Foodcrawling: Rio’s BRT Line

South zone neighborhoods like Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon get all the attention for being Rio’s trendiest destinations, but there’s never been a better time to enjoy the far-flung flavors of the Zona Oeste. The future home to Cidade Olimpica where the 2016 summer games will take place, is now closer than ever thanks to the Ligeirão Transoeste.

The public transportation service opened in mid-2012 and enables passengers a straight shot to the western city limits via an air-conditioned blue bus known as the BRT.  The enclosed, modern stations are secure and the buses ride in an exclusive lane so you’ll coast through traffic day or night.  

When coming from the south zone, you can board the BRT at the eastern end point, the Alvorada Terminal, which is located just one mile north of the beach in Barra da Tijuca. At just R$2.75 each way, a round-trip culinary tour will cost you just a few bucks. Tips: Opt for the parador bus, rather than the expresso, which skips several stops on the line and pack a sweater if you can – the temperature outdoors is typically a lot hotter than the bus and restaurants. These are some of the best options to dine adjacent to the BRT bus line.

BRT Stop: Novo Leblon

The Rio Design Barra shopping mall is my favorite in the city for its boutique charm and impeccable appearance, inside and out. You’ll find a dozen upscale eateries there. Alessandro e Frederico is worth a visit on Saturdays, where you’ll find a traditional spread of feijoada – a bean stew cooked and garnished with pork meat from the ears to the feet, literally! For seafood lovers, O Camarada is a feast for the palate and the senses with exquisitely-plated frutas do mar and a tropically-inspired dining room that’s elegantly outfitted with bamboo and native art.

BRT Stop: Pedra de Itaúna

If you don’t make it by for their executive lunch menu during the daytime, Dom Helio Forno & Grill is famous for its rodízio de pizzas e massas – an all-you-can eat rotation of pasta and pizza served table-side. It includes dessert pizzas with chocolate or delicately-fried cinnamon bananas served with heaping scoops of ice cream to finish things off. Although the bottomless pasta and pizza are a steal, the semi-inclusive price does not cover any beverages, which start from a couple dollars each for bottled water and soft drinks.

BRT Stop: Salvador Allende

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir for your foodie friend from home, a trip to Empório Santa Therezinha is in order. Hidden beyond an expansive dining room illuminated by natural light, is a cavernous space that houses a cheese, wine and import store. For more intimate imbibing and cheese-nibbling, opt for a seat in the quaint little bar area that’s flanked with wooden tables and surrounded by walls of high-end cachaça and beers from around the globe. Don’t miss the deep-fried salted cod balls called bolinho de bacalhau – the house specialty!

BRT Stop: Guinard

If you’re all about all-you-can eat but would prefer meat to pizza, Rio Sul offers an affordably-priced rodizio de churrasco that doesn’t skimp on service or selection. For less than $20, you can enjoy unlimited premium meats, a salad and sushi bar, risotto, hot seafood dishes and a mix of fried appetizers. The restaurant’s atmosphere is pretty basic compared to other steakhouses in the area but it gets my pick just the same – the wait staff is attentive and the food never disappoints.

BRT Stop: Recreio Shopping

There are slim pickings when it comes to the Mexican food selection in the marvelous city, but Rota 66 will pass muster if you’ve got an insatiable taco craving that won’t subside before you return to the U.S. I recommend the combination platter that comes with two crispy tacos of chicken and beef, a bucket of chips and a quad of dipping sauces that include refried beans, guacamole, salsa and a house-made sour cream that is as close to the real thing you’ll find in Rio. Chef Leonardo Tostes says the secret is a mix of three parts cream cheese, two parts plain yogurt and a squeeze of fresh lime. Great to know if you’re in a pinch! If you’re feeling super hungry, order from the unlimited taco menu.