This old Italian recipe is a true exercise in simplicity. It consists of a slice of good Italian bread lightly toasted on the outside and soft on the inside, flavoured with garlic and olive oil and finished off with the topping of your preference. The classic rendering comes with seasoned tomato cubes and basil, while buffalo mozzarella also marries perfectly with this base. But thanks to the creative minds of different chefs there are now innumerable iterations of this simple combination and in Rio you don’t need to go very far to find some very inventive and delicious creations. You’ll even find sweet versions of the bruschetta here! So make the most of the following list and savour the 5 best versions of this Italian classic in Rio’s bars.
The name make its quite clear what this place is all about, in fact it’s the only eatery in the city that specialises in the dish. The burrata, cherry tomato and pesto bruschetta is a very delicious take on the Caprese classic (R$14), but make sure to try the fresh mushroom cream and Grana Padano version (R$16.50). And for dessert? You guessed it: Nutella and strawberries bruschetta (R$10.50). All courses sorted!
This rather pleasant winebar in Botafogo offers a subtle but indulgent menu. Your wait could be a little long as everything is made to order. But believe us, the bruschettas, which always come in a cute pair (R$18) will make the perfect companion for your glass of wine. The cottage cheese and pumpkin version is a delicious option whether you’re eating healthy or not then there is the little more naughty offering with goats cheese, green pepper and basalmic vinegar dressing.
After a quick rebrand (it was formerly known as Complex Esquina 111) this laid back bar in Ipanema Formerly known as Complex Esquina 111 this laid back bar in Ipanema has come back after a quick rebrand and now with a mini studio on the second floor it doubles up as a radio station (hence the name). Complete with an “On Air” sign DJs take turns playing a variety of styles to grace the Carioca airwaves. Meanwhile downstairs you’ll find a cocktail menu put together by mixologist William Barão and a new selection of delicious bruschettas. The salmon covered in melon, cream cheese and basalmic vinegar dressing will knock your socks off.
You’d be forgiven if you went to this bar just for the creations of expert mixologist Tai Barbin. But we really believe you should be aware of the delicious creations of chef Lydia González. Appetisers and dishes that have a undeniably Brazilian touch such as the Minas x Sampa bruschettas. Each slice of bread is covered with cheese from Minas Gerais and São Paulo, specifically from the Serra Canastra and the Figueira do Amparo regions respectively. This tidbit comes with corn bread, orange blossom honey, smoked guava jelly and a shot of cachaça aged in amburana wood (R$41).
The very talented chef Paula Prandini is responsible for the culinary delights that leave the kitchen of this super popular bar on Rua Dias Ferreira in Leblon. There are jugs of cocktails to share between friends or the expertly chosen bottles that make up the wine menu that has put this place on the map. But there is no excuse to drink on an empty stomach, make sure you try the creative bruschettas such as the goats cheese with honey and figs, the mushroom and taleggio cheese or the duck confit with red onion marmalade. Each one goes for R$19.80 but you can have all three together for R$53.30.
