Casa 201

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In Rio’s Jardim Botanico neighbourhood, this intimate restaurant is tucked away behind high walls: look for the discreet plaque, then ring the bell to gain admission. Inside, it’s small and warmly welcoming, with space for 32 guests, who sit down to eat at 8pm (there’s only one service per night). Having trained in Lyon and worked at some of Paris’ most prestigious kitchens, its chef, Rio-born João Paulo Frankenfeld, is well-versed in classical French cooking. It’s an influence that shines through on his eight-course tasting menus, which change every four months. Dinners start with home-made charcuterie (his copa sirloin is first-class) and end with petit fours, which run from cloud-like choux to a palette-teasing blue-cheese macaron. In between, expect a succession of quietly accomplished plates, from squid-ink seafood ravioli to steak with port wine sauce.

Key Information

• Tasting menu from $125
• Dinner: Tues – Sat
• 55 21 96707 0201
• Visit Casa 201's Website

Location

Rua Lopes Quintas 201, Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro, 22460-010