Brazil World Cup: Best Places to Eat in Rio De Janeiro

The final match for the FIFA World Cup 2014 will be played at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio De Janeiro. Here's a checklist of the best places to eat and drink in Rio. These restaurants are the perfect pit stops that'll fuel you up with some great food for those incessant shout-outs and cheers.

Owned by Claude Troisgrois, a French chef who runs a few other trendy restaurants in town. A meat specialist with a different type of 'Brazilian rodizio': it's all about the vegetables here! Burgers are great and all vegetables that come as sides are incredibly fresh and varied. Steaks are not to be missed too!

Address: Rua Dias Ferreira 636

Contact: (21) 2529 2329

Timings: Noon-4pm Mon-Fri & 7pm-1am; noon-1am Sat-Sun

Price: R$32-$188

The ambience is definitely one of the highlights here. Modern, with plenty of candlelight and jazz music. The menu is imaginative and well presented: Italian-influenced Brazilian dishes with a touch of flavours from the Far East. A fine selection of international cookery books are sold inside the restaurant together with their own brand of sauces. Its location couldn't be better, right in the heart of Ipanema.

Address: Rua Barão de Torre 538 - check site for more locations

Contact: (21) 3202 2884

Price: R$30-$90

Timings: Mon-Sat noon-1am; Sun noon-5pm

Fresh salads, quiches and a variety of healthy foods are displayed at the buffet. Its price is affordable according to the menu set you choose. If you are looking for a quick bite, during weekdays at lunch hours or on weekends after the beach, this is the place! The main branch is at Ipanema beach.

Adress: Rua Garcia D'Ávila 48

Contact: (21) 3624 8164

Timings: 9am-9pm daily

Price: R$25-$45; sandwiches R$6-$12

Originally owned by a Spanish family, this restaurant specialises in seafood, which is freshly displayed at the entrance. Portions are big, prices are fair and the atmosphere is cozy. Politicians can be found here during lunchtime, which is always a good sign as they know how to eat well everywhere in the world. Must try the mixed paella or the seafood spaghetti!

Address: Rua Gustavo Sampaio 610

Contact: (21) 2275 1398

Timings: Noon-1am daily

Price: R$42,80-$135

Bar do mineiro offers one of the best feijoada in town. Its recipe comes from Minas, a state in Brazil known for its culinary history. Consequently, the traditional drink here, from the same region, is the famous cachaça. The restaurant is nicely decorated with black and white photos of local heroes like Caetano Veloso and Gal Costa and paintings that depict Brazilian life in a small town.

Address: Rua Paschoal Carlos Magno 99

Contact: (21) 2221 9227

Timings: 11am-midnight Tue-Thu; 11am-2am Fri-Sat; 11am-1am Sun

Price: Feijoada (serves two) R$65. Caipirinha R$9.50; 600ml of beer R$5,50

Charming and original, Miami Miam is one of the most trendy restaurants in town. It is located in Botafogo, a student-friendly neighbourhood attached to the crowded Copacabana .The menu offers a Brazilian twist to the conventional French and Asian dishes. Don't miss the extensive cocktail menu, while you wait to be seated.

Address: Rua General Góis Monteiro 34

Contact: (21) 2244 0125

Timings: 7.30pm-1am Tue-Fri; 8pm-1.30am Sat

Price: Mains R$28-$57

Gourmet Tropical is a local hidden gem. It functions as a restaurant-café as well as a plant nursery. The atmosphere is authentic yet surprisingly refined and so is the food. In the same space there is a nice deli and bakery shop, with some great deals on wine, fresh bread and stylish Brazilian handicrafts. It is also open for breakfast and afternoon tea. A great place to enjoy a brunch.

Address: Rua Dom Rosalvo da Costa Rêgo 420, Barra da Tijuca

Contact: (21) 2493 0394

Timings: Mon-Sat 8am-5.30pm, Sun 9am-2.30pm

Price: R$19-$89