Rio de Janeiro food tour
RIO DE JANEIRO FOOD TOUR - Our Rio de Janeiro lunch tour explores the flavours of the city through the streets and eateries of Centro, beyond the beaches and tourist crowds. Over four hours and 12+ tastings, youβll experience the everyday food culture that Cariocas return to time and again.
We begin in the historic downtown, moving between botequims, and family-run kitchens that have been feeding locals for generations. The route takes us through the Saara neighbourhood, where youβll learn about Rioβs long-standing Lebanese community and how its influence still shapes the cityβs food.
Expect a wide mix of flavours and influences: crisp kibe and esfiha to golden cod fritters and grilled queijo coalho, alongside slices of picanha suΓna, grilled sardines, and slow-cooked dishes like feijΓ£o. There are lighter moments too, with fresh fruit juices, Brazilian mate, and batida de limΓ£o.
Along the way, youβll dip into Rioβs strong snacking culture with tapioca filled with coconut and cheese, coconut sweets, and classic Brazilian treats like brigadeiro and beijinho. The experience finishes in true local fashion with a coffee touched with cachaΓ§a.
Part food tour, part introduction to Rioβs layered immigrant history told through the places locals actually eat.
Coming in April 2026
Why this tour is awesome
This is Rio beyond the beaches. This is not about fine dining. Youβll explore Centro and Saara through the small, local spots where Cariocas actually eat, from old-school botequims to family-run kitchens.
The food reflects the cityβs mix of influences, especially the Lebanese community that helped shape this part of Rio. Expect a wide range of flavours, from kibe and esfiha to cod fritters, grilled meats, and slow-cooked dishes, alongside fresh juices, mate, and cachaΓ§a.
Itβs a relaxed, small-group experience that gives you a genuine introduction to Rioβs everyday food culture.
Your guide
A Rio native, Keley guides with a passion for the cityβs vibrant culture, food, and laid-back energy. She brings travellers into the heart of Rio through its people, stories, and the flavours that define it.
Join our daily 12+ tasting tour around Rio de Janeiro's Centro neighbourhood
Explore this neighbourhood with local tastemaker guides
Try dishes at local favourites
Visit street vendors, local eateries and family-run spots
Learn about the Lebanese food culture in Rio de Janeiro
Sliced picanha suina pork at a local eatery
Fried sardines, Brazilian-style
Pause in local spots for Carioca favourites
Taste 12+ tastings across the Centro neighbourhood
Slow-cooked pork for a generations-old Rio favourite
Brigadeiros, Brazil's answer to the chocolate truffle
Sign off with a coffee laced with Brazilian cachaça
Includes
- Price US $89 per person
- Language English
- Small group Maximum of 8 guests (private tours or groups of 9+, please contact us)
- Tastings 12+ tastings
- Drinks Bottled water
- Duration 10am - 2pm
- Guides Led by one of our superb Rio de Janeiro food hosts
- Cancellation Cancel up to 48 hours before departure for a full refund
- Family friendly Families welcome on all our tours. Children 50% discount.
- Transport Primarily a walking tour
- Instant confirmation Book now to secure your space (before we sell out!)
- Pick up / drop off Our guests come from all over the city, so to save time we have a meeting point. Your guide can help you find transport back at the end of the tour
Dietary information
- General advice Many local eateries specialise in signature menus, and may not have alternatives. It is not always possible to cater for all dietary requests at every stop
- Vegetarian Unsuitable as meat and seafood is used in 3-4 tastings (out of 12 total)
- Vegan Unsuitable as meat, seafood and dairy are used in 10-11 tastings (out of 12 total)
- Pescatarian Possible, though meat is used in 1-2 tastings (out of 12 total)
- Pork Possible, though pork is used in 1-2 tastings (out of 12 total)
- Halal Unsuitable for a halal diet as no vendors are certified
- Gluten intolerance / Celiac Possible, though gluten is present in 1-2 tastings (out of 12 total)
- Lactose intolerance Unsuitable as dairy is used in 7-8 tastings (out of 12 total)
- Tree nut / peanut allergy Possible, though macadamias are used in 1 tasting (out of 12 total). There are no known peanuts used in the tastings.
- Seafood / Shellfish allergy Possible, though seafood is used in 2-3 tastings (out of 12 total)
- Severe allergies We can never guarantee any dish to be 100% free from allergens, as there is always the risk of traces and cross-contamination. It is unsuitable for severe allergies. Contact us: info@achefstour.com
How to book
To join the Rio de Janeiro food tour, use the calendar to select your date and secure your tour with your card. For special requests, private bookings, or dietary requirements, pleaseΒ contact us. Safety of our customers is our first priority, so if you have any allergies, pleaseΒ contact usΒ before booking.
What to expect
Our Rio de Janeiro food tour is designed for adventurous eaters with an interest in discovering the food that locals eat. Itβs an easy-paced walking tour, where the terrain is mostly flat and there are plenty of rest (eating) stops along the way.
Meeting point
This Rio de Janeiro food tour departs from outside the Igreja de SΓ£o Francisco de Paula church in the Centro neighbourhood. It's easy to reach by taxi from most of the hotels in the city. There will be more details on your booking confirmation.Β
Cancellation Policy
Why you should book with us
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99% 5 star reviews across our tours -
Secure payments through provider Peek
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No hidden charges - all food tastings included in the price
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Authentic food experience, escape the tourist traps