Explore Rio de Janeiro
Nova Capela
Cuisine: Brazilian, Latin, Local Specialty, South American
10Best Says
This traditional restaurant at the heart of Rio's party district opens until 4am every night of the week, and has been helping hard-partying Cariocas to soak up alcohol since the 1960s. But while the... Read More
This traditional restaurant at the heart of Rio's party district opens until 4am every night of the week, and has been helping hard-partying Cariocas to soak up alcohol since the 1960s. But while the late hours and plum location are part of its appeal, it's the delicious food that has secured Nova Capela's success over the decades. Along with excellent renderings of traditional bar snacks such as 'bolinnhos de bacalhau' (seasoned cod and potato balls), the informal restaurant also serves hearty dishes such as a famous goat with broccoli rice. By day it's popular with out-of-towners refueling during walking tours of Centro, but after midnight it throngs with tipsy locals, and the caipirinhas here, while not the best in town, are dependably good and pleasingly potent.
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EXPERT TIPS BY:
Lucy Bryson
Rio de Janeiro Local Expert
- Lapa's Best Restaurants: "Come here for a relaxed meal with friends at the beginning or end of a big night out in Lapa."
- Late Night: "Head here at the end of a big night out in Lapa, the hearty food will soak up some of the evening's excesses."
- Best for Lapa's Best Restaurants Because: Nova Capela is a Lapa institution and a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
- Best for Late Night Because: This is an iconic Lapa eatery, and the late opening makes it ideal for anyone with post-street party munchies