Rio's chic, upscale restaurants are fine for a special occasion, but there are times when fun Rio de Janeiro restaurants will be much more what you are looking for. Forget stuffy service and complicated wine lists, there are many laid-back, lively places to eat in Rio where you can rest assured that your table manners won't come under scrutiny.
One good spot to drink and dine in a relaxed atmosphere is Barril 1800, which sits right in front of the beach in Ipanema, and staff won't raise an eyebrow if you enter in shorts (or sarong) and flip flops.
The new glass bar and restaurant kiosks along Copacabana beach are also nicely relaxed spots to eat and drink, and the gay-friendly Pizzeria Rainbow is one of the liveliest options.
Botecos in Rio de Janeiro are mid-way between a bar and a restaurant, and all ages gather here to eat, drink and make merry. Boteco Belmonte is a good option, while Simplesmente, in Santa Teresa, serves fairly-priced food to a late-night, lively crowd.
Also in Santa Teresa, the charmingly unpretentious Bar do Arnaudo is a great place to come with friends and share the vast portions of Northeastern food, all washed down with a large bottle of ice-cold beer to share.
Rio's churrascarias (all-you-can-eat grilled meat restaurants) are also fun, sociable spots, and Carretao is a good mid-range option that welcomes families and groups of friends.
Avenida Vieira Souto, 110
Ipanema
Bar and barbeque right by the beach...
112 Visconde de Pirajá
Ipanema
Not Just for Carnivores...
115 Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno
Late Night Drinking Den...
Avenida Atlantica, Quiosque 8
Colorful Eats on the Beach...
Rua Almirante Alexandrino 316, loja B
Hearty portions, friendly welcome...
Praia do Flamengo, 300
Cozy Eatery...
Rua Miguel Couto
Centro
Happy Hour at Sardine Alley...
308 Rua Das Laranjeiras
Food, Drinks and Dance...
Avenida Delfim Moreira 696
2nd floor (inside the Marina All Suites Hotel), Leblon
Beautiful Views, Beautiful People...
Avenida Ataulfo de Paiva, 1228 - Leblon, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22440-035, Brazil