Chef Kátia Barbosa’s renowned restaurant, open in 2002, was the first in the area to attract the attention of the South Zone’s foodies to Praça Bandeira which, until then, was just a busy intersection between downtown and the North Zone. To be more specific, it was one dish that caught everyone’s attention, a typical dish from Minas Gerais but with a Rio bar twist which has now become an institution in carioca cuisine. The Bolinho de Feijoda (Feijoada Ball, R$29.90 for a portion of 4) has a crispy exterior and is filled with delicious black beans, kale, pieces of bacon and is served with slices of orange and a shot of lime juice (citrus traditionally helps with digestion). Nowadays, for those that prefer to stay in the South Zone this eatery now offers its delicacies from a swanky address in Leblon.

Size was Aconchego’s success as it had space to accommodate people waiting in line for a table. It was also here that Bar da Frente was born, starting off assisting with Aconchego’s overspill today it has become a protagonist on the bar scene in its own right. Its appetisers are both absolutely impeccable and creative. The star on its menu is the Porquinho de Quimono (Pig in a Kimono), a harumaki with pork ribs. As for seafood, its worth giving the Crocante de Camarão (Crispy Shrimp) a try, covered in coconut flakes and served with passion fruit and yogurt sauce. For the veggies there is the exceptional Maravilha de Milho, a delicious tidbit made from corn and filled with provolone. There is also an excellent selection of beers.

Inaugurated in 2013, this is the spot for those that wish to try special draught beers, all of which are advertised on the bars chalkboard. The master barman in charge of the bar, Leonardo Botto, has won various awards for his bar which offers over 20 different taps with different draughts that he changes weekly, national and imported beers. No two visits to this bar are ever the same. To snack, its famous cheese and beef croquettes (PRICE) are a sure bet.

For those that prefer cachaças to choppes, head over to Noo where you’ll find a pleaseant décor and even more pleasant staff not to mention a super-creative menu, all in a artisanal style. There are over 80 different cachaça lables from all over Brazil. But don’t neglect the house’s sensational açaí smoothies and its taperebá with strawberry (PRICE) and why not even take an entire bottle to enjoy ice cold at home. The signature cocktails are equally not to be missed (NAMES). As for nibbles there is the very rustic pork crackling (PRICE), the Cucuruqui (crunchy tapioca balls with cheese and Brazilian sausage PRICE) and the majestic chicken coxinha, shredded chicken covered with a thin layer of cream cheese and fried with breadcrumbs (PRICE). There is also the “air pastels” served with their fillings separate so punters can make their own combinations (PRICE).

This stand-up bar is famous in Tijuca for its roast chicken prepared on a traditional chargrill barbeque, a rarity among today’s establishments. The herb seasoning is a house speciality and forms a crispy golden coating. Served with farofa, it’s a steal at just R$18, whether you want to eat at the counter, the tables on the street or take home. Other specialities include the oxtail (PRICE) , beef ribs (PRICE), typical carioca bar dishes. And to accompany, a bottle or draught of ice cold beer.