Qype User (thecoo…)
Yelp
It is spelled RIO SCENARIUM.
This Restaurant/ Bar/Venue is one of the most interesting places I have ever visited. It is also known as pavilion of culture. The place is designated in its entirely a National Historic Landmark and a National Heritage Site. It is in downtown and therefore doesn't belong to the traditional tourist circuit what is perhaps good, because it helps keep the identity. The building style is a very beautiful and well-kept colonial architecture.
The feeling I have when I go into the place is that I'm entering another world. It's pretty much like a museum, but beautiful, elegant, colorful, cheerful, witty, tasteful, attractive, charming, singular, different. It's very interesting. It's completely decorated with antiques. I was told Rio Scenarium is an antique shop in the morning and a restaurant/Bar/Venue in the evenings and everything there is on sale, but I have also heard the opposite. So I'm not sure about it. And if you happen to be a collector, you'll have to ask.
At Rio Scenarium you will only hear the most genuine Brazilian Music, which is really vast and isn't only comprised of samba. The place is a hot spot and is really in among the locals. If you don't make a reservation, you won't get any table free and will have to drink standing at the bar/ or dancing... It gets really crowded sometimes. The prices are somewhat high, but quality and good service have surely a price and I think it is worth every cent and every visit. Nevertheless this is the biggest criticism of the locals against the place. It's too expensive. They say the restaurant charges prices for tourists (well they are everywherein Rio, it's true. And they want to know what's up in the city, the hot spots, and gor for it). Well, in my opinion I found it OK, I expect quality too and I get it. Others speak about the violence of the security staff. In fact, they are instructed to let everyone that causes trouble out and to expel the troublemakers whatever it takes, because the security of the people in there is the most important and they won't experience any problem such thefts, fights, arguements, etc. I am for it, honestly.
The food is excellent. My husband had Camarões flambados na cachaça sobre purê baroa/ Prawns Flambéed in Cachaca on 'Batata Baroa' purée and said it tasted like heaven. Batata Baroa is a kind of potato, grown in South America, which looks like a carrot. It is yellow when peeled and is very aromatic and nutty. Just delicious!! I found out Batata Baroa's name is Arracacia xanthorriza (I needed to buy and prepare it at home).
Well, as to me, since I don't like sea food, I went for Escalopinho mignon com penne ao molho gorgonzola/ Escalope of beef tenderloin with penne with gorgonzola sauce. My dish was simply superb. The dessert was great too. I recommend the Petit Gateau. If you are chocolate fan as I am, you should not miss it.
In case you're not that hungry you may choose the sandwich Filet Mignon with Pineapple and Cheese in Ciabatta Loaf. It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever eaten.
They also have a good selection of wines, but you can have beer, water, fresh fruit juice, coffee, cocktails, etc.
Last but not least, the environment, the atmosphere, the mood, the food, the music, the service, the decoration, the vibe, everything is great and Rio Scenarium is worth a visit.