In our “Chef’s Favorites” column this week, we’ll discover Rafa Gomes’ favorite places! Elected “Chef do Ano” by Veja Rio Comer&Beber 2023, the chef of Itacoa, Tiara and TinTin, his newest bar in Leblon, chooses the best below points of the city to enjoy a happy hour with friends, have a date or that beautiful Sunday lunch with the family. So, let’s get to know chef Rafa Gomes’ favorites!
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
The chef’s favorites from Itacoa, Tiara and TinTin, in Rio
Winner of MasterChef Profissionais in 2018, Rafa Gomes lived abroad for 18 years and has worked at some of the best restaurants in the world, such as Eleven Madison Park (NYC) and Mirazur (France). However, even with so much international experience, Brazil is his favorite place to practice his profession. Finally, in 2021, Itacoa opened, in the Village Mall, a segment of its Itacoa Paris (which closed recently), and, the following year, it was the turn of Tiara, in Rio Design Leblon, with signature gastronomy and a continuation of your work. Recently, Rafa opened TinTin, in Dias Ferreira, a bar with a Rio soul, with good food and that cold beer.
Best place to date in Rio: OURS
The third floor of the NOSSO gastrobar, in Ipanema, is very cozy it’s romantic. Furthermore, it has excellent drinks and great food made by chef Bruno Katz. In fact, it won in the “Best place to go as a couple”by Veja Rio.
End: R. Maria Quitéria, 91 – Ipanema
Best place for Sunday lunch with the family in Rio: Ocyá
On Ilha Primeira, in Barra, chef Geronimo Athuel’s restaurant is in an open space with a relaxed atmosphere. And good food, the result of the maturation and full use of fish and seafood, carried out by the chef.
End: Ilha Primeira – Barra da Tijuca
Best place for Happy Hour: Tin Tin
I’m suspicious to say, but certainly Tin Tin Botequim! It has cold draft beer, good drinks, simple but tasty food and a Rio soul.
End: R Dias Ferreira, 135 – Leblon
Best place to have breakfast/brunch: ARP
The bar and restaurant at Hotel ARP, in Arpoador, in Ipanema, has an excellent brunch! In addition, a wonderful view of Morro Dois Irmãos. In other words, a perfect combination.
End: Off. Francisco Bhering, 50 – Ipanema
Best place to enjoy the view of Rio: Marine Restô
The Marine Restô restaurant at the Fairmont Copacabana offers a great gastronomic experience, with the look of one of the city’s best-known postcards: Copacabana Beach, with Sugarloaf Mountain in the background!
End: Av. Atlântica, 4240 – Copacabana
By Duda Vétere. Photos: Renata Araújo, Duda Vétere, Tomás Rangel, Disclosure
