It has surprised many that this bar, hailing from São Paulo, has adapted so well to Rio de Janeiro, but we won’t complain! Set in an elegant building on Ipanema’s exclusive Avenida Vieira Souto, everyday this bar fills with people in after its classic Brahma draught (R$6.90 for 240ml) and the excellent cocktails menu. Put together by Fabio La Pietra, he relies on some modern classics such as the Il Cardinale, a fusion of gin, vermouth, Campari and olive water (R$26). Another classic here is the Cocotte Chic: egg yolk covered with delicious cheese fondue (R$20). But the true cherry on top is grabbing a table on the bar’s veranda and enjoying a breezy view over the Ipanema coastline.

This rooftop bar above kilo restaurant Couve Flor, offers a different view over the city. From the bar’s tables or reclining benches you can enjoy the open sky. Looking to your left you will be greeted by the open-arms of Christ the Redeemer and to your right the majestic imperial palm trees of the Botanical Gardens. Mixologist William Barão’s cocktail menu will make your night even sweeter. The Truffle Honey comes with Jack Honey, lemon juice, Persian lemon and truffle oil (R$23.90), trust us, it works! The light and refreshing salmon tartare with Sicilian lemon is an excellent option among the appetisers (R$38.90) Note: on Saturdays the bar opens at 2am for its special wood barbecue burgers.

A Rio classic, few things could be more Carioca than meeting up at Bar Urca, ordering a cold Antarctica Original or Bohemia (R$12 for 600ml), and crossing the road to find a spot on the old sea wall to enjoy what is one of the most stunning views over the Guanabara Bay. Add to this the delicious shrimp and cheese pastels (R$4 and R$3.50), cod croquettes (bolinhos de bacalhau – R$3.50) and the palm heart or shrimp empadas (R$5.50). Make sure to arrive early to guarantee a place on the wall otherwise you may be left standing. There is also the option of heading up the stairs to the restaurant where you’ll find some delicious seafood dishes.

Visionary businessman, Mário de Andrade Netto, affectionately known as Mario Maluco (Crazy Mario), decided to bet all his chips on setting up an authentic kiosk on the banks of the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. And it paid off; today it is an undeniable success. The rustic furniture spread across the grass makes for a romantic setting and is very popular with loved-up couples. All of the menu is inspired by Brazil’s Amazonian region and includes culinary delights such as the Arre Égua, gruyère cheese with jambu flambéed in cachaça (R$36) or the Bromélia, a portion of roast beef with green salad, mozzarella and starfruit (R$48). And to drink, there are some fantastic cocktails such as the Clerkitch; cointreau, strawberry, pineapple, kiwi and tangerine (R$143 for a one-litre jug).

This bar was only intended to replace a former favourite, Azul Marinho, for a short period hence the name “Temporada”. However, its quick success earned it a permanent spot in Arpoador. Make the most of this bar’s excellent location by grabbing a table in the late afternoon and applaud the sunset with all the others on Arpoador,  as is the custom. As for drinks, Sandra Mendes’ menu has some suprising creations such as the caipirinha do chico, a mixture of vodka, melon, ginger and basil (R$26). The food menu, put together by Argentine Christian Garcia includes delicacies such as the tuna tartare that comes accompanied by wasabi youghurt (R$45) and the steak empanada (R$11). This place opens early and is also great for a good spot of breakfast.