inn might be just that. While it doesn’t face the beach like our previous choices, it’s located just under 500 feet from the shore, so you’ll still be pretty close to it.
Still, some of the rooms have a side view of the ocean, and the hotels have plenty of partnerships with local restaurants and gyms as well as a waiter service in which you can order from the beach as well. It’s located in one of Ipanema’s best spots, right between lifeguard posts 9 and 10.
Ipanema B&B
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, 320 – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Average Daily Rate: USD 211.00
Ipanema’s Bed & Breakfast is virtually located at the heart of Ipanema, right between Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and the beach. It’s a pretty chill and safe spot, being a great choice if you’re on a budget but still want to be in a safe and structured place.
The decoration is pretty warming and cozy, which makes you feel right at home in no time. Aside from the breakfast meal being included in their daily fees, the Ipanema B&B also has a shared kitchen in case you want to make yourself something to eat.
Bars and Pubs in Ipanema
Having tons of history being one of Rio’s most diverse and bar-packed districts, Ipanema has enough attractions to keep you busy night and day. For that reason, we decided to list all the places worth visiting for a drink, and here’s what we found:
Barzin Rio Life
Address: Rua Vinícius de Moraes, 75
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Mondays – from 12 am to 12 pm
Tuesdays & Wednesdays – from 11 am to 12 pm
Thursdays – from 11 am to 03 pm
Fridays to Sundays – from 11 am to 04 pm
Barzin’s concept revolves around good gastronomy and high-quality entertainment. It’s one of Ipanema’s most charming and spacious places, having 3 different floors with different vibes, one being a bar, and the two others being the lounge and the club floors.
The menu has some delicious finger food choices, as well as some yummy appetizers like carpaccios and salads. The drinks are also a highlight here, don’t forget to try their delicious caipirinha (Brazilian alcoholic beverage made with sugar cane).
Popeye Bar
Address: Visconde de Pirajá street, 181
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Sundays – from 7 am till the last customer leaves
If you’re looking for something a little more simple, but still fun, Popeye Bar is the place to go. With prices that fit in any type of budget, you’ll be able to taste the bar’s delicious food and their beer, which is always at the perfect temperature (icy-cold as most Brazilians like!). The bar also has some very interesting meal choices, like chicken stew, beef jerky, and ham in breadcrumbs.
Boteco Belmonte
Address: Teixeira de Melo street, 53
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – from 11 am to 02 am
Saturday – from 11 am to 01 am
Sunday – from 11 am to 02 am
The Belmonte bar franchise is a staple in Rio de Janeiro, located in many districts including Ipanema. It’s a well-known meet up spot for Rio locals, mainly because it translates a lot of the chill and relaxed vibe that the Cariocas love so much.
The highlights here are the draft beers, which are served freezing cold to suit Rio’s average higher temperatures. There are tons of delicious finger foods like empadas and pastéis (both of which you absolutely must try) as well as full meals you can choose to fill your stomachs!
Banana Jack
Address: Jangadeiros street, 6 – Praça General Osório
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday – from 12 am to 01 am
Friday & Saturday – from 12 am to 03 am
Have you ever heard of a Banana draft beer? Yeap, you read that right! If you haven’t and are curious about how it tastes, here’s your chance to try it! Aside from the quirky drink, the Banana Jack bar also has great burgers and snacks, but don’t worry, they’re not all made with bananas!
The bar also likes to keep things fun with game nights and even a fake gorilla that comes out to meet with the public and take pictures with them. So if you’re looking for an unusual night out in Rio de Janeiro, stopping by at Banana Jack must definitely be on your list of places to go!
Garota de Ipanema
Address: Vinicius de Moraes street, 49
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Every day from 11 am to 02 am
Another historical place in Rio de Janeiro, the Garota de Ipanema bar, opened its doors in 1949 under the name Montenegro, but changed to its current name after loyal customers Tom Jobim and Vinícius de Moraes wrote the international hit of the same name at one of its tables.
In regards to the bar’s infrastructure, one of the most requested appetizers are the crab cakes and the deep-fried cod cakes, which go great with the place’s ice-cold draft beer. If you’re with a larger group, they also serve a great feijoada dish, as well as a massive rump steak that will surely satisfy everyone.
Canastra Bar
Address: Jangadeiros street, 42
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – from 6:30 pm to 1 am
Barthodomeu
Address: Maria Quitéria street, 46
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday – from 5 pm to 1 am
Tuesday to Sundays – from 12 am till the last customer leaves
Being one of the many excelent bar choices you can go after a day out on the beach, Barthodomeu is very charming and laidback. Aside from the menu packed with drinks and good food, the place also features live music sometimes, and the waiter service is very praised amongst Rio de Janeiro locals.
Café Bazzar
Address: Teixeira de Melo street, 31
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Saturdays – from 12 am to 10 pm
Sunday – from 12 am to 6 pm
Located inside the Travessa bookstore in Ipanema, the Café Bazzar, as the name implies, works both as a café and a bazaar on the weekends. They hire well-known local DJs to keep the party going as there are always designers and stylists showing their goods.
Vinícius Piano Bar
Address: Vinícius de Moraes street, 39
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Saturdays – from 12 am to 10 pm
Sunday – from 12 am to 6 pm
Locally known as the “temple of Bossa Nova,” Vinícius Piano bar is a great choice if you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy a drink and listen to some Bossa Nova. It’s located pretty close to the Ipanema beach, sometimes hosting live acts on their weekly program. To top it off, they serve very delicious drinks and appetizers, as well as some traditional Brazilian dishes.
Tô Nem Aí
Address: Farme de Amoedo street, 57
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday – from 12 am to 03 am
Friday and Saturday – from 12 am to 04 pm
An LGBTQIA+ staple in the most iconic LGBTQIA+ street in Rio de Janeiro, Tô Nem Aí is ready to serve you any time of day in whatever situation. The drinks are the highlight of the bar, from all-time classics like Aperol spritz to the bar’s own “Tô Nem Aí Blue”, which is served in 1,5 l glasses (yeap, you read that right!).
The menu is also packed with options whether you’re just looking for a quick bite or a full meal. My favorite appetizer is the burrata flanked with prosciutto, with the rump steak sandwich coming next as a close second. The bar also sometimes hosts special events, which you can preview at Tô Nem Aí’s official social media.
Flashback Bar
Address: Paul Redfern street, 33
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Wednesday and Thursday – from 7 pm to 1 am
Friday and Saturday – from 7 pm to 3 am
Decorated with posters and record covers of the most celebrated rock artists, such as the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, James Taylor, and Bob Dylan, the Flashback bar is the ultimate place for classic rock lovers. There’s a happy hour every Thursday in which you get a second draft beer after purchasing one.
The food menu is also very welcoming, having refined courses with fillet mignon, mushrooms, and salmon. The drinks are one of the major points of interest, with traditional and new drinks created and elaborated by the place’s own bartenders.
Empório Bar
Address: Maria Quitéria street, 37
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday – from 8 pm to 4 am
Thursday, Friday & Saturday – from 8 pm to 5 am
Another rock bar that started out back in the ’80s (when the genre became highly popular in Brazil), the Empório Bar is the place to go if you want to watch independent bands playing in town. The place usually starts to warm up by midnight, with the party proceeding ’till the break of dawn.
Almost every day of the week, the bar usually features live DJs on their second floor, but since the Covid-19 pandemic, these only happen on selected days and dates (which can be viewed through the bar’s social media).
Baretto Londra Bar
Address: Vieira Souto Avenue, 80
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Every day from 7 pm to 2 am (except Sundays)
Housed by the famous Fasano hotel, the Baretto Londra bar was once ranked by British magazine Wallpaper as the best hotel bar in the world, mainly due to the place’s excellency in regards to food, drinks, and the beautiful eye-candy decoration, which mixes Italian and British cultures.
You can expect fancy drinks like the hotel’s own “Very Fasano” and delicious appetizers like carpaccio with olive butter and mozzarella and tomato scones. Although a little pricy, it’s definitely worth having at least a few drinks at the Baretto Londra bar, as the whole experience and service are top-notch.
Temporada Bar
Address: Francisco Bhering Avenue, 65 (inside the Arpoador Inn)
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: check the hotel’s website for more information regarding the bar
If you’re either staying at the Arpoador Inn or not, Temporada bar is definitely a nice place to have a few drinks. The bar’s name loosely translates to “Season Bar”, mainly because it’s only open for a few seasons a year (don’t forget to check this info at the Inn’s website).
The kitchen is run by Argentinian chef Christian Garcia, who loves mixing traditional recipes with a sophisticated twist. The drink menu is signed by Brazilian mixologist Sandre Mendes, who’ll surely fix you one of the best drinks you’ll have in Rio de Janeiro!
Astor Bar
Address: Vieira Souto Avenue, 110
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – from 6 pm to 12 am
Friday – from 1 pm to 12 am
Saturday – from 12 am to 2 am
Holidays – opens at 1 pm
With an exclusive view of the beach, the Astor Bar is another bar in Ipanema in which you’ll be able to drink and eat well. With an extensive menu that has sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and seafood (amongst other choices), the bar is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The drinks are also worth mentioning, with some of them being exclusive creations of the bar.
Bar Vinte
Address: Henrique Dumont street, 86, Store B
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday – from 12 am to 12 pm
Thursday to Saturday – from 12 am to 1 am
Sunday – from 12 am to 10 pm
By the looks of our list so far, I think it’s pretty clear that most Cariocas love a cold beer with some yummy appetizers, right? Well, Bar 20 stays true to that, with loads of finger food and entrées to chose from. One of the most famous is called 20 Comer, which is deep-fried rice caked stuffed with pepperoni with a breadcrumb crust. I mean, c’mon right? Doesn’t get any yummier than that!
The menu also has other types of finger food, like deep-friend cod cakes and pork ribs with chutney sauce, as well as several types of drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Botequim do Itahy
Address: Maria Quitéria street, 74, store A / Barão da Torre street. 334
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday – from 11:30 am to 2:30 am
Friday and Saturday – from 11:30 am to 4 am
Another iconic place that’s been part of Ipanema’s history since the ’80s, Botequim do Itahy is, aside from a great bar, an excelent choice to have lunch. That is because the place has many a la cart courses with friendly prices to chose from, like potatoes rosti and the traditional Brazilian feijoada.
Quiosque Quase 9
Address: Vieira Souto Avenue, near lifeguard post 9
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Everyday from 10 am to 8 pm
Located right at the Ipanema beach promenade, near the district’s lifeguard post 9 – hence the bar’s name, which loosely translates to Almost 9 Kyosk, this bar has been quenching the thirst of many Cariocas for over 30 years now and still going strong.
Whether you’re looking to try their many different versions of our famous Caipirinha drink, or just wants some fresh coconut water, Quiosque Quase 9 will surely be able to please you. Don’t forget to try their shrimp snacks, they’re so good!
Botequim Informal
Address: Barão da Torre street, 348
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Every day from 12 am till the last customer leaves
Botequim Informal’s old school vibes and decoration are very reminiscent of the old bars in Rio de Janeiro, which gives this establishment a very cool and vintage flair. One of the coolest things at Botequim Informal are their beer taps, in which one of the taps provides the ice cold beer, while the other tops it off with a foam layer.
The food menu is also packed with options from appetizers, a la carte meals, buffets and others. One of my favorite things to order is the fillet mignon sandwich, which is delicious and perfect for a quick bite!
Bunda de Fora Bar
Address: Vinícius de Moraes street, 178, store B
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Every day from 7 am till the last customer leaves
This old-school bar is an excelent choice for both day and night. During the day, the bar is attended by many people looking to have lunch, as it features several options such as feijoada, barbecues, and other traditional Brazilian courses.
At night, the attention revolves around the drinks sought after by the locals who want to chill after a long day. If you’re not a fan of alcohol, that’s OK! The Bunda de Fora bar also has some delicious non-alcoholic drinks (called batidas) that will surely keep you fresh and happy.
Sindicato do Chopp
Address: Farme de Amoedo street, 83
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday – from 8 am to 2 am
Saturday to Sunday – from 8 am to 3 pm
If you’re a fan of draft beers, you’ll love Sindicato do Chopp. Featuring several national and international beer choices, the Sindicato do Chopp bar also has a pretty sweet deal: from Sundays to Thursdays at 5 pm, you get a second pint every time you purchase one, making this bar the perfect choice when you’re on a shoestring budget but still wants to have fun.
The menu features all your usual finger food selection that goes perfect with beer, with french fries, sliced fried sausage, scones and fried chicken as just a few of their choices.
Delirium Café
Address: Barão da Torre street, 183
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday – from 5 pm to 1 am
Thursday – from 5 pm to 2 am
Friday and Saturday – from 5 pm to 3 am
Delirium Café is one of the most traditional beer places in Brussels, having entered the Guinness Book of Records as the bar with the biggest beer menu in the world, with over 2 thousand beer brands. The Ipanema branch, one of the first in Latin America has over 200 types of beer brands to choose from, so rest assured, if you’re a beer lover, having a drink at Delirium Café Ipanema is a must.
The food menu also revolves around the beer choices, with options that go perfectly with the drink, like sausages with provolone cheese and many types of burgers.
Delirium Tap House
Address: Nascimento Silva street, 51
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday – from 5 pm to 1 am
Thursday to Saturday – from 5 pm to 2 am
Sunday – from 4 pm to 12 pm
From Delirium Café’s same franchise, Delirium Tap House (as you have probably figured out by the name) specializes in draft beer, with over 20 beer taps. The bar also has an exclusive drink menu, which also features drinks with beer in their composition, so if you’re not a fan of the drink, you’ll probably have a hard time choosing your beverage.
The bar sometimes also features rock and blues live acts, which are always announced on their social media. Just as an FYI, these musical attractions are always charged separately, which is something we explained more thoroughly in our Guide for Tipping in Brazil. Make sure to give it a quick read so you understand how it works!
Playgrowler
Address: Teixeira de Melo street, 47 store A
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday – from 4 pm to 11 pm
Thursday and Friday – from 4 pm to 12 pm
Saturday – from 2 pm to 12 pm
Sunday – from 2 pm to 10 pm
In case you’re too tired to leave your hotel room, Playgrowler might just be the solution. Being the first store in Rio de Janeiro that specializes in beer takeaway, the bar will deliver any of their artisanal beers right at your doorstep.
And if you’re concerned about the beer not being as good as the one you’d taste fresh out the tap, don’t worry: the bar uses a counter-pressure technique in which the beer comes straight out of the barrel into your bottle, maintaining the drink’s original flavor and smell for a longer period of time.
The Ale House
Address: Visconde de Pirajá street, 580, store 213 (located at the underground level of Ipanema’s Vitrine gallery
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – from 12 am to 10 pm
The Ale House is both a store and a bar located at the underground level of an Ipanema famous gallery called Shopping Vitrine. It specializes in premium beer brands, having over 400 labels to choose from (with a lot of them being German).
Having so many imported brands, the prices at the Ale House might be a tad more expensive than the usual, so keep that in mind if you don’t want to blow big money at a bar.
From Thursday to Saturday, the Ale House throws in a third free pint after you purchase 2 of them, which is a pretty sweet deal especially if you’re joined by more people. The menu features several German-inspired appetizers like mini sausages and meal courses as well, aside from some delicious desserts.
Restaurants in Ipanema
Ipanema also houses several excelent restaurants in which you’ll be able to try the original Brazilian cuisine, amongst many other types of culinary. In order to give you some more focused options, we decide to divide our restaurant list into Regular Restaurants (your usual restaurants with average prices), Fancy Restaurants (if you feel like spending a bit more), and Family Restaurants (which are generally more fit to bigger groups).
Regular Restaurants in Ipanema
Keeping in mind that Ipanema is one of the most expensive districts in Rio de Janeiro, here’s a small list of restaurants in which you can eat for a more affordable price:
Nosso
Address: Maria Quitéria street, 91
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – from 6 pm to 12 pm
“Nosso” is a word that translates to “Our”, which is exactly the motive that this bar and restaurant revolves around. The place is extremely cozy and intimate, which makes you feel right at home, reinforcing the welcoming theme of the place.
New Yorker Bruno Katz is the chef in the restaurant, who aims to make simple yet sophisticated dishes for the customers. The place features a pretty neat tasting menu, which is composed of a couvert and 7 other courses. To make it perfect, Nosso has a pretty extensive drink menu, with beers, wines, and everything you could ask for.
Gurumê
Address: Aníbal de Mendonça street, 132
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday – from 12 am to 11 pm
Friday and Saturday – from 12 am to 12 pm
Sunday – from 12 am to 10 pm
If you’re into Japanese food, you’re in for a treat at Gurumê. The place aims to make traditional Japanese food with a sophisticated twist. Aside from the regular courses, Gurumê features unusual dishes like shrimp popcorn, guacamole salmon, and crispy sushi pieces.
There is also a special menu with light and healthy courses, which are prepared with little to no sodium and carbs. The vegetarian and vegan choices are also really tasty, being an excelent choice if you’ve given up on meat.
Restaurante Quitéria
Address: Maria Quitéria street, 27
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Breakfast – from 7 am to 10:30 am
Lunch – from 12 am to 3 pm
Brunch (only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) – from 11 am to 3 pm
Dinner – temporarily unavailable according to the Restaurant’s website
If you’re staying at the Ipanema Inn, having lunch at Restaurante Quitéria is almost mandatory. The restaurant features a packed buffet for breakfast and lunch, but shift to an a la carte meal system for the night period. The menu highlights are definitely the seafood dishes like the seafood stew, the grilled octopus, and the shrimp rice.
Following Ipanema Inn’s decoration footsteps, the restaurant has a very laidback vibe to it, with a full wall designed by Brazilian artist Gisele Camargo.
Fancy Restaurants In Ipanema
Now, if you’re looking to have a 1st class dinner experience while in Rio de Janeiro, some of the best restaurants in town are also located in Ipanema. Here’s a few of them:
Gero Trattoria
Address: Vieira Souto Avenue, 80 (inside the Fasano Hotel)
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday – from 12 am to 3 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm
Thursday – from 12 am to 3 pm and from 7 pm to 12 pm
Friday and Saturday – from 12 am to 4 pm and from 7 pm to 1 am
Sunday – from 12 am to 10 pm
Operating for over 20 years in Ipanema and now located inside the previously mentioned Fasano Hotel, the Gero Trattoria restaurant is your ultimate culinary VIP experience in Rio de Janerio. You can choose to eat at the main hall or at the beautiful veranda facing the beach, with the latter being my favorite spot in the place.
The menu revolves around Mediterranean cuisine, with different types of fish and seafood as the main choices. The restaurant’s decoration is heavily inspired by the Bossa Nova genre and Brazilian ’60s aesthetics.
Le Bistrot du Cuisinier
Address: Henrique Dumont street, 71.
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday – from 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Friday and Saturday – from 7 pm to 11 pm
Sunday – from 12 am to 3:30 pm
closed on Mondays
If you’re looking for something really exclusive and VIP, you better include Le Bistrot du Cuisinier in your plans. This French restaurant only allows 24 guests at a time, providing customers with a tailor-made treatment.
Chef David Jobert is the mastermind behind the courses, which have options such as snails à la bourguignon and magret du canard, which are staples in French cuisine. The executive menu also features an interesting 5-course meal, consisting of 3 entrées, a main course, and a dessert of your choice.
Restaurante Satyricon
Address: Barão da Torre street, 192
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday – from 12 am to 12 pm
Friday and Saturday – from 12 am to 1 am
The Satyricon restaurant is another place in Ipanema in which Mediterranean cuisine plays a leading role. Here, seafood, fish, mollusks, and shellfish are the big stars of the menu and are displayed on a beautiful counter.
And the best part: the dishes, carefully prepared, are served in a refined atmosphere in the right measure. On the menu, you can find options such as spaghetti with sea urchin roe, telline alla marinara, lobster thermidor, and carpaccio di tonno. Now add a great glass of wine and you are good to go!
Espaço 7zero6 (706)
Address: Vieira Sotto Avenue, 176
Social Media: Instagram |
Opening Hours: Fridays, from 8AM to 00PM
Espaço 7zero6 is a restaurant located inside the Praia Ipanema Hotel, and it provides an intimate environment that serves both business get-togethers as well as weddings and pocket shows. The sophistication and the privileged view (which includes Pão de Açúcar and Morro Dois Irmãos) are sure to win you over (and the food of course!)
Speaking of which, French cuisine is a recurrent inspiration in the dishes prepared by Chef Kadu Soares, so expect a lot of flavors and refinement. But if you’re just here to enjoy a couple of drinks (such as red fruit gin and Ginger Mint Julep – Whiskey Bourbon, mint, ginger syrup, and fresh lemon juice), that also sounds like a pretty good idea, right?
Pici Trattoria
Address: Barão da Torre street, 348
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: from Monday to Sunday, from 12 AM to 00 PM (may vary)
This Italian restaurant has a very cozy atmosphere and a soundtrack that includes a lot of jazz. As a starter, you can choose from options such as beef tartare with truffles, parma with buffalo mozzarella, or bruschetta with burrata cream and pesto sauce.
The main courses follow the traditional Italian cuisine recipes, but the quality and refinement are also what impresses customers. One of the main chef suggestions is the typical Tuscan pasta with artisanal sausage and shitake or Carbonara — true to its origins, with pancetta and an egg yolk on top of the dish.
It’s definitely worth visiting and having the Pici Trattoria experience if you’re a fan of Italian food!.
Family Restaurants in Ipanema
Finally, if you are looking to have that big Sunday lunch with all your friends and family while vacationing in Rio de Janerio, here are a few options you’ll probably love:
Rancho Português
Address: Maria Quitéria street, 136
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – from 11 am to 12 pm
Rancho Português aims to bring a little bit of the Portuguese essence to Brazil, with recipes full of history. There are no less than 15 dishes with the traditional cod for you and your family to enjoy, so if you are into Portuguese food, this is definitely the place for you.
Amongst the many different combinations on the menu, you can find codfish à Madeira, à Lagareiro, à Gomes de Sá and with Natas, which are all original Portuguese recipes. But there are also options like monkfish and octopus rice, as well as special dishes for children.
Churrasqueira Rio
Address: Vinícius de Moraes street, 130
Social Media: Instagram | Website
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 11 AM to 00 PM
Despite the name, Churrasqueira Rio is a steakhouse restaurant that started out in Minas Gerais, so the menu features a section of starters dedicated to the state, which includes: rice balls with cured Minas cheese, artisan sausage croquettes and pork rinds with cooked cassava.
But the highlights are obviously the meat cuts, that include chorizo steak, baby beef and prime rib, all served with or without garnishes — depending on your choice. To accompany the prime meats, order a very cold draft beer, wine or refreshing drink.
By the way, we have done a special piece where we visited another steakhouse in Rio de Janeiro called Assador, so don’t forget to check our delicious experience right here!
A few other good options for you to try are:
Artigiano Ristorante
Artigiano is a member of the Accademia Gastronomica Italiana, whose headquarters are in Bologna. It is from this city that the inspiration for the prepared recipes came: the pasta is fresh and artisanal, stretched out by hand.
You can choose from cod ravioli with fresh tomato and basil sauce, saltimbocca alla Romana, brasato al barolo with polenta and garganelli with scallops and fresh asparagus. If you prefer, order one of the pizzas baked in the wood-fired oven. Take your whole family to taste the best of Italian cuisine!
Address: Epitácio Pessoa Avenue, 204.
Carretão Ipanema Classic Grill
Nothing better than a traditional Brazilian family barbecue, don’t you agree? At Carretão, there are more than 20 cuts of prime meat (which include pork, beef, lamb, seafood and poultry), combined with haute cuisine and great service.
The variety of the buffet promises to please everyone. There are options of hot dishes, side dishes, salads, cold cuts and fine cheeses, as well as Japanese cuisine items. All family members will be able to enjoy this program and enjoy the dishes, so make sure to try it.
Address: Visconde de Pirajá avenue, 112.
Pomodorino
To close our list, another Italian dish perfect for that family Sunday lunch! The name “pomodorino” refers to cherry tomatoes, linked to light and tasty cuisine. The house values good artisanal pasta, fresh fish, mushrooms, cheeses and nuts.
On the menu, there are options such as risotto with prawns, crayfish and toasted almonds, spaghettini with prawns, zucchini and cherry tomatoes, brie ravioli, asparagus and dried fruit or bavettine with seafood in a creamy prosecco sauce.
Address: Epitácio Pessoa avenue, 1104
Movie Theathers and Art Exhibitions in Ipanema
Casa de Cultura Laura Alvin
A complete cultural center right in front of the Ipanema beach and packed with a cinema, theaters, art gallery and museum, the Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim (CCLA) was inaugurated on May 12, 1986. The property had been donated to the Government of Rio de Janeiro in 1983, through the Fundação Anita Mantuano de Artes do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FUNARJ), six months before Laura’s death.
CCLA began its activities as a multicultural space with a theater, a cinema, an auditorium for lectures, an art gallery for exhibitions, book and record launches and three classrooms for artistic and cultural courses.
The renovation and modernization – unprecedented work in the House since its inauguration – was sponsored by Swiss company OMEGA, which set up shop there during the “Rio 2016 Olympic Games”, and made the space even more enchanting.
With a new visual identity, appropriate to its new phase, the Casa de Cultura Laura Alvim reopened with its two completely modernized theaters, three cinemas, a large hall for events facing the sea, multipurpose rooms, art gallery and space for gastronomy, always offering varied and quality activities.
Teatro Ipanema
The Ipanema Theater was created by actors and directors Rubens Corrêa and Ivan de Albuquerque. Leyla Ribeiro, Ivan de Albuquerque’s wife, helped them open the new space in 1968 after four years of construction.
It was built on the site of a shed in the backyard of Rubens’ former residence, which was used for rehearsals and storage of sets. From then on, the Teatro Ipanema was an important stage in the city, especially for young playwrights, directors and new companies, which would completely change Brazilian theater from the 1970s onwards.
With the death of Rubens Corrêa and Ivan Albuquerque, the Teatro Ipanema started to operate without a defined artistic direction. The space was acquired by the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro in December 2011 and underwent restoration work. After its restructuring, it was integrated into the Municipal Theater Network of the County Department of Culture and returned to full operation in June 2012.
Cinema Ipanema NET
Opened in the 2000s, Estação Cinema Net brings that home cinema feel to the neighborhood. One of the most special attractions is not having to travel so much to have the pleasure of watching a good movie.
People who don’t really like going to the mall (myself included) will surely appreciate it’s location. Cinema Ipanema Net offers 2 rooms to its visitors: Room 1: there is a very well distributed space, with a total of 108 armchairs, 32 loveseats and 1 space for wheelchair users; Room 2: has 130 armchairs, 24 loveseats and 2 spaces for wheelchair users.
Ticket prices vary according to the days of the week. On weekends it is more expensive due to high demand, so make sure to try and go on week night maybe!
So, we’ve come to the conclusion of our Ipanema 101 guide! How do you like it? If you’ve enjoyed this reading, I think we may interest you with these:
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Cover Photo: landscape of the Ipanema beach – Author: Mariordo
