Nello Cassese is an award-winning Michelin Chef and the Culinary Director for Belmond, known for his refined Italian cuisine. His restaurant, Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, has been recognized as the 'Best Italian...
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Last updated: 8/23/2026, 4:27:46 AM
Key Information
Ristorante Hotel Cipriani is an elegant and historic fine dining establishment located within the glamorous Copacabana Palace hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Known for its formal ambiance, white tablecloths, and Italianesque decor, it offers a sophisticated culinary journey that balances traditional Italian cuisine with innovative approaches.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise the exceptional service, artistic presentation, and delicious food, particularly highlighting the thoughtfully crafted vegetarian and vegan tasting menus. While the wine list is extensive, some find it on the higher end price-wise. A minor point of feedback noted occasional lapses in silverware placement, but overall, it's considered a world-class, top-tier dining experience in Rio.
The restaurant is an integral part of the iconic Belmond Copacabana Palace hotel, contributing to its reputation as a premier destination in Rio de Janeiro.
The restaurant is ideal for dinner, especially for those seeking a multi-course culinary journey, which typically lasts 2.5 to 3 hours.
Awards & Recognition
Michelin Star
50 Best Discovery
5
One of my favourite restaurants.
I’ve had the pleasure of dining at Cipriani twice—once in 2022 and again in 2025—and both experiences have been exceptional. As a vegetarian, I’ve opted for the vegetarian tasting menu each time, and it has been fantastic. It never feels like a compromise; every dish is thoughtfully crafted and highly imaginative.
The service is always outstanding, making each visit a delight. The staff are incredibly helpful, taking the time to explain each dish in English (my Portuguese is improving, but still a work in progress!).
The wine list is extensive, though slightly on the higher end price-wise for what’s on offer. Italian wines, unsurprisingly, are a highlight, but I’d love to see more focus on white wines. That said, I understand red wines are generally favoured here in Brazil.
A particular standout is the restaurant’s commitment to evolving its offerings. I love that they now feature a full vegan tasting menu alongside a great selection of vegan dishes. Each visit has felt unique, and it’s clear they are continuously refining and elevating the experience.
Overall, Cipriani is a world-class restaurant that masterfully balances tradition with innovation, honouring the foundations of Italian cuisine while exploring new creative possibilities.
I can’t wait for my next visit! Muito obrigado!
Cipriani- An Interesting Journey
This one star Michelin could be on its way to a second star. While I'm no Michelin inspector, there are some techniques here, especially in the dessert phase, that certainly impress.
This 14-course (maybe 15 or 16 in reality) culinary journey starts promptly and will take all of 2.5 to 3 hours.
The courses are presented exceptionally well and flowers were a theme of our evening and present in every course but one.
There was certainly a northern Italian flare, but this could also pass as Californian cuisine for those familiar with the US.
The service was outstanding and the wine pairings complimented each dish very well with the exception of one. That wine was certainly better without the dish and likewise. I didn't expect that.
I wouldn’t hesitate to return and look forward to my next time in Rio.
I had a wonderful dining experience here! The food was artistically designed and equally delicious to eat. The severs were friendly and attentive, and they took the time to explain all of the dishes in the tasting menu. I would go back anytime.
Cipriani in Rio—Michelin-starred, elegantly poised, yet not without its flaws. The prix-fixe menu? A well-curated journey of flavors, skillfully executed and undeniably one of the finer dining experiences in the city. But the service? Let’s just say the Michelin magic dimmed slightly when the silverware placement turned into a guessing game. In a place of this caliber, such details matter—no diner should have to fumble for the correct utensil like it’s a fine-dining escape room. That said, the food delivered, the ambiance charmed, and for Rio, it remains a top-tier indulgence—just one that could use a touch more polish.
Three words: oh my god. We got the vegan tasting menu and it was amazing! Each course was beautifully plated with the flavors well thought out. And the service was attentive and caring. Highly recommend this unique dining experience.
