Hello friends! Today our Dica is tasty, juicy, delicious, and thoroughly addictive and it will make you hungry! I present to you the Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa, a well-loved Arab restaurant in Rio de Janeiro.
Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa Introduction
If you like Middle Eastern food, you need to discover the Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa or as it is known by the locals: The Arab of Largo do Machado. We call it the Arabic restaurant in a loving way, with affection and respect.
In Portuguese, we have the habit of using a general name to talk about a specific thing. So, in this case, we often use the word Arabic to talk about everything that is related to the Middle Eastern world. For us, this is not offensive, it’s only a way to simplify our speech.
Take a look at our funny video to learn more about the Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa. Don’t forget to turn the subtitles on!
The Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa is a Lebanese restaurant in Rio de Janeiro that specializes in Syrian and Lebanese food, as the name already demonstrates. Super traditional, it is part of the Carioca culture, existing for 50 years inside the Galeria Condor in Largo do Machado.
One very cool thing is that its location has remained the same for many years, helping to create identification and an emotional bond with clients, who become loyal to this arab restaurant in Rio de Janeiro.
How to get to Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa
Largo do Machado is a square located in the South Zone of Rio between Laranjeiras, Flamengo, and Catete neighborhoods. It is appreciated as a traditional place partly due to this restaurant, the cinema, and a long-established school that’s just off the square. You can visit it after our Catete Palace RioLIVE!
Address: Largo do Machado, 29 – lojas 16 a 19, 32 e 33 (Galeria Condor) – Catete, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22221-901, Brazil.
Price range: Cheap
Best day to go: Every day
Best time of the day: After work
Offers dine-in, takeaway, and delivery options.
To get there you must take the subway and get off at Largo do Machado Station. Leaving via the square’s exit, you have to cross the street to the Galeria Condor located at nº 29, Largo do Machado. The Galeria is a covered arcade filled with stores, enter and go straight ahead to find the restaurant.
A Syrian’s Promise, A Portuguese Legacy: Its Origin Story
But what makes this spot truly special is its origin story, which is as rich and flavorful as the dishes it serves.
It all started with a warm-hearted Syrian gentleman who opened a humble shop to share the taste of his homeland with the people of Rio. Over time, the scents of fresh hummus, kibbeh, and esfihas began to draw in locals and passersby alike. Among them was João, a Portuguese man who worked on the nearby galeto (rotisserie chicken spot).
A friendship blossomed between the two. João was not only a fan of the Syrian food but also of the man’s passion and generosity. The Syrian shop owner was so impressed with João’s character that he made a promise: if he ever returned to Syria, João would be the one to take over his beloved shop.
And that day did come. Years later, the Syrian man kept his word, sold the business to João, and returned to his homeland. João, already a master of roasting chicken, combined the best of both worlds—flavors from the Middle East and traditional Portuguese galeto. And so, Rotisseria Sírio Libaneza was born, fusing cultures and tastes in a way that has kept customers coming back for decades.
It’s more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a place that brings together people and traditions from different corners of the world, right in a historic square in Rio de Janeiro.
So, if you’re looking to explore the flavors of the Middle East, with a touch of Portuguese soul, this is the spot where history and taste collide. Be prepared to fall in love with every bite!
About the food

The taste of the food is unique and has remained the same for many years. Must be a magic recipe! The service is great and as much as you can sometimes find large queues, due to its success, you will be served quickly.
The price is also great. Their mate (the drink) is a delight, as is the traditional cashew juice. They have vegetarian options too!
If you want to have lunch there, arrive early. The space for lunch is small and it is veeeery busy. But rest assured, it’s worth the wait.
A great option is also to ask for a takeout. If you don’t have time or want to eat your delicious food while watching Netflix you can buy your food and take it away to eat in the comfort of your home.
My Dica is the esfirra de queijo . It is simply sensational and like no other. The cheese is delicious and the dough of all salgados is thin. After eating there, you will hardly find another esfirra that good. Be careful not to get addicted!
In fact, we could spend the whole day recommending things for you to eat at Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa. But you need to go there and try. It’s certainly something out of this world!
We, from Rio & Learn, hope you liked this Dica about Rotisseria Sírio Libanesa, maybe the most popular arab restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. Trust us, and go there to try it 😉
Bye-bye
Click on the links below to see more related Dicas
Restaurant in Portuguese
Brazilian Snacks
Machado de Assis
Online Academic Coordinator at Rio & Learn Portuguese School.
Experienced educational coordinator and teacher since 2007, adept in curriculum development, creating physical and digital educational materials, and leveraging online platforms to enhance learning outcomes