When you take the tram from Largo da Carioca to Santa Teresa you will first pass over the peculiar aqueduct and then snake your way up the winding streets of Santa Teresa. You will pass by gorgeous old mansions and probably consideration how peaceful and green and peaceful all things is. Many people visiting choose to get off at Largo de Guimaraes, not only because it is kind of the center of the neighbourhood but also for all the good restaurants you have here.
What you most here about is how many artists and painters that live here and they make it pretty obvious. It seems like people dress like Inspector Closeau would have if it was to be disguised as a painter. Big beards, smoking pipes, striped stained shirts and a wild look never went out of fashion here. Even though the art scene may be a bit backwards, the food certainly is not. There are many exquisite places that serve food both innovative and good as well as well cooked excellent Brazilian food. Here are some examples:
Bar do Arnaudo Address: R. Almirante Alexandrino 316, open: Mon 12h/18h Tue-Fri 12h/23h Sat, Sun, Holidays 12h/20:30h, phone: 2210-0817. This is one of my favourites with undoubtedly good food from the North East. The Carne de Sol com Aipim is tasty but you have many other regional specialties. They have a large selection of cachaça as well. Cozy interior in a gorgeous house.
Bar do Mineiro Address: R. Paschoal Carlos Magno 99, open: Tue-Sat from 11h Sun 11h/20h, phone: 2221-9227. The most famed and a excellent hangout for the bohemians of Santa Teresa. But I have it here because of the food as well. On Saturdays and Sundays they serve the traditional dish feijoada, a kind of a black bean stew with a puny bit of everything, the one you get here is always good. The snack food is also delicious.
Bistrô Solar Address: Ladeira do Meirelles 32, open: Fri-Sun 12h/21h, phone: 2221-2117. This is the place if you like experiment. By using assorted fruits, vegetables, spices and plants they have a very innovative menu. How about crab balls with chili jelly?
Espírito Santa Address: R. Almirante Alexandrino 264, open: Tue, Wed 11:30h/17h Thu-Sat 11:30h/00h Sun 11:30h/19h, phone: 2508-7095. Other cafeteria with a clear Brazilian theme with food from all regions. They serve more traditional dishes as well some more experimental. They also have a good selection of cachaças, the drink & wine list is good.
Sobrenatural Address: R. Almirante Alexandrino 432, open: everyday from 12 until midnight, phone: 2224-. A cafeteria with a nice rustic interior. It is specialized in fish and other seafood, in Rio that is a rare thing so it´s nice to find a good cafeteria like this one.
All of these restaurants are settled in Santa Teresa, but some are not easy to reach so a taxi would be the best option. Bom Apetite!
