Marius Degustare — Restaurant in Região Geográfica Imediata do Rio de Janeiro

Restaurante Marius Degustare, located in the Leme area of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, was once considered a must-visit dining destination. Having been in operation for at least 25 years, it was renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings and unique atmosphere. My first visit, 25 years ago, was unforgettable, I dined there every night during my stay. Back then, the restaurant had two distinct sections: one dedicated to seafood and the other to meat. The seafood section was extraordinary, serving fresh delicacies like lobster tails, sea urchins, jumbo shrimp as sweet as fruit, and a variety of unique seafood that epitomized the culinary richness of Copacabana. It was an exceptional experience that set the bar for dining in Rio.

However, my recent visit revealed a shocking decline in quality. The restaurant has merged its once distinct seafood and meat sections into a single venue, and the result is disappointing. To put it bluntly, the place has lost all its charm, quality, and culinary appeal. The seafood that was once fresh and vibrant is now bland and, frankly, unappetizing. The salad bar was particularly dismal, with unappealing options and seafood that was borderline inedible. The churrascaria portion of the menu, formerly a highlight of Brazilian dining, was underwhelming, with slow service and a very limited selection of meats and seafood.

The staff, while polite, appeared disengaged, offering minimal effort in providing service. They seemed to be going through the motions rather than aiming to create an enjoyable experience for diners. The ambience, admittedly, is still quite unique. The nautical-themed décor, complete with coral-adorned walls and international flags on each table, provides a visual treat. Surprisingly, the highlight of the restaurant was not the food but the bathrooms. The floors, made of sea rocks and seashells, the coral decorated walls, swan-shaped faucets, and urinals filled with ice were quirky and fun, certainly worth noting, but not enough to salvage the overall experience.

The cost for this underwhelming meal was about $150 for two people, which included a couple of drinks but no dessert. Given the steep price and the drastic drop in quality, this restaurant no longer justifies its reputation or cost. While Marius Degustare may hold sentimental value for those who remember its glory days, it is now a shadow of its former self. Travelers seeking a memorable dining experience in Rio de Janeiro would be far better served exploring other options. Avoid this restaurant, it is no longer the culinary gem...

Exceptional Dining Experience at Restaurante Marius Degustare From the moment you step into Restaurante Marius Degustare in Copacabana, you are transported to a world where exceptional service, exquisite food, and an unforgettable atmosphere come together in perfect harmony. The service at Marius Degustare is nothing short of outstanding. The staff is professional, warm, and attentive without being intrusive. The waiters ensured that every of your needs were met, the service was polished and seamless. Every member of the team seems genuinely dedicated to making your dining experience flawless, offering helpful suggestions while maintaining a level of sophistication that complements the overall ambiance. The highlight of Marius Degustare is undoubtedly the food. The restaurant specializes in a lavish seafood and meat degustation experience that is both indulgent and refined. Each meal had flavors that were bold, fresh, and perfectly balanced. From the expertly prepared seafood — including melt-in-your-mouth lobster and tender prawns — to the high-quality cuts of meat, every bite showcases the chef’s attention to detail and mastery of the craft. The extensive selection of accompaniments and sauces further elevates the dining experience, ensuring that every course is a delightful discovery. The buffet salad bar was over the top, more than exquisite since the salads to having oxtail. The atmosphere at Marius Degustare is genuine, elegant, and inviting, with a rich, sophisticated décor that exudes a sense of fantasy. The dim lighting, chic furnishings, and subtle touches of Brazilian flair create an intimate and comfortable environment, perfect for both romantic dinners and special celebrations. The restrooms decorations with the coffee beans on the floor and the rocks over the walls is unique and very attractive. The restaurant also boasts stunning views, adding to the overall experience of dining in one of Rio’s most iconic neighborhoods. Marius Degustare is an extraordinary dining destination that offers an unparalleled combination of exceptional service, exquisite food, and a beautiful atmosphere. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression, a place you must-visit if you want a truly remarkable meal in...

I won't tell you about the decor at Marius, cuz if you know, you know. What I will tell you about is their incredible staff and the food.

First, I would like to thank restaurant captain and sommelier, Valdeci for his incredible hospitality. I'm not sure what my husband and I did to have him take us under his wing last night, but we were very moved by the gesture. After discussing Chilean and Argentinian wines for a few minutes, Valdeci escorted us to the restaurant's wine cava, which looks like it belongs in a medieval castle. There lie hundreds of dusty bottles of the best vintages from around the world. He then took us to a private dining room that doubles as a cellar for the restaurant's collection of rare wines. As if the tour were not enough, Valdeci then gifted my husband, John, one of their signature wooden ties worn by the restaurant's captains.

Then there were our servers, Claudio, Lucas, Bruno and Bilu. What can I say? These men were warm, attentive to our every want and need, and funny to boot. Marius is very fortunate to have them, but we were even more fortunate to have had them take care of us last night!

Finally, there's the food. The salad and side bar is extremely fresh, replenished often and offers creative dishes that are tasty and worthy of sampling! The meat is perfectly seasoned, delicious and served to your desired temperature on a sizzling hot stone platter. The seafood is as fresh as it comes and ranges from fish all the way to lobster tail. Dessert was tiramisu accompanied by a forty year old petite glass of Tawny port. They were both delicious and the perfect finale for a perfect night.

Thank you, Marius! You made us feel like family and we will certainly be...