Confeitaria Colombo in Rio de Janeiro is not only a landmark of the Cidade Maravilhosa but also one of the most beautiful cafes in the world, along with Cafe Central in Vienna, Cafe de la Paix in Paris, and Caffe Greco in Rome.
A reminder of Rio de Janeiro’s glamorous colonial past
Founded in 1894 by two Portuguese immigrants, Joaquim Borges de Meireles and Manuel Jose Lebrao, Confeitaria Colombo soon became essential to Rio de Janeiro’s colonial lifestyle. In 1912, the interiors were renovated with art nouveau elements. In 1922, the Cafe expanded with a second floor, whose large opening allows the ceiling, decorated with stained glass, to be visible from the ground floor.
Confetaria Colombo’s opulent interior resembles grand European cafes, with marble-topped tables, carved wooden furniture, and large crystal mirrors from Belgium, France, and Portugal. It was the place to be in the 20th century, the meeting point for upper-class people, writers, artists, and state personalities. Many afternoon teas, aristocratic balls, or other cultural events brought Rio de Janeiro’s glamorous elite together. Many personalities visited the coffee house during this time, including Queen Elizabeth II and King Albert I of Belgium.
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Home of the Brazilian pastries
Currently, Confeitaria Colombo has two locations in Rio de Janeiro: the first one is located in the city center (Centro). The second one opened in 1944 and is in Fort Copacabana (with a stunning panorama of Copacabana Beach).
Step inside one of these two Colombo cafes and experience the exotic taste of many sweets, pastries, tropical jams, and Brazilian and Iberian dishes. Try Brigadeiros and Pastel de Nata, two traditional Brazilian sweets, pastel de avela (hazelnut pastry), Torta Bombom, pistachio tart, or dulce de leche cookies. Or you can have brunch or dinner (choose for dinner the Copacabana location, and you’ll also get the fantastic view) with traditional Brazilian cuisine: Feijoada (one of the best in Rio de Janeiro), Bolihnos de Bacalhau, Coxinha.
Today, Confeitaria Colombo is a favorite with locals and tourists. It is a place that lets you taste a bit of Rio de Janeiro’s elegant past—and a delicious cake, of course!
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