The best vegetarian restaurants in Rio de Janeiro

Chef Roberta Ciasca is all about vegetarian cuisine, and you can taste the results of her culinary magic in a beautiful mansion with a garden in Botafogo. Highlights include the classic fried brown rice balls stuffed with tomato, pesto, and olives (R$28 for two), burrata (R$74), and Thai curry (R$72) with crispy vegetables and mushrooms. Another great choice is the Brota Platter (R$80), a tasting of appetizers with toast.

This is the first fully vegan Arabic restaurant in the country. The small eatery with an open kitchen serves colorful esfihas (R$10 each), filled with caramelized onions, carrots and garlic sauce, or vegan calabresa and cheese. A popular main dish is the Mjadra Lemí (R$36) – rice with lentils, fried onions, hummus, fattoush or tabbouleh, and a kafta. The menu also features mushroom, pumpkin, and chickpea kibbeh (R$10 each). With so many good options, it’s worth trying a combo for two (R$90), generously served.

Chef Nathalie Passos’ menu changes based on the availability of local and organic products but always keeps favorites like the plantain moqueca (R$54.90) and the Indian stew made with chickpeas, sweet potatoes, tomato sauce, and spices (R$56.90). The charming house in Botafogo also has a used bookstore. Spend an afternoon enjoying a good read with signature drinks or organic and natural wines.

Trained at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York, Tati Lund brings sophistication to vegan cuisine. The restaurant is as colorful as its meals, always using ingredients from small producers. There are fixed options like the World’s Best Salpicão (R$40), with vegetables, cashew mayonnaise, and sweet potato chips, and Tati’s Salad (R$54), with roasted beets, fresh greens, candied walnuts, vegan boursin, and molasses vinaigrette. The daily special (R$68) includes soup or salad.

Chef Daniel Biron’s place has become a reference for fully plant-based dishes in a cool and cozy setting. Start with the Palm Heart Shell (R$38) before diving into dishes like Raviolone with Tofu Ricotta (R$78) and Burmese Aromatic Rice (R$72). From Monday to Friday, there’s an executive menu with salad, main course, and dessert for R$74. For drinks, try the cocktails, mocktails, or the surprising lavender lemonade (R$18).