Marcelo F de Abreu

Possibly the best Art Museum in Rio at the moment.
Great location, easily accessible by VLT, the new Rio tram line, close to the Museu do Amanhã.
Their exhibitions, shown over several floors and across the two buildings, are quite original and spot on, Brazilian themed, equally displaying well known and new artists. Beautifully curated, each room has its own distinctive feel.
The rooftop offers a stunning view of the surroundings, and if there is not a café at this spot, yet there is a fine restaurant on the ground floor.

A hidden gem for Japanese comfort food , on the first floor of an unkept building in Liberdade.
No, it's not “rodízio” — there are plenty of those in Liberdade, and all around town.
No, they won't serve sushi here. Nor sashimi. Not even temaki.
Instead one finds a variety of hot dishes with udon and soba (Japanese noodles), of ramen, tempura and different teishoku (set meals) and donburi (rice bowl dishes), plus their famed yakisoba and delicious fried gyoza. Most of the dishes come in generous servings for very affordable prices.
The privilege Mugui offers is that of tasting good “batchan” (grandma's) food. Nothing fancy — food is served on metal trays and plastic bowls (which is a bad choice for warm food, though). But exactly the rather homely food and atmosphere of the place make it so attractive, and unique in Liberdade.
Expect it to be crowded on weekdays at lunch, since they accept a variety of “tickets refeição”, thus attracting the crowds from nearby offices.

Don’t judge a book by its cover — a bit shabby on the outside and nothing fancy inside, it is one of the last places in Liberdade to try Japanese traditional dishes that you would only find otherwise at a family’s table. Other than the counter and tables, it still offers a few seating places in a lovely tatami room.
The extensive menu offers gems to be discovered and savored — though for being that extensive it’s not unusual that some ingredients shall not be available during one visit or another. But there are so many choices, really, even for vegetarians — their eggplant dishes are delicious!
All teishoku (classic Japanese meal set) can be shared by two if ordered along with another small dish or portion. Their tamago (egg) tofu is so delicate and silken, a must-try. The sashimi is not the thin carpaccio you find elsewhere, but beautifully sliced portions nearly a finger thick, and so tender!
On hot days, their air conditioning is a plus. Service can be brisk at times — but it is not added to the bill, so if it’s good remember to leave a tip downstairs at the cashier.

Climb the stairs for possibly the best sweet treats in Liberdade.
Their choux is a delight, plain or filled with whipped cream and strawberries or banana, and even chocolate. You’ll find Belgian chocolate cake, fruit tarts — but since this is the Japanese neighborhood, my favorites are the several recipes with Matcha.
It can get really crowded and noisy on weekends.

Always impecable. A bountiful buffet.
Several delicious combinations of the sacred triad Fish, Rice and Seaweed. Proper Japanese food, with quality ingredients. There is also egg roe, shrimp and oysters, and some simple desert, plus bancha, all included in the price. Temakis can also be ordered, and are brought to the table, fresh and the seaweed still crispy.