How about trying something different?
Get out of your routine and unwind enjoying the sun, the breeze, the lazy movement and the smell of the sea. There is a place here in Rio whose potential has not been fully exploited—it is the Marina da Glória. Revitalized for the Olympic Games of 2016, it is well worth the visit. If you are a skipper, you can dock there. If you do not own a boat but want one, go there to choose yours. Even if you are adept of the precept “A boat provides a bloke two great happy occasions: the first when you buy it, the second when you sell it”, a stroll around the Marina is still very rewarding. Opportunities for beautiful pictures are very much on offer.
Either in daylight, at sunset or at night, while you are enjoying your respite, a good idea is to sit at a table at Empório Rio, a restaurant with a breathtaking view of Flamengo’s skyline, plus the monument in memory of fallen WWII Brazilian G.I.s., not to mention the Marina and some amazing yachts docked there. Choose one of your favourite drinks and enjoy the fact that you are only a few minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown and the frenetic traffic of Santos Dumont airport—from which, by the way, the restaurant provides a transfer if asked in advance.
During the week they offer the “executive” option at R$ 50 (fifty reais), consisting of salad, main course and dessert. For those ordering à la carte, a basket with bread and assorted patês, a fish dish (catch of the day), potato puree with dried tomatoes and a salad, plus a 330 ml Heineken cost less than R$ 80 (eighty reais). On Saturday, as you might expect, the famous carioca feijoada is a buffet option. The establishment has the endorsement of executives who work (or used to work) in the offices of Rio Sul Tower in Botafogo, as Empório was located for many years in the shopping centre there, before moving to the Marina.
Empório Rio Restaurant – Marina da Glória
There are options for children and those on boats. The restaurant grants a discount for the covered carpark. Access to the Marina is from the Aterro do Flamengo; if you’re coming from Botafogo, towards downtown, pay attention to the signs on your right.
The official address is Avenida Infante Dom Henrique s/n Loja 102. If you arrive on a boat, docking is free for up to four hours.
- Opening hours (weekdays): 11:00 am until midnight
- Opening hours (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays): noon to midnight
- Reservations by phone: 21 2556 1201
- Reservations by e-mail: reservas@emporiorio.com.br
All aboard!
