Escama
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Rua Visconde de Carandaí 5, Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro RJ 22460-020, Brazil
Escama puts the catch at the centre of the decision. In a two-storey house near Rio's botanical garden, the restaurant builds its menu around fresh fish and seafood, with local fishing relationships providing a practical foundation for the cooking. Muted colours and an informal atmosphere allow the food to remain the principal attraction. Chef Ricardo Lapeyre's approach accommodates different appetites: diners can choose fish preparations such as grilling, baking or poaching, while the wider menu includes shellfish and more composed dishes. Sea bass with Champagne sauce and roasted onions appears in Michelin's account, and a Friday seafood feijoada offers a distinctive way to connect the marine repertoire with a familiar Brazilian form. Availability and the day's menu should guide the final order. Included in the current Michelin selection, Escama earns a place for making seafood the subject of a flexible, approachable meal. It suits visitors who want to explore beyond the beachfront without committing to a lengthy tasting sequence. The Jardim Botânico location also makes it a useful restaurant to build into a day spent in this greener part of Rio.