Rio de Janeiro Set to Dazzle the Culinary World with The MICHELIN Guide 2026 Ceremony
Source: Michelin Guide/R.M. Nunes/iStock
In a thrilling announcement for global gastronomy, Rio de Janeiro has been confirmed as the host city for the The MICHELIN Guide 2026 Ceremony, where the latest selection for The MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo will be unveiled on 13 April 2026 at the iconic Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel. This marks a momentous occasion for Brazilian cuisine and the wider Latin American culinary scene, as one of the world’s most vibrant cities takes centre stage in celebrating the very best of dining excellence.
Rio: Where Natural Beauty Meets Culinary Brilliance
Known internationally for its sweeping beaches, lush hills and the joyful energy of the “Marvelous City”, Rio de Janeiro is now amplifying another facet of its cultural identity: its food. The city holds a unique position as the first in the world to be recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural Landscape, a distinction that reflects its rich blend of nature, heritage and human creativity.
Yet stroll away from the postcard views and the city reveals an ever-evolving gastronomic tapestry. From classic botecos serving authentic local fare to contemporary kitchens reimagining Brazilian ingredients with technique and finesse, Rio’s restaurants tell a story that is relaxed yet sophisticated, rooted in tradition while open to innovation. The decision to host the MICHELIN Guide ceremony here recognises not only technical excellence, but the city’s unique ability to blend flavour, culture and atmosphere in a way that feels unmistakably Brazilian.
Rio’s Restaurants Already Recognised by MICHELIN
Rio de Janeiro is no stranger to the MICHELIN Guide. The city already boasts a respected selection of restaurants that have earned their place through excellence, consistency and originality. The city now holds a total of 10 MICHELIN Stars.
Among the most notable is Oro, the two-MICHELIN-starred restaurant led by chef Felipe Bronze. Known for its fire-driven cooking and deep connection to Brazilian ingredients, Oro has become a symbol of Rio’s contemporary culinary ambition. Other recognised establishments include Oteque, praised for its minimalist approach, impeccable technique and focus on seasonal produce, and Lasai, a pioneer of farm-to-table dining in Brazil, where vegetables often take centre stage in an elegant and thoughtful tasting menu. Oteque has one start, and Lasai achived two.
Source: Tomás Rangel/Oro
Source: Kato/Lasai
Rio’s MICHELIN selection also reflects the city’s diversity through Bib Gourmand restaurants, which celebrate high-quality cooking at accessible prices. These venues highlight everything from elevated Brazilian comfort food to inventive international influences, reinforcing the idea that culinary excellence in Rio exists at many levels and price points.Together, these restaurants form a strong foundation for the city as it prepares to welcome the world’s culinary spotlight in 2026.
A Night of Stars at Copacabana Palace
The Copacabana Palace will once again become the epicentre of Brazil’s culinary conversation. In partnership with Rio’s City Hall, the event will bring together chefs, restaurateurs and creative talents from Rio and São Paulo as the 2026 selections are revealed, including MICHELIN Stars, Bib Gourmand distinctions and newly added restaurants. For the city’s Tourism Secretary, Daniela Maia, the ceremony is more than just an awards show. It symbolises how gastronomy can elevate a destination’s global profile: “Rio de Janeiro is a destination that unites creativity, diversity and innovation,” she says, emphasising the event’s role in reinforcing Rio’s status as a cultural and tourist hub.
Source: 50Best
And it’s not just the Carioca food scene that is celebrated. São Paulo, Latin America’s largest city and home to more than 150,000 restaurants and bars, stands alongside Rio as a culinary powerhouse, noted for its breadth, creativity and cultural fusion.
The Michelin Mystique: What the Ceremony Represents
For nearly a century, The MICHELIN Guide has been synonymous with culinary excellence. Restaurants are independently evaluated by a team of anonymous international inspectors who judge on criteria including ingredient quality, harmony of flavours, technical mastery, personality of the cuisine and consistency over time. The result is a guide that doesn’t simply recognise technical brilliance, but the soul of dining itself.
In Brazil, the Guide has been pivotal in showcasing the depth and diversity of the country’s restaurants. As of the 2025 edition, several outstanding establishments in Rio and São Paulo have been recognised, with cities like Rio boasting a mix of Michelin-starred venues and Bib Gourmand favourites that celebrate culinary skill at different scales.
Source: Michelin Guide
The 2026 ceremony will be broadcast live on The MICHELIN Guide’s official YouTube channel, granting food lovers around the world front-row access to the star reveals and celebrations.
More than an Awards Ceremony: A Cultural Statement
Hosting The MICHELIN Guide ceremony in Rio de Janeiro underscores a broader shift in how the world perceives global gastronomy. No longer confined to the traditional capitals of French or European cuisine, the epicentre of fine dining is embracing the vibrancy of cities like Rio and São Paulo, places where flavour, heritage and innovation converge.
Source: Michelin Guide
For culinary travellers, this is an exciting moment. The ceremony not only honours excellence but invites the world to explore streets, markets and kitchens that pulse with possibility. From seafood fresh off the Atlantic to contemporary interpretations of Brazilian classics, this celebration is as much about the city’s soul as its skill in the kitchen.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for 13 April 2026, Rio de Janeiro is preparing to welcome the world with open arms, and exceptional food. With its breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality and dynamic culinary scene, the city is poised to make this one of the most unforgettable MICHELIN Guide ceremonies yet.
For Avesso readers who cherish travel, culture and gastronomy, it is a reminder that the world’s most exciting culinary stories are often found where passion meets possibility. Rio de Janeiro is ready to shine, and the world is watching.
