In a country like Brazil, with a strong barbecue tradition, vegetarian and vegan restaurants are still a new breed. However, there are a growing number of good vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. We have selected the best places for you. This list will make your life as a vegan in Rio a lot more fun!
Vegan in Rio – Prana Vegetariano
Located in the green neighborhood Jardim Botanico, close to the Botanical Garden, you will find Prana Vegetariano. It is a small restaurant, with tables outside as well. The gorgeous food display and fresh flavors will take anyone’s breath away. Ingredients are organic and sourced locally. The dishes are presented beautifully, with an almost artistic touch to it. Beware though: it can get busy during lunch hours and waiting lines are common.
Look up Prana Vegetariano on the map
Bardana Cozinha Natural
Bardana is a buffet restaurant with extensive dairy-free desserts and hot vegetarian dishes. On Wednesdays, they turn entirely vegan. Because of the buffet format, it is great for vegans and vegetarians on the run. You can make your food choices comfortably and be aware of everything on your plates. A stop in Bardana is recommended to eaters who want to feel more in control. They have a restaurant in the city center and in Copacabana
Look up Bardana in the center map or Copacabana map
Refeitório Orgânico – Vegan food in Rio
Centrally located in hip and happening Botafogo you will find multiple award wining restaurant Refeitório Orgânico. Funny enough it is hidden behind a barbecue restaurant. Just walk trough an ally to the back and you will find an oasis with delicious 100% vegan food. On the ground floor they have a restaurant with a menu and on the first floor you will find a buffet restaurant. There you can eat as much as you want for R$30. With it’s opening hours from 11h till 16h this is a perfect option for the lunch. Be aware though that it is a popular place! So you might find yourself sharing a table and making new friends in the buffet part of the restaurant. For the ground floor you can make a reservation.
Look up Refeitório Orgânico on the map
Verdin
A recent point in the beach side neighborhoods of Leblon and Ipanema is Verdin. They bring to us interesting blends of juices, vegan desserts, sandwiches and salads. The fitness junkies amongst us can get their protein packed items here. The wraps and salads are popular here. It serves meat as well. Everything in this cosy restaurant is locally produced and 100% organic, a concept of sustainability that benefits everyone. Don’t be scared of by all the packing materials; everything is 100% recycled. Perfect for a quick lunch or take-away.
Look up Verdin in Ipanema map or Leblon map
Gaia Art & Café – Eat vegan in Rio
Gaia Art & Café is tucked away in a street of the small neighborhood of Leme. This charming bistro serves delicious coffee and healthy vegetarian sandwiches one doesn’t find anywhere. A burger is available for the perfect cheap meal, with a seal of both vegan and vegetarian approval. They offer a daily buffet, where you select your own food. For casual dining without the weight of a meat-heavy meal, Gaia Art & Café should be considered. They often have live music as well.
Org Bistrô
Org Bistrô is a small restaurant, big in its variety of vegan/vegetarian options, all composed with natural and organic ingredients. The food display is not nearly as beautiful as the sustainability and nutrition provided with every request. Friendly waiters will be there to take your order gracefully and guarantee the best experience possible. A favorite worth checking out is the vegan feijoada, a must-try standard Brazilian dish with black beans. This plate has a check in both the vegetarian and vegan department.
Seeds
In Leblon you will find the little café style restaurant Seeds. Are you vegan in Rio and fan of good coffee, cakes and sweets? Then this is your place. Their vegan cheeZecakes are definitely worth trying. Besides a café it is also a shop where they sell their own organic and vegan products like juices, bread, cookies and peanut butter. They are open from 9h till 19h. This a perfect option for breakfast a light lunch or a coffee with a cake.
Teva
And last, but not least, we have Teva in Ipanema. By many considered as the best vegan restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. Or maybe even one of the best restaurants in general. Their food is all organic and seasonal. You can come here for lunch and dinner. We advise to go at night, because they also have an organic vegan wine selection and artisanal cocktails. The prices here are a bit higher than in the other restaurants, but it will be worth every Reais. This is high level vegan dining!
When you want to continue the night after you finished your dinner, take a look at the street parties in Rio or our weekly events in Rio for the latest updates.
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