Nova Capela Restaurant & Bar
A century-old institution serving classic Portuguese-Brazilian fare with generous portions in a traditional, nostalgic setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Nova Capela Restaurant & Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A century-old institution serving classic Portuguese-Brazilian fare with generous portions in a traditional, nostalgic setting.
Must-Try Specialties
Order the recommended cabrito and Arroz de Polvo for an unforgettable taste of tradition.
Adjust Seasoning
Don't hesitate to ask for less salt if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Portuguese-Brazilian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+55 21 2252-6228
Address
Av. Mem de Sá, 96 - Lapa, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 20230-150, Brazil
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Portuguese-Brazilian Cuisine
Savor traditional dishes like cabrito and Arroz de Polvo in a century-old, homestyle setting.
Signature Lamb Dish
Experience the slow-cooked lamb roasted to crispy perfection, served with flavorful broccoli rice.
Late-Night Sophistication
Enjoy classic dishes served by white-jacketed waiters until the early morning hours.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-Try Specialties
Order the recommended cabrito and Arroz de Polvo for an unforgettable taste of tradition.
Adjust Seasoning
Don't hesitate to ask for less salt if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Late-Night Charm
Visit after dark for a sophisticated ambiance with waiters serving until dawn.
Homely Atmosphere
Appreciate the patterned walls that create a cozy, traditional Portuguese home feel.
Tips
from all over the internet
Must-Try Specialties
Order the recommended cabrito and Arroz de Polvo for an unforgettable taste of tradition.
Adjust Seasoning
Don't hesitate to ask for less salt if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Late-Night Charm
Visit after dark for a sophisticated ambiance with waiters serving until dawn.
Homely Atmosphere
Appreciate the patterned walls that create a cozy, traditional Portuguese home feel.
Famous Codfish Croquettes
Savor the crispy, tender codfish balls, a highly requested appetizer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nova Capela is lauded for its traditional Portuguese-Brazilian cuisine, particularly the slow-cooked lamb and flavorful Arroz de Polvo. The ambiance, with its vintage decor and white-jacketed waiters, adds to its historic charm, especially when visiting late at night. However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in food quality, with occasional complaints about dishes being overcooked or too salty, and issues with service or value for money.
"A friend from Rio took me out to this restaurant on my last night and it definitely didn't disappoint.
Great ambience (although the one next table was very very noisy) and the air conditioning was for sure a plus. The service was quick and very friendly. We ordered the Oswaldo Aranha steak which came with rice and potatoes. It was really perfect and tasted so good. The quality of the meat was top. However, the portion was huge and would have easily filled 1-2 more people. The value for money was also right.
I can heartily recommend the restaurant. I couldn't have imagined a better last dinner in Rio :-)"
Tila Nguyen
"The best Brazillian food I had during my trip to Rio. Walked in and this place was packed with locals. It had a good charm about it. We were seated and ordered the cod fish ball which was delicious and the brazillian lamb with broccoli rice and potatoes - this dish was the highlight meal of our entire 10 day trip. The lamb is baked for 8-10 hrs and then deep fried to give it the perfect texture and bring out all the flavors that are balanced by the broccoli rice and garlic potatoes. We also tried their Colorado beer and it paired very well with the meal.
Service was quick and if I would return to Brazil, i would definitely stop by here again without a doubt. Highly recommend this gem of a place."
Jane Mathias
"Definitely an overrated place. We wanted to eat something more local and classic in a place with tradition. Total disappointment. Our worst meal in Brazil. Dishes without any taste, overcooked vegetables and both fish tasteless. I like salmon and eat it often in various places around the world, but this was definitely the worst. It's a pity, because the service was really nice and we are sorry to write such a review."
Aleksander Pławski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Nova Capela is renowned for its traditional Portuguese-Brazilian cuisine, particularly its slow-cooked lamb, Arroz de Polvo, and codfish croquettes, served in a historic setting.
Yes, Nova Capela is known for serving classic dishes until the early morning hours, making it a popular spot after nightlife.
Vegetarian options are limited, though they may be able to accommodate with salads and side dishes.
Diners highly recommend trying the cabrito (goat), Arroz de Polvo (octopus rice), and the lamb dish with broccoli rice.
The restaurant has a traditional, homestyle feel with patterned walls, old photographs, and images of saints, creating a nostalgic atmosphere.
Portions are generally generous, and while some reviews mention 'tourist prices', others find the value to be right for the quality and quantity.
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The Best Restaurants In Centro, Rio De Janeiro
Nova Capela creates a homely feel with patterned walls that evoke a traditional Portuguese family home from decades ago. The generous portions add to the familial vibe and the food reflects classic Portuguese dishes made from well-practiced recipes. The broccoli rice served with a hefty sprinkling of fried garlic is one of the most talked about items on the menu, and comes with a selection of protein-based foods such as lamb, wild boar, cod, or octopus.
What to Eat in Rio de Janeiro
The Nova Capela is right in the middle of the city’s nightlife district, but at that, this Portuguese-influenced locale is the last to lock its doors, just before daybreak. Liveried waiters toil day and night, serving up the joint’s classic dishes: goat in broccoli-rice, braised octopus, plus the most-requested appetizer—the codfish bolinho de bacalhau croquettes, especially yummy here. From there, it’s time for a cold beer or a Portuguese vintage.
5 eateries for tasty Portuguese food in Rio
If you’re planning to get a taste of nightlife in Rio’s bohemian quarter of Lapa, you might as well combine it with a stop at Nova Capela. Waiters in white dinner jackets, proud of their jobs, are there to serve the clients till the small hours of the night. Images of saints and old pictures on the tiled walls, help to preserve the lusitanian atmosphere.
Where to Eat in Rio de Janeiro
A century-old restaurant in the heart of Lapa, Nova Capela is an institution in Rio, serving traditional Portuguese fare to bohemian party-goers until the wee hours of the morning. Fill up on cabrito (goat), codfish balls or pickled tongue, along with ice-cold chope (draft beer) before heading out to the clubs.
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Also go eat bolinho de bacalhau (cod pastry ?) at Nova Capela and all kinds of petisco (finger food you eat with beer) at Bar gato de botas and bar do sambódromo.
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