Confeitaria Colombo, Rio de Janeiro

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The ornate late 19th century decor of the Confeiteria Colombo reminded me of Belle Epoque Paris — or a painting by Monet. At the front of the restaurant is a bakery and candy shop. Tables begin about a third of the way in, in a not very deep room. The very high ceiling is ringed by a balcony favored by people who want something more than a snack or sweets.

Pastries, candies, and ice cream are the Confeiteria's most celebrated offerings — and with good reason. They're spectacular.

The Confeiteria is not easy to find. It's on a pedestrian–only street in a maze of such streets. Further, it's in the middle of a block and has an unimpressive façade.

Favorite Dish: Chocolate passion (see picture) is absolutely decadent: whipped cream, chocolate ice cream, and brownie all set in hot fudge sauce: R$13,90 (US$9.27).

A pot of coffee, enough for two people: R$6,90 (US$4.60).

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This historical place is not only worth checking out for it's decor, but also for it's delicious pastries. When you fist walk in you're overwhelmed by the high ceilings, enormous Jacaranda-framed mirrors, stained glass and tiles. They have thousands different deserts and chocolates. You must try!
They also have sandwiches and salads, but I deserts is what Confeitaria Colombo is known for. If you're not big on sweets, you have to at least check out the decor.

Favorite Dish: I had a chocolate hazelnut tartlet that just melts in your mouth.

Founded in 1894, on Rua Gonçalves Dias, the Confeitaria Colombo is in downtown Rio, so it will be off the beaten path for most visitors. Take a cab, it's Rio's world famous historical cafe and bakery. The traditional gathering place for artists, intellectuals, and politicians.

The walls are covered by huge Belgian mirrors, the floors are Italian marble. The counters, bar, and the rest of the restaurant are made of Brazil's finest Jacaranda wood (Rosewood). All impossible to find in today's world.

Coffee, pastries, baked foods, sandwiches, you name it. You can't go wrong. It is ancient Rio Antigo at its best and most authentic. It's like stepping back in time. A bit or ancient Rio set in modern and very busy downtown. It gives you a glimpse of real life every day Rio outside of the tourist southern zone. See a day in the life of the working Brazilians.

Favorite Dish: I can't even remember what I had. My wife said we had some "pao de queixo" - cheesebread and coffee. Pao de queixo - if you never had it, it's going to ruin your diet!

This is a branch of the Confeitaria Colombo. Not the beautiful building as in downtown one, but this place is great as well.

Located at the Copacabana Fort, it offers the most beautiful view of Copacabana Beach.

The following info was taken from a synopsis they provide at Colombo.

"Confeitaria Colombo was founded in 1894 by two Portuguese adventurous men, Manoel José Lebrão and Joaquim Borges de Meirelles, whose philosophy was' the customer is always right '.

All the Belle Epoque charm remains in full bloom at Confeitaria Colombo in the heart of Old Rio. Part of the city's cultural heritage, it's also one of the favorite downtown attraction for tourist from all over the world.

The magnificent salons are lined with ornate jacaranda-framed mirrors imported from Belgium at the turn of the century. The art nouveau decor is found throughout its showcase, furniture and fitting, ceiling light and floor dating back to this delightful past.

Confeitaria Colombo benefited from the social and urban progress of the city, as well as the consequent business development. Soon it became well-known as the place where politicians, journalists, poets, writers and artists went to attend business meetings or simply to have fun.

Eminent visitors, as Queen Elizabeth, from England, and King Albert, from Belgium, had the opportunity to taste its delicious specialties.

Almost all Brazilian presidents were Colombo's customers. The afternoon tea was an elegant occasion and the ladies of society and their families enjoyed it after shopping. Later at night, the cheerful cocottes filled the salons with their fashionable and colorful clothes. Confeitaria Colombo introduced not only new fashions but also new tecnologies as the elevator.

Since the begining of the century the lively carnival dances at Colombo inspired musicians to write songs that became great hits.

The tradition and effective participation in our society confirm the importance of Confeitaria Colombo in the history of Rio de Janeiro and Brazil"

Confeitaria Colombo is a real must see when you are experiencing downtown in Rio.
Not only a beautiful place indeed, but there you can spend some time enjoying the pastries, have lunch at the lovely Cristovao Restaurant - where you can also have a lovely "five o'clock tea".

A confeitaria mais antiga e mais charmosa do Rio, com mais de 100 de existencia, é um lugar fantastico com seus saloes imponentes, e ate hoje serve o melhor cha das 5 do Rio

The Confeitaria Colombo, it´s the oldest and most charming, restaurant in Rio, it has over 100 years old, and it´s salloons, are very beautifull and imponent you just can´t miss it, and it´s still servs the 5 o´clock tea

Favorite Dish: Cha das 5
5 o´clock tea

This is my favorite restaurant in Rio, especially for the atmosphere and also the good food. The picture does not do it justice.

Built in 1894 and renovated in 1912 this landmark building has preserved the charm of Old Rio with its huge Belgian crystal mirrors, straw chairs and wood engravings. Go to the lunch buffet upstairs on weekdays, the food is excellent! Even if you don't eat here, you can stop downstairs for coffee...you have to see this place (it's a city landmark)!

CLOSED on WEEKENDS!!!!

Favorite Dish: It's a buffet. My favorite was the desserts!!