Perched above the city’s mosaic of beaches and boulevards, Térèze + Rio de Janeiro captures the romance of Santa Teresa’s hilltop enclave with breezy sophistication and cinematic views. Set within the 1850 Santa Teresa MGallery hotel, this intimate address blends Carioca charm with contemporary finesse, guided by chefs Jérôme Dardillac and Luanna Malheiros. For travelers seeking Rio de Janeiro fine dining in a serene, artful setting, Térèze is a poised retreat where craft, flavor, and panorama align.

The Story & Heritage
Housed in a historic mansion-turned-design hotel, Térèze traces its soul to Santa Teresa’s bohemian heritage—cobbled streets, artist ateliers, and tropical gardens. The kitchen’s leadership—French-born Jérôme Dardillac and Brazilian chef Luanna Malheiros—embodies the restaurant’s cross-cultural heartbeat: French technique filtered through the textures and rhythms of Brazil. Under the Accor MGallery banner, the property pairs boutique hospitality with refined gastronomy. Térèze has been recognized by Michelin’s inspectors for its thoughtful cuisine and polished service, evolving from a hotel dining room into a destination restaurant defined by seasonality, precision, and a sense of place.

The Cuisine & Menu
The menu is contemporary and ingredient-led, balancing Brazilian bounty with European sensibility. Expect a concise à la carte anchored by seasonal produce, with occasional prix fixe options that spotlight market finds. Signatures include perfectly grilled octopus with chickpea purée, Provençal ratatouille, and a bright rougail sauce—a dish that captures Térèze’s elegant dialect between continents. Look for marinated heart of palm with citrus and herbs, moqueca-inspired fish with coconut and dendê notes, and a rich cacao dessert that nods to Brazil’s terroir. Sourcing leans local and sustainable, with herbs and fruits expressing Rio’s tropical larder. Vegetarian and gluten-free accommodations are thoughtfully handled, and the overall positioning reads as fine dining without ostentation.

Experience & Atmosphere
Design is warm, tactile, and refined: tropical woods, linen textures, and flickers of candlelight, all framing sweeping vistas of Guanabara Bay and the lush hillsides of Santa Teresa. The room feels intimate—ideal for romantic dinners or discreet business meetings. Service is attentive and intuitive, the tone polished yet relaxed. A focused wine list, guided by a savvy sommelier, highlights Old World benchmarks and standout South American producers, with curated wine pairing options. Reserve the terrace at sunset for a showstopping tableau; private dining can be arranged for celebratory evenings. Smart casual dress suits the setting, and reservations are recommended—particularly weekends and golden-hour seatings at the panoramic tables. After dinner, drift to the charming bar for a nightcap from a refined cocktail list.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Choose Térèze for a serene, civilized taste of Rio—worldly technique, Brazilian soul, and one of the city’s most romantic dining rooms. Book 1–2 weeks in advance for terrace views at sunset, and consider the sommelier’s pairing to elevate seasonal plates. For those seeking the best fine dining in Rio de Janeiro with mood and mastery in equal measure, Térèze is the table to secure.