There are those that make the decision for health reason. Others are thinking about the welfare of animals. And then there are of course those that stand by the benefits of the lifestyle. But the fact is the number of vegetarians and vegans in Rio and around the world is going up. Following this trend, there has been a surge in restaurants that have specialised vegetarian and vegan menus. But don’t be fooled; a life without meat doesn’t mean a life without flavour. Quite the opposite. In the five restaurants listed below you will find delicious dishes that will make you forget, even if just for an instant, that succulent cut of steak. Check out our suggestions and enjoy - with a clean conscience and healthy body!
Here meat doesn’t even get close. Headed up by young chef Tati Lund, who studied at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York, the restaurant is cosy and well decorated making good use of organic foods. From the starter menu be sure to try the Bolinhos de quinoa (quinoa cakes) which comes with an apricot and ginger dip (R$24). Two main dishes contend to be the restaurant’s favourite dish. The first is the Salpicão Sensacional da Tati, which is made with fresh vegetables, smoked tofu, sweet potato wedges and cashew nut mayonnaise (R$22). The other is the vegetarian Feijoada, with beetroot farofa, wholegrain rice and kale (R$42.90) served on Fridays and Saturdays. Believe us, it is worth it.
Schedule:
Sun 12:30 às 17:00, Mon 12:30 às 16:30, Tue 12:30 às 16:30, Tue 19:00 às 00:00, Wed 12:30 às 16:30, Wed 19:00 às 00:00, Thu 12:30 às 16:30, Thu 19:00 às 00:00, Fri 12:30 às 16:30, Fri 19:30 às 01:00, Sat 19:30 às 01:00
The locale is worth the visit alone. A charming old house at the beginning of Rua Visconde de Caravelas in Botafogo, normally with a cute vintage VW beetle outside. Chef Nathalie Passos, who heads up the kitchen here, also studied at the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts in New York and she has put together some spectacular recipes. One being the delightful tomato cake (RS27.90) which is made with tomato in the dough as well as in the jelly layer on top, with pieces of smoked buffalo ricotta. Inspired by Latino restaurants in the States, the Milho cubano (17.90) is a corn dish with a spicy paprika cream and almonds. Among the mains there is the classic zucchini lasagne which utterly fantastic and comes with seasoned ricotta cheese and an organic tomato sauce made in-house. The green salad of the day accompanies the dish nicely.
First opening on the rooftop of the Museu de Arte Rio (MAR), this restaurant dedicated to Brazilian cuisine, has opened a branch in the elegant Complexo Lagoon. Before exploring the menu, it is worth having a look at the photos of Chef Marcones Deus’ adventures throughout the country, which decorate the restaurant. Once seated, if you want to try something different to the seafood and beef dishes, go straight for the Nhoque de milho com palmito pupunha gratinado (Corn gnocchi with palm heart au gratin, R$48): simply sensational. Another good option is the palm heart fettucine with watercress and basil in a tucupi and Brazil nut sauce (R$49). Another exciting dish is the Picadinho de caju (Diced cashew fruit, R$59) an amazingly creative and original dish. To start off it is difficult to believe that it is not diced filet mignon. The slices of fruit have a delicious texture and flavour and are served with an organic egg yolk on top with roast potatoes and a sensational shiitake mushroom farofa.
Started by three friends, this lovely restaurant is situated in Praça São Judas Tadeu in Cosme Velho. A veritable vegetarian’s paradise as well as for those that are worry about the environment. In the kitchen there is no trace of meat. And front of house there are various initiatives to encourage recycling and looking after the environment. But it would be a waste if the food were not good. Thankfully it is better than good. Every day the menu consists of two dishes (R$34) and you can check the website, which is updated regularly, to find out the dishes of the day. Dishes such as the sensational bobo de cogumelos (a north-eastern stew made with mushrooms) served with mixed wholegrain, nut farofa with chia and leek, and dried bananas. The restaurant's tasty sandwiches go on sale from 4pm (Monday to Friday) which always consist of a vegan and non-gluten option. Also be sure to try the refreshing freshly squeezed juices.
Schedule:
Mon 12:00 às 15:00, Mon 16:00 às 19:00, Tue 12:00 às 15:00, Tue 16:00 às 19:00, Wed 12:00 às 15:00, Wed 16:00 às 19:00, Thu 12:00 às 15:00, Thu 16:00 às 19:00, Fri 12:00 às 15:00, Fri 16:00 às 19:00, Sat 12:00 às 15:00
Famous for their delicious pasta and woodoven pizza, this branch in Ipanema that forms part of a chain with outlets in Leblon, Barra and São Conrado called upon the highly sought after nutritionist Patrícia Davidson to put together the perfect menu for those wanting to lead a healthy life. Among the scrumptuous options is the Espaguete Raw (R$39.50), a spaghetti dish perfect for vegan diners that includes heart of palm, leeks, carrot and pumpkin served with a delicious falafel. On the dessert menu, two vegan suggestions: the Brownie da Patrícia (R$24.50), made with chocolate substitute and tapioca couscous, with fresh coconut and passionfruit sauce (R$24).
