Aprazível: The Place

On Saturday night, we went to Aprazível, an almost indescribable restaurant poised on the steep hills near the center of the city. The winding cobblestone road that leads there reminds one how special Rio is. We had dinner there last year but I didn’t take pictures. The restaurant itself is impeccably decorated, with a distinctly tropical theme and soft lighting. It is divided into several rooms and patios.The beautiful stone wall that forms the back of the restaurant has natural plants growing in its cracks and crevices. The city demanded that it be preserved when the restaurant was built.The views from the restaurant are world class, overlooking Rio’s downtown. Below you can see a plane headed for nearby Santos Dumont airport reduced to a streak during the long exposure. The bright inverted “T” building a bit right of center is Rio’s central train station. I had a the perfect seat, with a direct view of Rio’s famous “Central do Brasil”.Even the bathrooms have incredible views.We reserved one of the elevated private areas I call “The Treehouse”.Although I must admit it feels a bit odd, the tree house tables are equipped with a small bell to summon the highly attentive wait staff. We did our best not to use this newfound power for evil.