Yalla

Barra da Tijuca's many shopping malls are home to some surprisingly good dining options, and Yalla is an excellent case in point. Serving tasty Middle Eastern and mediterranean cuisine with a slick contemporary twist, it's popular with vegetarians - who rave about the falafel and salads - as well as with meat eaters looking to chow down on lamb kebabs, vine leaves stuffed with seasoned rice and meat, and other Lebanese, Turkish and Greek treats. A good option is to choose a few Mezze (small plates) to start - this is one of very few places in Rio serving hummus, and the babaganoush is delicious, too. Almost all the mezze are veggie, and many are vegan, making this a good option for non-meat eaters and carnivores alike.