Rio de Janeiro

Rio's most famous hotel has hosted heads of state, rock stars and other prominent personalities (Queen Elizabeth once stayed here, as did the Rolling Stones). — Lonely Planet

Climb up an alley to the very top of Santa Teresa and you'll stumble across this family-run restaurant surrounded by a lush tropical garden. — Michelin Guide

Light, flavorsome Mediterranean food and some of the finest caipirinhas in the city are served in this atmospheric brick-lined restaurant and mini-lounge bar. — DK Eyewitness

Claude Troisgros, of the celebrated Michelin-starred Troisgros family of France, runs this top-notch venue. — Fodor's

Brazil's most venerable chocolatier (founded in 1894) is hidden on a narrow street in chaotic Centro. — Travel + Leisure

Here you'll find sophisticated dining on a hilltop in the heights of Rio's most historic neighborhood, with a view of treetops, colonial houses, and the city and bay below. — Frommer's

Azumi’s seafood is particularly fresh thanks to its boat that catches fish each morning for the evening’s sushi and sashimi. — Condé Nast Traveler

A famous Kurt creation is the "bee sting" (picada de abelha), a chocolate cake, the recipe of which is a closely guarded family secret. — Frommer's

Good-value prices, an extensive sake menu, delicious food, and the laid-back vibe make it a reliable neighborhood favorite for just about everyone. — Fodor's

The Bakers is a fine spot for flaky croissants, banana Danishes, apple strudels and other treats. — Lonely Planet

The bar was a popular hangout for intellectuals and politicians, which may have been why the owner was so quick to change the name in 1942. — Frommer's

Enjoy a traditional Sunday lunch of the national dish feijoada, which is made from black beans, pork, and beef off-cuts. — DK Eyewitness

For better food at a comparable price, seek out Espirito Santa a few doors down, while for cheap and cheerful Brazilian cuisine, there's Bar do Mineiro. — Frommer's

Some of the best seafood in town is served at this eclectic Italian restaurant that has impressed the likes of Madonna and Sting. — Fodor's

The result is a sexy, modern, loungelike restaurant with the best Chinese food in town, of course. — Frommer's

If you like red meat, especially a good rump cut, then try the Giuseppe Grill picanha supra sumo. The meat comes medium rare, served with house potatoes. — Michelin Guide

Set in a beautiful converted colonial town house complete with a roof terrace for cocktails, Lasai is one of the city’s leading gourmet experiences, featuring a daily changing 14-course tasting menu. — Fodor's

The city's most celebrated chef—Claude Troisgros—has changed the face of the all-you-can-eat churrascaria with this chic bistro whose kitchen is led by his talented son Thomas. — Fodor's

Light-hearted, imaginative fusion cuisine, colourful decor and a terrace with a street-life view make this a popular spot with tourists and trendy locals alike. — Rough Guide

One of the better all-you-can-eat rodízio restaurants, Marius serves up prime cuts of beef. — Frommer's