It's some distance from the main tourist drag, but restaurants in Zona Oeste, Rio de Janeiro are well worth the bus or taxi ride out here.
The Zona Oeste (West Zone) takes in everything from off-the-beaten-track destination restaurants like the excellent seafood restaurant 476, to hip beach hangouts like the youthful Barraca de Pepe, along with countless North American chain restaurants. Give these a miss unless you're really craving a Pizza Hut pizza or Hard Rock burger, there are plenty more interesting restaurants in the Zona Oeste of Rio de Janeiro.
Barra da Tijuca, a veritable city within a city, is home to some interesting independent restaurants alongside the ubiquitous chains, with Barra Brasa being a good grill, and La Botticella a high-quality Italian restaurant.
Heading still further west from Barra da Tijuca, Vargem Grande is a nature-filled neighborhood that has gained a reputation for some of the best restaurants in the Zona Oeste of Rio. The combination of quality seafood and spectacular views at Skunna and Quinta give some indication as to why.
Estrada dos Bandeirantes 23363
Vargem Grande
Superior Seafood at Skunna...
Rua Luciano Gallet, 150
Vargem Grande
Pleasant garden and good food...
Rua Barros Alarção 476
Pedra de Guaratiba
Superior Seafood and Stunning Views...
Estrada Sorima 347
Best of Barra...
Quiosque 11
Avenida do Pepê
Light Lunches for the Beautiful People...
2541 Avenida Ayrton Senna
Excellent, Reasonably Priced, Steakhouse...
Avenida Armando Lombardi 633
Loja 111 – Terrace Market Street
Best Italian in Barra...
Caminho do Souza, 18
Barra de Guaratiba
Fresh from the ocean...
Rua Guilherme de Almeida 67
Recreio
Hit the Deck...
Rua Professor Júlio Lohman 132
Alto do Joá
Deliciously Decadent Fondues...