The guest of our first column of the year is chef Alexandre Henriques, head of Gruta dO Fado, a Portuguese restaurant in Barra da Tijuca, and also Gruta de Santo Antônio, in Niterói, founded in 1977 by his mother, Dona Henriqueta, a reference when it comes to Portuguese cuisine. So, let’s find out which chef Alexandre Henriques’ favorites are in Rio! Where does the chef like to have that Sunday lunch with his family, or enjoy a happy hour with friends? And the best place to have a delicious breakfast? Let’s find out now!
Take the opportunity to also read:
In fact, if you have plans to travel to Rio de Janeiro, don’t forget to check out our selection of the best hotels here and book with Booking, our partner! It doesn’t change anything and this way you can help us monetize our work.
About the chef
Alexandre Henriques was just 5 years old when his mother, Dona Henriqueta, opened the Gruta de Santo Antônio, in Niterói. He lived there, between the lounge and the kitchen, observing the atmosphere of the house and at the age of 15 he was already part of the team. He spent some time outside of Brazil, and when he returned he wanted to study gastronomy and oenology, and a few years later, take over the family business. Today, chef Alexandre Henriques also runs Gruta dO Fado, in the Village Mall, in Barra da Tijuca.
Chef Alexandre Henriques’ favorites
Best place to date in Rio: Haru Sushi Bar
At the moment, there is no place I like more than Haru, to go with my wife and meet friends. It’s a fantastic Japanese restaurant in Copacabana. I think the entire work as a whole is wonderful and I’m a huge fan of Menandro Rodrigues.
End: R. Raimundo Corrêa, 10 – Copacabana
Best place for Sunday lunch with the family in Rio: Gruta dO Fado and Mocellin Steak
Just like Gruta de Santo Antônio, in Niterói, Gruta do Fado is very welcoming for families on Sundays. I’m biased when I say this, but the amount we receive is impressive. And another one that I would also put as an option lunch with the family in Rio is Mocellin Steak, from Barra da Tijuca. It’s one of those steakhouses where you also find tables with large families.
End Cave: Av. das Américas, 3900 – Floor L3 – Barra da Tijuca
End Mocellin: Av. Armando Lombardi, 1010 – Barra da Tijuca
Best place for Happy Hour: Belmonte and Galeto Sat’s
I frequent both Belmonte in Ipanema and Leblon and I think it’s fantastic to go for a cold beer with an open pie. I love doing this program. And another one that I’m a fan of is Galeto Sat’s, a cultural heritage from Rio, always with a well-brewed draft beer and sensational snacks, such as, for example, chicken hearts.
End Galeto Sat’s: R. Barata Ribeiro 7, Loja D Copacabana / R. Real Grandeza, 212 – Botafogo
End Belmonte: Av. Vieira Souto, 236 – Ipanema
Best place to have breakfast/brunch: Empório Jardim
Certainly, Empório Jardim, in Jardim Botânico or Ipanema, by chef Paula Prandini. In fact, there is nothing like it for breakfast and there is no brunch better than hers. It is wonderful. I’m enchanted by Paulinha’s things.
End: R. Visc. da Graça, 51 – Botanical Garden
Best place to enjoy the view of Rio: Aprazível
Anyone who goes to Aprazível will certainly never forget the experience, because it is an unusual place. After all, it has that stunning view of Santa Teresa, where there is a spectacular view of Rio de Janeiro, and it is inside a bungalow, in a very romantic atmosphere. So, in addition to having an excellent wine and cachaça list and very good Brazilian food, it comes from a family that I admire, that of Minas Gerais chef Ana Castilho. In other words, a very cool place.
End: R. Aprazível, 62 – Santa Teresa
Out of Doubt Vetere
Photos: Duda Vétere, Renata Araújo and publicity
