Gabinete, Rio de Janeiro

Right in the heart of Rio's historic center, this bar, restaurant and live music venue takes as its theme the Old Curiosity Chests of centuries past, which exhibited the animal, vegetable and mineral finds made by global explorers. Inside the bar, the rustic ambiance is given a kooky twist courtesy of various wall-mounted collections - from Beatles magazine covers to old coins and mini motorcycles. While the decor is an attraction in itself, most people head here for the excellent menu, which combines Brazilian bar snack staples such as bolinhos do bacalhau (cod and potato balls) with more worldly, extravagant fare such as wine-infused lamb with Morrocan couscous, or shrimp with wasabi mousse and wild rice. Vegetarians needn't go hungry either, thanks to a range of dishes combining soya meat and grains with fresh local vegetables. The best time to head here is for the Friday Evening Happy Hour from 6:30pm to 9pm, when there's free live samba from local musicians. -Lucy Bryson

Write a Review