Perched on top of Santa Teresa, Rio’s Montmartre, Aprazível is known for its dramatic views. The food is OK – and it’s expensive, but even so the place is always packed. The best way to enjoy it is to come after lunch (the restaurant opens nonstop from lunch to dinner), order some appetizers and many caipirinhas, and enjoy the afternoon view in the bucolic setting.

With views of Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance, Assador is an authentic Brazilian steakhouse.

This is a well-hidden gem in bohemian Santa Teresa. It’s the romantic bar & lounge of the Hotel Santa Teresa, with a huge terrace and an amazing view. One of the best spots in Rio to relax, have a cocktail, and enjoy the sunset.

This outstanding seafood spot is located in the fishing village of Guaratiba, just outside of Rio. Expect ultra-fresh fish and seafood prepared in a number of traditional ways—mostly baked or stewed with fresh herbs and seasonings—to be enjoyed in a rustic and authentic environment.

For sheer ambiance, nothing surpasses this lovely bistro, inside an early-20th-century mansion in Parque Lage. Walls of green, orchids and hummingbirds provide the scenery, and chef Adriana’s pão de mel (honey cake) the gustatory ecstasy.

This small and homey place is perfect to try some Brazilian delicacies, like homemade cakes of carrot or cornmeal (in Portuguese, fubá, pronounced “foo-bah”), and different breads, like the ubiquitous pão de queijo (or cheese bread, a kind of cheese bun that is the official Brazilian snack). Try also pamonha, a sweet and creamy corn cake, and brigadeiro, the Brazilian version of the chocolate truffle, soft and sweet and chewy and enrobed in chocolate sprinkles – totally addictive! Open nonstop everyday (early closure on Saturdays and Sundays).

Tip: for the best gourmet brigadeiro, order two days in advance at Sweet Dreams (www.sweetdreams.com.br) and ask for the brigadeiro box to be delivered to your hotel.

The eighth floor rooftop pool bar is only accessible to Fasano hotel guests and their friends but it is one of the best spots in the city to enjoy cocktails. The views of the beach and the city are fabulous and so are the people watching and cocktails. Light snacks and sandwiches are served throughout the day so you can spend the day by the pool or linger after dark.

Fogo de Chão, the upscale churrascaria from Sao Paulo, is one of the city's traditional "meat temples." It serves top quality cuts, has a great salad buffet and boasts amazing views of Rio's bay. Don't miss the picanha and bottom sirloin cuts.

This buzzing Peking-style Chinese spot owned by Brazilian mogul Eike Batista is great for a fun night out. The grand dining room has a lounge feel, with its modern design in red and white in three levels – in a warm night (and they are plentiful in Rio), chose the top floor with its retractable roof and view of the Christ the Redeemer and Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. Mr Batista hijacked the chef (Mr Lam himself), from NY’s Mr Chow, placed two Xi’an warriors statues at the door, and filled the place with celebs and Rio VIPs, who nibble on Satay Chicken. The Peking noodles, artfully prepared in the middle of the dining room, add even more drama to the scene. Reservations are recommended, especially during weekends. Dinner only, except Sundays.

Located poolside within the iconic Copacabana Palace, Pérgula is a casual spot to soak up the Carioca charm.

The main restaurant at the stylish Hotel Santa Teresa has earned the property a spot in the acclaimed Relais and Chateaux association with a great wine list and sophisticated Brazilian cuisine. If you are staying in Ipanema or Copacabana, it can be a real trek to get here but for foodies it is worth it. If you are visiting the Christ or Santa Teresa neighborhood, it is also lovely for lunch. The décor is Brazilian organic chic with lots of natural woods and fun touches like bright red lampshades and lamps with wooden faces as bases. Floor to ceiling glass windows provide great views over the rooftops of Santa Teresa. The menu mixes local favorites with a modern twist. For example, a hearts of palm salad is served as a timbale layers of shredded hearts of palm and chopped mango, tomato and onion and suckling pig is served with caramel sauce and celery root. Save room for dessert.