A packed Portuguese restaurant in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
đŽ My First Experience Waiting for a Table in Brazil Believe it or not, this was my first time seeing a restaurant in Brazil with a waitlist â and no, the spots in SĂŁo Pauloâs Liberdade donât count! I found this Portuguese gem by filtering Google Maps for good food photos and nearby locations. As soon as I walked in, the decor grabbed me: everywhere I looked were azulejo tiles (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles) and even a symbolic Portuguese rooster đ â total Lisbon vibes! When I asked the staff if it was a Portuguese restaurant, they confirmed with a smile. đ€ The Highlights: Seafood and Creamy Cod Seafood Skewer (: A winner! Grilled octopus, pork, and shrimp served with roasted plantains đ. The smoky char on the seafood paired perfectly with the sweet, caramelized plantains â definitely recommend. Creamy Cod with Shrimp and Cheese Risotto: Oh my đ€€! The cremoso (creamy) texture was pure comfort â think salty, cheesy, and indulgently rich. Only downside? The rice was al dente (read: slightly undercooked), which seems to be a common âissueâ with rice dishes here đ. Still, worth every bite for the sauce alone. đ« The Misses: Ham and Desserts Portuguese Ham: Not for me. The raw, gamey flavor was too strong đŹ â maybe an acquired taste for prosciutto lovers, but Iâll pass next time. Desserts: We tried the stuffed sweet toast and pastel de nata (egg tart). Big nope. The toast was cloyingly sweet after two bites, and the tart⊠well, the filling lacked the smooth, custardy texture of a classic nata. It was just too sugary đ°đ. đ Atmosphere and Practical Tips Busy Evenings: Arrived at 8:30 PM, and every table was packed! Waited about 7-8 minutes outside before getting a spot â a rare sight in Brazil, but a good sign for authenticity. Price: R$100 per person â reasonable for the portion sizes and location in Ipanema. Address: Mercearia da Praça, R. Jangadeiros, 28 - Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro - RJ. Final Takeaway: Come for the cozy Portuguese vibes and seafood, skip the desserts, and prepare for slightly undercooked rice (but hey, when in Brazil!). đđŽ #Brazil #RioDeJaneiro #PortugueseCuisine #DiningInBrazil