Ipanema and Leblon

Between the two of them, eternally fashionable Ipanema and Leblon reign supreme over Rio [1]’s dining scene. By day, svelte and sun-kissed residents haunt healthy vegetarian restaurants and sleek per kilo eateries that serve up salads galore and continuously rehydrate themselves at juice bars. In the evening, however, they dress up (casually chic) and go all out at international and contemporary restaurants where the decor is as tasteful as the fare on the (usually pricy) menus. For lighter, more affordable fare, head to the neighborhoods’ botequins [2], cafés, and bistros in the area’s many bookstores.