Where to eat on the cheap in Copacabana according to neighbourhood local, DJ Saddam
As the economic downturn in Brazil continues to persist, phrases like “in times of crisis” or “how to deal with the crisis” are being heard more and more. The unreal prices in the Cidade Maravilhosa just keep going up and eating out is becoming more and more expensive. But the good, tasty and cheap options are still out there to be found. For this list we’ve called on the help of Copacabana local for many years, DJ Saddam. “I’ve been coming to Copacabana since 1989 when I started training Jiu-Jitsu in the Carlson Gracie gym. I lived here for 6 years last decade and i came back at the end of 2013” our guide tells us, a self-described “chronicler of the day-to-day, a great observer of city life.”
Tucked away on 33 Rua Ministro Viveiros de Castro, next to bakery Fornalha, this eatery serves delicious cheap lunchtime dishes (pratos executivos) at reasonable prices. “I would have the chopped liver (yes, I like that) with rice, beans and farofa which was always delicious (R$23,50). The restaurant belongs to actress Nivea Maria, who has also owened restaurant Dois em Cena for years.”
The restaurant belonging to the traditional confectionary store by Posto 6 serves four prato executivo options everyday which go for R$27, aside from the a la carte options. DJ Saddam’s tip: “The highlight here is the excellent dried beef gnocchi they serve on Thursdays, which is enough for 2 people. Dishes like contra-filé à parmegiana can also be shared.”
Address
: Av. Nossa Sra. de Copacabana, 1.334, Copacabana
Phone
: +55 (21) 2247-6379
Schedule:
Sun 07:00 às 23:30, Mon 07:00 às 23:30, Tue 07:00 às 23:30, Wed 07:00 às 23:30, Thu 07:00 às 23:30, Fri 07:00 às 23:30, Sat 07:00 às 23:30
At this traditional bar in Copcabana, aside from the famous patinisca de bacalhau (codfish cakes at R$3.50 a piece) they serve other delicious appetizers like their pastels (R$5), warm and tasty caldinho de feijão (bean soup) and their bolinho de feijoada (feijoada balls), as well as draught beer at R$5.50 and the classic Antartica Original beer at R$10 for a 600ml bottle. “For lunch, the shrimp risoto is great and serves two people well for just R$32.”
“Located a block from the beach, this juice bar definitely punches above its weight among the other busier juice bars. The pastels are similar to those of its more famous competition BB Lanches (see it here in the list best pastels in the city), but a whole lot cheaper”, DJ Saddam reveals. His advice is to enjoy them along with the bar’s “super delicious” mate (R$4.50) or with and açaí. PRICE
Address
: Av Atlântica , 2.936 , Copacabana
Phone
: +55 (21 ) 2255-1140
Schedule:
Sun 07:00 às 23:00, Mon 07:00 às 23:00, Tue 07:00 às 23:00, Wed 07:00 às 23:00, Thu 07:00 às 23:00, Fri 07:00 às 23:00, Sat 07:00 às 23:00
This little Arabic restaurant serves a combo dish that comes with a half portion of lentil rice with caramelized onions and salad and 2 other side options. “This place’s highlight is the potato kibe which is almost a kind of kibe pastry which is super cheap at just R$19.”
