Vegetarian? Join the club!

Rio may be famous for its churrascarias (barbequed meat restaurants), but the city also boasts a surprising number of spots catering to those who avoid meat and/or dairy.  The many  ‘natural’ eateries (basically wholefood joints) are veggie-friendly, and vegetarian and vegan restaurants crop up in the unlikeliest of places (I’m forever stumbling across new meat-free lunch spots in crumbling downtown shopping streets…)

But while there’s no shortage of places to enjoy meat-free eats, few vegetarian restaurants in Rio are as well-loved as Vegetariano Social Clube, in Leblon.  This pocket-sized restaurant a few blocks from the beach is, as its name suggests, a relaxed hangout and a popular lunch and dinner spot for veggies, vegans and carnivores alike. Lunchtime, which runs from midday right up until 6pm, sees a good value buffet for R$20. This set price allows customers to pile their plates high with salads, hot dishes, soups, sides and sauces, and is a good way to fill up after a day at the beach and before an evening out.

While a-la-carte choices are more extensive at night, there are some tasty options during daylight hours too – such as pancakes stuffed with shiitake mushrooms, or the stroganoff made with palm hearts and, yes, more mushrooms. Shimeji, this time.

Refreshingly for Leblon, prices are decidedly reasonably, most main meals coming in at under R$20. Tasrty nibbles, such as fried aipim (yucca) balls filled with olives and palm hearts cost from R$2, and make a refreshingly different bar snack to accompany the organic wines, beers and other booze on offer – I tried the passionfruit caipivodka (organic vodka mixed with passionfruit, ice and a little sugar) and, even as a seasoned caipivodka drinker it really packed a punch!

You’ll be in good company if you choose to eat and/or drink here – celebrated singer Ed Motta is a regular customer. Get here outside of peak times, and you should be able to bag one of the two tables on the pavement outside.

You’ll find Vegetariano Social Clube at Rua Conde Bernadotte 26, Leblon. It’s open from noon until midnight Monday to Saturday, and noon until 6pm on Sundays.