The influence of Arab settlers on Rio's culinary scene has been substantial, and Rio de Janeiro Middle Eastern restaurants and snack bars are more common than one might imagine.
While it's more common to find Middle Eastern food in Rio at standup snack bars than at formal restaurants, Arab and Arab da Lagoa are two good exceptions to the rule.
Meanwhile, up in the hills of Santa Teresa, Bar do Bonde has been quietly selling delicious Middle Eastern dishes for several years, but is as yet largely undiscovered by tourists.
If you're looking for quick fix Middle Eastern food in Rio de Janeiro, you shouldn't have to look too far - snacks such as Esfiha (folded pastries filled with meat or spinach and cheese) and kibe (meat croquettes) have become staples at virtually every snack bar and boteco (bar/restaurant) in Rio, with Jobi and Bibi Sucos both doing tasty versions.
Av. Atlântica 1936
Copacabana
Rua Almirante 1458
Delicious Arab Dishes...
Avenida Borges de Madeiros, kiosk 7
Lagoa
Feast for the Senses...
Praia da Botafogo 340
Super Sushi, Fantastic Falafel...
29 Largo do Machado, lojas 16-19
Largo do Machado
Tasty Arab Snacks...
Quiosque 11
Avenida do Pepê
Light Lunches for the Beautiful People...
Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva 1166
Beach, Bar & Booze...
Rua Garcia d'Avila 48
Ipanema
Rua Gilberto Cordoso
Leblon's Hippest Square...