Entering into a good bookshop and being greeted by the smell of freshly grounded coffee is one of the best little joys in life, something that must be enjoyed and not rushed. These cafés also make for a great place to grab a bite to eat. In Rio you’ll find dozens of traditional bookstores that apart from being great environments to tuck into a book, are also greats spots to tuck into some good food. Check out the best cafe bookshops in Rio, whether for a quick mid-afternoon espresso, something to nibble on or a proper meal. At some of the following establishments you can even find wine and craft beers on the menu.
Tucked away inside the majestic Imperial Palace in Praça XV, is the charming Arlequim bookshop. This cafe is great for breakfast before heading off to the office or after visiting a nearby museum, listening to ambient jazz or MPB as you peruse the store’s books CDs and DVDs. You can also tuck into a delicious spot of lunch here (between 12 and 2:30pm tables are exclusively for lunchtime diners), or even enjoy a good happy hour with yummy appetisers and cocktails. Service here is excellent.
This place functions as video rental shop (remember those?) and recently renovated bookshop as well as a cafe, an old treasure of the Laranjeiras neighbourhood. The menu is a nicely varied one, offering appetisers, main dishes, salads, sandwiches soups and desserts. Its dozens of different beer label are another particular draw.
Located in a charming Ipanema building this branch follows the great formula used by this chain of bookshops. And this Ipanema branch is always busy, normally with regulars who enjoy the great range of titles on offer and great service. On the second floor you’ll find the Bazzar Café, with a creative and delicious menu with options for snacks, lunch, and dinner. There is also a great selection of wines to choose from.
Opened in 1993, this is one of the most prestigious bookstores in Rio, the stage of many important book launches. It also sits on the super busy gastronomic strip on Rua Dias Ferreira so it is only right that too has its own little gourmet corner. Cue Café Severino, a pleasant spot to have a coffee or savour one of their delicious organic sandwiches for lunch. Their cheese melts are to die for as are their cakes, always freshly made as well as their cornbread.
This cafe is located inside Livraria da Travessa which itself is within the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, one of the most important museums in the city. The bookstore displays titles in its window which are related to the current exhibitions. Meanwhile, Verso Café’s kitchen serves up Brazilian food but with a mediterranean twist. On the menu you’ll find creative options for lunch and afternoon snacks along with a whole host of delicious accompaniments to go with your brew.
