Le Pré-Catelan

Frommer's Review

Although the Pré Catelan has been one of Rio's best restaurants for ages, now it finally looks the part. Gone are the posh, glitzy 1980s Dynasty-style opulence and glamour. The dining room has been completely redone in black and white and now has a modern, contemporary feel, a much more fitting decor for one of the most interesting menus in the city. Ultra-talented Chef Roland Villard finds that cooking the same dishes week in, week out gets dull, so every 2 weeks he completely changes the menu, keeping things fresh for himself and for us. The menu offers a selection of appetizers, main courses, and a dessert for R$140 (US$70/£38), a steal considering the quality of the ingredients, the preparation, and the service. The chef himself comes to each table to review the menu and explain the evening's dishes. Some of the best we've tried so far include the langoustine carpaccio served on a bed of crab salad with avocado mousse and the beautifully presented slices of namorado fish filet served in a mille-feuille format with layers of wild mushrooms in a port-wine reduction. More exotic is the capivara ragout, served like a coq au vin, stewed in red wine. The meat is marinated to lose its fattiness, leaving it tender and flavorful. The after-dinner cheese cart has some interesting choices, such as a fresh goat cheese made in Teresopolis. Desserts -- yes, there is more food -- are made from scratch. If you can't choose, order the symphonie of desserts for a taste of four or five minidesserts. Enjoy, indulge, and walk off the calories along Copacabana's beach boulevard with a smile on your face.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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