In this week’s column, we’ll find out chef Sei Shiroma’s favorites in Rio! At the helm of the award-winning Ferro e Farinha, and now with his newest Japanese Suibi, in Leblon, the New York chef based in Rio, reveals his favorite places in the city to have breakfast or brunchenjoy happy hour with friends, have that date or Sunday lunch with the family. So, take the opportunity to write down these tips!
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About the chef
Son of a Chinese mother and Japanese father, American chef Sei Shiroma arrived in Brazil in 2013. He practically grew up inside his parents’ Asian restaurant in Manhattan, where he observed, experienced and learned a little bit of everything. He studied English literature at college and worked in a few restaurants to pay his tuition. In the same year, he began the project of the mobile wood-burning oven, made of iron, and which would give rise to Ferro e Farinha, traveling around Rio with the rounds.
His first store was in Catete, measuring 25m² and quickly became a point. However, it was only in 2019 that the chef decided to look for a new address, in Leblon, to open the second restaurant. Currently, there are four units of the award-winning pizzeria, in Botafogo, Ipanema and Barra. Less than a month ago, the chef opened Suibi, in Dias Ferreira, a tribute to his parents’ restaurant in Manhattan! You read all the details here in our article.
Chef Sei Shiroma’s favorites
Best place to date in Rio: Ferro e Farinha
I certainly don’t say it because it’s mine, however, Ferro has a perfect formula for a first date. Beautiful environment, rooftops, and great drinks. Therefore, it gives the seal of date, but since it’s pizza, that is, it’s more casual, so you don’t have that pressure (or price) of a Japanese or Italian place, lol. In other words, perfect!
End: Rua Maria Quitéria, 107 – Ipanema
Best place for Sunday lunch with the family in Rio: Churrascaria Palace
Classic in Copacabana, it is a boutique steakhouse. It has the best cuts in a beautiful and intimate space. In addition, it has everything from fried polenta and pastries, to oysters and mussels. And sometimes there’s even a little piano.
End: Rua Rodolfo Dantas, 16 – Copacabana
Best place for Happy Hour: Fairmont Copacabana
Happy Hour is about connecting with friends and catching up. You and they certainly deserve to do this in the Fairmont pool area in Copacabana. There’s that warm-up music, and also the privilege of enjoying the sunset with a view of the most famous beach in the world, overlooking the formidable infinity pool. Therefore, unparalleled!
End: Av Atlântica, 4240 – Copacabana
Best place to have breakfast/brunch: Empório Jardim de Botafogo
In the morning, I want well-made classics that please everyone. From my daughter to my mother-in-law. And chef Paula Prandini, the Queen of breakfast, guarantees this any day and any time. And the Casa Firjan do Empório Jardim unit also has a very pleasant outdoor space!
End: Rua Guilhermina Guinle, 211 – Botafogo
Best place to enjoy the view of Rio: Aprazivel
In Santa Teresa, the restaurant itself already looks extraordinary. Certainly the view of Rio from up there guarantees photos for the next 3 months. My go-to: cheese bread with sausage, fish of the day, and to top it off, a filtered coffee. Oh, besides, they have the best tart tatin!
Because of Doubt Vetere.
Photos: Duda Vetere, Renata Araújo, Rafael Mollica
