Housed in a beautifully restored colonial townhouse, Lasai lives up to its Basque name, meaning 'tranquil', by offering a farm-to-table dining experience that's both refined and rooted in Rio de Janeiro's local bounty. Chef Rafael Costa e Silva crafts dishes with produce sourced from his own orchard and nearby farms, ensuring every plate bursts with freshness.

Diners can surrender to the kitchen's creativity with the 'Festival' tasting menu or take the reins with 'Don't Mess with Me', a choose-your-own-adventure of starter, main and dessert. Expect elegant surprises - palm heart ceviche, smoky chayote or pickles harvested from Costa e Silva's own land - each dish a testament to technical skill and natural ingredients. Lasai's stripped-down aesthetic lets the food do the talking. Bare brick walls, exposed roof trusses and greenery peeking into the space create an earthy, understated charm. The only 'decor'? A bell jar on the table, showcasing vegetables like an edible still life.

Ranked No. 16 in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, Lasai isn't just a meal - it's an experience. End your evening on the secluded terrace with a digestif, Christ the Redeemer watching over your culinary pilgrimage.