Garden Ipanema — Restaurant in Região Geográfica Imediata do Rio de Janeiro

We had lunch there yesterday and decided to eat 'a la carte' even though it was expensive because we were celebrating an important event. Everything we ordered was delicious and well presented and the service was very professional. We ate cod fritters and a Caesar salad for entrees, and for main, we had some fillet steak with mustard sauce and potato gratin and a filete with gorgonzola and wine sauce with rice and baked potatoes. We drank a bottle of Chilean red wine. Dessert was probably the less impressive part. We ordered profiteroles with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce. The choux pastry from the profiteroles was unfortunately not cooked properly, and they were tough and chewy. It was a bit of a pity because everything was very good. Something else we disliked was the fact that they added 12% service to the meal. This is something that it seems they only charge to the tourists. As far as I understand it, there is no such thing in Brazil, and it should be up to the customer to decide to leave a tip or not, as well...

This is a traditional eatery, as is quite clear from the guests, only a small handful was less than 60 years old.

However, the food was good and the service was excellent as well. We had the Bacalhau and it was excellent, just perfect saltiness. The kids has a variety of pasta and chicken, and they left nothing on the plate, which only happens when they really enjoy. Recommended.

However, the desert was a great disappointment and the reason for not giving 5 stars. I had profiteroles, and they where not good. It's a tricky dessert, and if they are not fresh, they'll be chewy. It seems they where based on frozen product and that's no good.

To summarize, great place for lunch, but avoid dessert (it's not good for you anyway). It gets crowded, so be there early or be...

exceptional service, delicious food and comfortable atmosphere. the maître d' manager Sandro was extraordinary, the waiters Gilmario, Davi, Matheus and the barman Frank went beyond and above professionalism and courtesy. As a chef de cuisine, I can guarantee that this was one of the best culinary experiences I've ever had. Above all, the elegant simplicity gives a very special touch to everything. thanks. Chef...