Ipanema may be for Rio de Janeiro what Tribeca or Soho represents for Manhattan, guarded, obvious geographic and cultural differences. Even within Brazil, the neighborhood famed by the lovely song "The Girl from Ipanema", is a synonym for new trends, fashion, and eclecticism. To a certain extent, Ipanema-District may be microcosm of the colorful Rio character itself. Although the district is a relatively small district, being the strip of land between the Ipanema-Beach and the Rodrigo De Freitas Lagoon, the neighborhood and world famous beach also show diverse identities. The district is home to several tribes that live in a harmony: the tourists, the surf crowd, the rich and famous, the new hippies, the jocks, the gay friendly, and the typical local resident. Anthropological analysis apart, the Ipanema-neighborhood hosts some of the most exotic and sophisticated restaurants in Rio de Janeiro.

Within a few blocks, one can try the Latin taste of the trendy Pecado, which literally means Sin, in the heart of the distict or decide for a softer tone at the seafood specialist Satyricon. Ipanema-District has more than fifty fine restaurants, bars, "botecos", coffee shops, juice bars and ice cream parlors. We reproduced below a few restaurant reviews so that the international tourists will have an idea of what to expect. Please read below some of the options we prepared for you:



Doce Delícia

Make your own dish by choosing from 5 to 15 of the 42 combinations of vegetables, side dishes, hot dishes, and fruit at Doce Delícia. Quiche, salmon, grilled tenderloin, chicken, and cold pasta are some of the choices. Dressings range from the light and yogurt based to innovative creations combining mustard and lemon. There are plenty of vegetarian options. The slick decor and fresh ingredients make this a popular choice for a regular clientele in the trendy area neighborhood. For a reasonable price you can also pick main dishes from the menu -- for example, the chicken breast with honey and rosemary sauce for R$17. Another hit at Doce Delícia is its rich pre-beach breakfast.



Above, a picture of the tredy Pecado restaurant.

Esplanada Grill

The Scene

On a well-manicured shopping street in central area, four short blocks from the beach, this impeccable Brazilian steakhouse is a magnet for celebrity diners and highbrow carnivores. Known for its distinguished patrons and prized kitchen, the dining room features wall-to-wall photographs of semi-famous patrons and the bewildered Hollywood celebrity inundated by flashbulbs. The dark-paneled main room features tightly arranged wood tables with leather-cushioned club chairs surrounded by picture windows overlooking the surrounding neighborhood. Esplanada Grill is surprisingly formal given the more casual nature of Rio. Patrons should expect a dress code of long pants and sleeved shirts in the evening, with slightly more liberal requirements for afternoon lunch.


The Food:

A prompt waiter welcomes diners with a two-handed selection of complimentary appetizers including warm breads, artisan cheeses and traditional yucca flour. The menu at Esplanada Grill features Brazilian steakhouse specialties and hearty appetizers perfect for sharing. Meals begin with market fresh salads as well as small-plate seafood specialties like grilled octopus and calamari or jumbo shrimp cocktail. If you're a vegetarian you're probably in the wrong place, as main courses are a meaty symphony of kilo-sized fillets, porterhouses and double T-bones. Meats are presented on a signature iron grill, seared to perfection and normally on the rare side of medium. Esplanada Grill ´s desserts are a more predictable presentation of house cakes, ice creams and baked goods.


Gero-Ipanema

Rogerio Fasano, one of Sao Paulo's gastronomic legends, opened this Italian eatery—his first restaurant in Rio. Socialites, artists and political bigwigs flock to Gero, to savor such specialties as partridge and radicchio risotto or white polenta with squid. Daily for lunch and dinner. Vegetarian options are plentiful. Typical Italian desserts served include gelato and profiteroles. Gero is located at the more expensive end in this part of town but justified entirely

Below we see a shot of Gero, close to the Beach.



Guimas

Guimas is restaurant where real Cariocas hang out. Guimas opened their original restaurant at the Gávea district, which became a reference for Rio gourmet fans in terms of quality and style. Later, the owners opened another unit at the district, maintaining the Rio´s lassie-faire culture. Guimas´s most successful dishes are the trout with leeks and the honey-roast duck with pear rice. Both move smoothly with the superfine caipivodcas (caipirinhas made with vodka instead of cachaça). The small but cozy open-air restaurant attracts a more colorful mix of diners as the night progresses.

Gula-Gula

For a lighter and healthier meal or snack, stop in at Gula-Gula. The menu includes delicious fresh salads such as the caprese -- a layered tower of sliced tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella – “the salada da casa” with mixed greens, pumpkin, goat cheese, and crisp bits of Parma ham, or the more Brazilian palm-heart salad with turkey and pineapple. Gula-Gula also serves a variety of grilled meats, chicken, and fish. Each selection of meat comes with a choice of sauce and two side dishes (vegetables, potatoes, or salad). Other lunch or light dinner options include pasta, quiches, and sandwiches. For dessert, you can try some of the low-cal options, but to live up to the name (gula means gluttony in Portuguese) it behooves you to try a “banana crème brûlée” or fruit strudel. Please note that Gula-Gula is a chain and there are several restaurants spread out over Rio de Janeiro. By Frommer´s Review.




Madame Butterfly

Considered one of the most sophisticated and expensive Japanese restaurant in Rio, Madame Butterfly is a must for Japanese food lovers, and was elected best in its category by gourmet specialists, rivaling with Sushi Leblon. Located at the heart of Ipanema-District, the food in Madame Butterfly is superb, and the highlights are the fish with shimeji mushrooms in ginger and sake sauce, the many different types of sushi and rolls with unusual shapes. Main dishes include grilled salmon with honey and miso, and the best sukiyaki in Rio. The restaurant occupies two floors, with a dining room located in the first floor and reserved booths upstairs. Valet parking is provided.



Above, the modern facace of the seafood master restaurant in Satyricon.


Satyricon

Famous for being international celebrities’ choice like Madonna and Sting, Satyricon is considered one of the top sea-food restaurants in Rio, if not number 1. The pargo (fish baked in a thick layer of rock salt) is the house specialty, and the sushi and sashimi are also well loved. Satyricon´s menu features were recently expanded offering several fish capriccios. When the season is right, try the fresh lobster with tagliatell. The service in Satyricon is usually excellent and it has a nice ambience. Although the restaurant has a reputation for being expensive, try to waive off the couvert and don't order drinks or desert and you'll get out of there for a reasonable price. Valet parking is provided.

We hope our readers we able to have a taste of the districts spice and charm. The neighborhood has the true essence of Rio, and unquestionably, several flavors to choose from. So next time visiting Rio, relax and cool down in some of Rio ´s fanciest restaurants.