Best of the beach
As recently as 2006, dining options along Copacabana beachfront were rarely more sophisticated than a plate of fries washed down with a can of Skol beer. That´s all changed now though, with the construction of ultra-modern glass and chrome kiosks that house beachside mini-versions of some of the city´s best restaurants and bars. At Siri Mole & Cia, for example, you can sample excellent Bahian dishes - don´t miss the moqueca (seafood stew) made with siri mole crab. For the ultimate in decadence, at Champanheria Copacabana you can eat salmon and quaff Veuve Clicquot champers while still clad in your swimwear.
For good, filling Chinese food, China in Copa is a safe bet - it belongs to the popular Chinese delivery chain China in Box. If the kids (or big kids) are hankering after fast food, there´s a branch of McDonalds, as well as the Brazilian chain Bob´s. Those looking for an ice-cold beer on a hot day will find good chopp (draught beer) at Choppinho, and there´s also a spin-off branch of Centro´s famous Bar Luiz.
For something stronger, a visit to Cachacaria Mangueira is in order - here you can choose from more than 60 different types of cachaca (Brazilian sugar cane rum).
Traditionalists needn´t panic, however - those simple wooden kiosks selling fish, fries and cans of Skol lager can still be found in abundance!