Gastronomic Carnival: Where to Eat and Drink during Carnival Days

Rio Carnival isn't just about music, dancing and costumes: it's also a festival of flavors that invades kiosks, food trucks and bars all over the city. Whether you're a fan of a bean soup to warm up before the block party or a signature drink to toast the sunset on the beach, this guide has options for all tastes and budgets. Prepare your taste buds and check out where to eat and drink during the festivities. Carnival 2026.

1. Beachfront Kiosks: Classic Snacks and Panoramic Views

1.1 Copacabana and Leme

• Mendonza Kiosk
  Located at Posto 6 in Copacabana, it serves traditional snacks such as codfish balls and shrimp pastries. The lemon caipirinha and passion fruit cocktail are perfect for refreshing between one bloco and the next. Average price: R$$ 25–R$$ 40.
• Leme Lookout Kiosk
  In the shadow of Leme hill, it serves skewers of beef, chicken and coalho cheese. The highlight is the chicken heart skewer, paired with Rio de Janeiro craft beers. Average price: R$ 15–R$ 25.

1.2 Ipanema and Arpoador

• Girl from Ipanema Kiosk
  Just a few steps from Posto 9, it is famous for its shrimp in pumpkin and its portion of bean soup with crispy pork rinds. Also try the catuaba caipirinha with red fruits. Average price: R$ 30–R$ 50.
• Sunset Arpoador Kiosk
  Perfect for watching the sunset with a cold cuts platter and prosecco. To save money, the “sunset combo” includes prosecco + bruschetta for R$$ 60.

2. Food Trucks: Innovation and Convenience on the Street

2.1 Center and Lapa

• String Bean Truck
  Specializing in northeastern food: acarajé, stuffed tapioca and baião de dois. Great value for money (R$ 20–R$ 35) and a guaranteed presence in the Cinelândia area.
• Samba Burger
  Gourmet burgers served on homemade brioche buns, with vegetarian and vegan options. The highlight is the “Samba Cheddar”, a chickpea burger with vegan cheddar. Average price: R$ 25–R$ 45.

2.2 South Zone and Santa Teresa

• Santa Street Food
  Traveling food truck that runs around Santa Teresa, Leblon and Botafogo. Offers Mexican tacos with roast beef and fresh guacamole. Average price: R$30–R$50.
• Acai & Company
  Açaí in a bowl with toppings ranging from homemade granola to seasonal fruits. Energetic version: açaí + spirulina by R$ 25.

3. Traditional Bars and New Addresses

3.1 Lapa: Bohemian Atmosphere

• Rio Scenarium
  A Lapa icon, this place combines vintage decor with live samba music. It offers a menu of premium cachaças and snacks such as rice balls and cheese pastries. Average price: R$40–R$70.
• Good Bar
  Founded by samba dancers, it offers samba circles and classic drinks. The highlight is the “Caju Amigo” (cachaça, cashew and lemon) at R$ 28.

3.2 Botafogo and Flamengo

• Belmonte Botafogo
  Traditional Rio de Janeiro bar: pork rinds, tapioca cubes and fried feijoada. Always cold light draft beer. Average price: R$ 20–R$ 35.
• Brew Lab Bar
  Craft beer bar with rotating taps. Suggestion: flight of three styles for R$ 45. Snacks inspired by German cuisine: fried pork knuckle and pretzel.

3.3 North Zone and Barra da Tijuca

• Urca Bar
  View of Guanabara Bay, famous for its codfish fritters and creamy draft beers. Average price: R$ 25–R$ 40.
• Mix & Fusion Truck Park (Bar)
  Open-air gastronomic space that brings together several food trucks and pop-up bars. Free entry; dishes from R$ 20 to R$ 60.

4. Typical Carnival Snacks

• Bean broth
  Traditional on cooler days, served in a plastic cup with pieces of sausage or ribs.
• Green corn on the husk
  Easy to eat standing up, costs on average R$5 per ear.
• Fried Pastry
  Various fillings: cheese, meat, hearts of palm, and even sweet options, from R$ 8 to R$ 15.
• Shrimp bean ball
  Especially in the blocks that pay homage to northeastern cultures: served with vatapá and shrimp, average price R$ 25.
• Cheese curd skewer
  Traditional at beach kiosks, accompanied by molasses or pepper, around R$ 10.

5. Drinks to Cool Down the Party

• Classic Caipirinha
  Cachaça, lemon, sugar and ice. Economy version for R$ 15 in street bars.
• Fruit smoothie
  Passion fruit, coconut, pineapple or strawberry with condensed milk, around R$ 20–R$ 30.
• Tropical Clericot
  White wine, fresh fruit and sparkling water; serves two people for R$ 50.
• Cold draft beer
  Standard or handmade, from R$ 8 to R$ 20.
• Mocktails and coconut water
  Alcohol-free options and moisturizers, typically R$ 10 to R$ 15.

6. Options for Every Budget

6.1 Economic

• Popular kiosks on the waterfront (Copacabana Leme): snacks at R$ 5–R$ 15
• Neighborhood food trucks (Madureira, Manguinhos): dishes from R$ 20–R$ 30
• Street bars in Lapa (Bar da Boa): drinks and snacks for less than R$$ 30

6.2 Intermediate

• Tourist kiosks in Ipanema and Arpoador: R$ 25–R$ 50
• Gourmet food trucks (Burger do Samba, Sunset Park): R$ 30–R$ 60
• Bars with live music (Rio Scenarium, Belmonte): R$ 40–R$ 70

6.3 Premium

• Pop-up restaurants and rooftop bars (Copacabana Palace): tasting menus by R$ 120+
• All-inclusive cabins: day and night passes from R$ 500 to R$ 2,000
• VIP experiences with a private bartender and exclusive menu

7. Practical Tips

1. Plan gastronomic stops along the route of the block to avoid long lines.
2. Bring a bottle of water or use kiosks that offer free refills.
3. Opt for individual snacks to make it easier to eat on the go.
4. Check out delivery apps that operate during Carnival in case of emergencies.
5. Enjoy food truck festivals that take place in central squares during the festivities.

8. Conclusion

The Gastronomic Carnival 2026 Rio de Janeiro combines tradition, innovation and a variety of flavors. If you want to save money, look for popular kiosks; for unique gastronomic experiences, explore gourmet food trucks and themed bars. Prepare your taste buds, explore this guide and enjoy the festivities with your stomach as happy as your heart!

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