By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The 12th edition of Rio Restaurant Week began on Monday, March 9th and will continue through Sunday, March 29th. During the event, 57 restaurants throughout the city will participate in the festival with each establishment presenting a specially prepared lunch and/or dinner meal for the set prices of R$39.90 and R$49.90, respectively.
The Rio event is part of the larger Brazil Restaurant Week. Considered one of the largest food festivals in the world, the “weeks” are presented in more than fifteen Brazilian cities during the year.
“The RW [Restaurant Week] is a great opportunity for food lovers to try quality food, from different menus, that is prepared by leading and renowned chefs,” Fernando Reis, director of the Brazilian Restaurant Week said in a statement.
During the festival in Rio, those looking for Arab cuisine might consider O Árabe da Gávea in Gávea and Yalla in both Barra da Tijuca and Leblon. Those interested in Asian cuisine including Japanese can choose from offerings at Geisha Hi-Tech in Botafogo, at Kaiten in Centro and at Ki in Lagoa. For Thai, Indian, Vietnamese and Asian-fusion, head to Leblon for meals from Nam Thai or Mekong.
Vegetarians might be interested in the offerings from Gaia Art and Café in Leme and Gouranga Veggie in Centro while lovers of French cuisine will find it at Amelie Creperie in Gávea, Bistrô Ouvidor with locations in both Botafogo and Centro, Guy in Lagoa and Uh Lalá in Leblon.
Those in search of the best Italian might like Don Camillo in Copacabana, Gabbiano Al Mare in Ipanema, the IX Bistrot in Gávea, Prima Bruschetteria in Leblon, Pek 170 in Leme or Quadrifoglio Café in Barra da Tijuca.
For the complete list of participants, their menu offerings, addresses and hours of operation, see the Restaurant Week Website.