Designer

We call it designer because apart from being super tasty the plates look like works of modern art. The award-winning Ludmilla, the head-chef at Zuka, has some of the most creative presentations for her international mix restaurant, serving everything from Brazilian classics to Thai satays to French nouveau. Bring a camera as you will want to photograph, print in large format and frame these true works of art.

Where to Eat: Zuka
Be sure to make reservations as it quickly packs on weekends.
Rua Dias Ferreira, 233 Leblon :: tel: 3205-7154
Mon 7pm-1am, Tue- Fri 12pm-4pm & 7pm-1am; Sat 1pm-1am,
Sun 1pm-midnight

Contemporary
Zero Zero is the author’s favorite restaurant+club in Rio: you can have a delicious dinner inside or outside, then sit in the outdoor terrace under the stars, digest with a cigar, then head over to their tiny dance floor (the best type) and party when the DJ warms up. Everything on their menu is finessed. There newly opened sushi-bar is very popular amongst Rio`s mature clubbers.

Where to Eat: 00 (Zero Zero)
Rua Padre Leonel Franca 240, Gavea (Planetario)
tel: 2540-8041
All week 8pm - 1am

Romantic

Zazá Bistro, a cute little corner house decorated to South Asian chic is an ideal for couples as well as for groups of friends. The downstairs has a little balcony and interior with tables, while the upstairs is pillows and rugs surrounding Moroccan tables where you can take off your shoes. The menu is light and balanced, pursuing combinations between flavorful spices such as ginger, lemon grass and curry with healthy, non-fried organic foods. The ambient music deserves a mention, as well as the traditional and exotic drinks from the experienced bartenders.

Where to Eat: Zazá Bistro
Rua Joana Angelica 40, Ipanema :: tel:2247-9101
Sun-Thu 7:30pm - 12:30am, Fri-Sat 7:30pm-1:30am

Pizza

Every place has a different definition of the ideal pizza: Chicago likes deep dish, California likes medium thick, Italians like it thin. Brazilians like it extra thin and large, baked in pine wood burning oven, for a crackly edge. Little tomato sauce, extra cheese. See if they have it right. Hideaway is famous for its pizza, as well as its dance floor packed with the young and hip Zona Sul crowd.

Where to Eat: Hideaway
Rua Das Laranjeiras 308, Laranjeiras :: tel: 2285-0921
Tue -Thu + Sun 6pm to 2am, Fri+Sat 6pm 5am