Rufino Parrilla — Restaurant in Região Geográfica Imediata do Rio de Janeiro

Visited in July 2024. Brazil. Rio de Janeiro.

This Argentinian eatery, located a stone's throw from the jockey club, is a small but stylish affair, with a definite steakhouse vibe. On our visit, the restaurant was bustling, which is always a good sign.

Food:

While the menu boasts a couple of seafood options, this is definitely a meat-lover's paradise. We typically prefer fish, as it's generally a safer bet for a good meal, but when we find a place that serves truly delicious meat, it's a win. We sampled the burger and the beef ribs, and both were cooked to perfection. We've had our fair share of burgers, and many establishments skimp on the patties, using thin, sinewy meat. This was a different story altogether: a juicy, thick patty, cooked to our liking, with a good, dense texture. Perhaps a little more sauce wouldn't have gone amiss, but the focus was firmly on the meat, and it was truly excellent. The ribs were equally impressive, cooked to medium, succulent and tender within, with that quintessential smoky barbeque flavour. My accompanying salad, consisting of fresh courgettes, provided a welcome counterpoint to the meat.

Service:

The service was commendable. Some of the staff spoke English, and the picture menu was a welcome addition. While the food wasn't exactly a rapid affair, the restaurant was packed, so it’s normal to wait.

Conclusion:

A cracking restaurant, which will undoubtedly be a hit with carnivores. It's a cosy, lively space, so booking in advance is recommended. While we're not typically fans of meat-centric restaurants, we were thoroughly impressed with this...

We visited this restaurant, which presents itself as a luxury venue both for its atmosphere and its prices. The meat was good, no complaints there. However, the problem arose with the waiters and the “sommelier”: we had chosen a wine from the menu, but when the bill arrived, we realized that without saying anything they had brought us a different version of the same wine which, conveniently, cost twice as much. When we pointed it out, they were unable to handle THEIR mistake in a professional manner. In short: the staff is absolutely incompetent for a restaurant that claims to be “high-end.” I do NOT recommend it: in Rio there are plenty of other places where you can enjoy excellent meat for almost...

Absolutely Sensational Dining Experience Rufino is an unforgettable restaurant! The atmosphere is elegant yet welcoming, and the service is truly outstanding. Our server, Aliana, was incredibly kind and attentive, accommodating every dietary preference with a smile.

If you’re craving perfectly cooked, high-quality meats, this is the place in Rio de Janeiro. The location couldn’t be better—right by the Jockey Club in Leblon, one of the city’s nicest and safest neighborhoods. Valet parking makes the visit effortless, so you can simply relax and enjoy.

From start to finish, Rufino delivers a five-star experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for exceptional food and...