Empório Jardim

Empório Jardim is a bakery and café that has become one of Rio's favourite breakfast addresses. It opened in 2014 on Rua Visconde da Graça, a quiet cul-de-sac in the Jardim Botânico district, and in 2026 it was named the best brunch in the city in Veja Rio's Comer e Beber awards. A 2021 CNN Brasil guide noted that it had already won several breakfast awards from Veja, Época and Prazeres da Mesa.

The key point is in the official description: breakfast is served all day. The kitchen bakes naturally fermented breads, and the counter also sells quiches, tarts and cakes, while the café claims an award for the best pão de queijo, Brazil's cheese bread, in Rio de Janeiro. CNN Brasil highlighted house yoghurt, requeijão and a fig butter, as well as the signature eggs Benedict on house-made brioche with hollandaise, served with spinach, smoked turkey or smoked salmon. Gift baskets are also available.

The café does not take reservations, serving customers in order of arrival, so be prepared to wait at busy times. The Jardim Botânico branch can be reached on +55 21 2535-9862.

Beyond the original café in Jardim Botânico, there are other branches. The Ipanema café is on Rua Maria Quitéria 62 (phone +55 21 2513-5151), there is a branch at Casa Firjan in Botafogo, and smaller Petit outlets operate in Shopping Leblon and BarraShopping. The official website has the details of each, and the brand's events team can be reached at [email protected].

Empório Jardim suits couples, families and friends looking for a relaxed brunch rather than a quick coffee, and it is a good way to start a day at the Botanical Garden or Parque Lage, both in the same district. Visitors staying in Ipanema can use the Rua Maria Quitéria branch for an easy breakfast before the beach, on the same street as Rancho Português.

Because the menu is broad, it also works well for groups with different tastes: pastries and pão de queijo for a light bite, eggs Benedict or a full spread for a bigger meal. Opening hours are not listed on the official website, so check the branch's channels before setting out, particularly on public holidays.