Nativo, in Barra da Tijuca, is a great reminder that, for all its metropolis assets, Rio de Janeiro is still essentially a beach town.
The delightful restaurant facing the Atlantic Ocean has design by architect Maurício Nóbrega - a master of saturated color - and lighting by Maneco Quinderé, who used handcrafted iron lamps to complement the cozy and casual feel.
Large open windows let in the sea breezes. You an also dine al fresco in the front patio, under the shade of a tropical almond tree.
For all the beach village feel, the culinary at Nativo is stylish and informed by international trends, with an eye for presentation. The ginger-crusted tuna with shiitake risotto, or the Gamberi Saint Barth - linguini with flambéed shrimp in olive oil, served with fines herbes, saffron and champignon - bring some world accents to the beach table.
However, Nativo is all Brazilian in dishes such as the tri-tip with 40 garlic cloves (Picanha 40 alhos); some customers are said to have counted them to check if any is missing), served with noisette potatoes and rice. Or even more so in the acarajé and sweets made by authentic baianas on weekends.
The restaurant is also famous for its brownies and caipifrutas - caipirinhas made from fruit other than limes, such as passion fruit.
Hours:
Sun-Wed noon to 1 a.m., Thur-Sat noon to 2 a.m.Address:
Avenida Lúcio Costa (Sernambetiba) 1976/K
Barra da Tijuca
Rio de Janeiro - RJ
Phone:
55-21-2486-3949E-mail:
faleconosco@nativo.com.br
