New Natural
Although vegetarians in Rio can have a pretty tough time of it, if you know where to look there are actually quite a few spots to enjoy a tasty meat-free meal.One such place is New Natural, in Ipanema. Situated right next door to 'Hostel Alley' - the strip of backpacker havens on Rua Barao da Torre, this restaurant and snack bar is open for lunch, breakfast and dinner.
Although it's not exclusively vegetarian - you'll find some chicken and fish dishes too - there are plenty of soya dishes, vegetable soups, salads, quiches and numerous other treats for food-deprived veggies.
The main restaurant serves food 'por kilo' - you load your plate up with any items you fancy, the plate is weighed, and you pay accordingly. Tip - por kilo places in Ipanema, New Natural included, are pretty pricey. If you're watching the pennies, head here for a light lunch rather than huge meal or you could end up blowing your budget!
Food from the main restaurant can be eaten in or taken away, and there's also a stand up snack bar and health-food store attached. Here you can pick up absolutely delicious wholemeal pasteis (pastries), oven-baked and filled with a choice of delicious, wholesome ingredients. My favourite is the palmito (palm-heart) with catupiry cheese - personally I think this has to be the best pastel in the whole of Rio.