La Bocca - Bar & Trattoria
+55 21 2146-5639+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Mon
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Tue
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wed
11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Thu
11:30 am - 11:30 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 12:00 am
Sat
11:30 am - 12:00 am
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
$3.00 – $16.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
meals, features
Is this restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Details
PRICE RANGE
$3.00 – $16.00
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
716 reviews
Excellent
564
Very good
101
Average
33
Poor
9
Terrible
9
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
Felipe M
Rio de Janeiro3 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
Being a foodie and living between NY and Rio it was a great pleasure to dine at La Bocca nearby Lapa, Rio´s bohemian neighborhood. I don´t remember an Italian restaurant in NY as good as La Bocca.
If you speak Portuguese, you will have the pleasure to have a chat with one of the owners, Vera Gomes. Being a family business, the chef is her brother, Osvaldo Sobrinho. Even if you speak Portuguese, you will need a golden ticket to talk to him, the guy is obviously very busy.
We started with a covert which served as an appetizer, with one of the highlights was a creamy chicken pate and the selection of breads. Our main dishes included a superb lemon shrimp risotto, and the desserts were out of this world.
The restaurant atmosphere is super casual and cozy, but the cuisine was first class.
Recently the family opened a little informal Arab snack bar directly across the street from La Bocca. This is a great place to pick up some snacks from the same chef for later in the evening or the next day.
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hotwire08
Toronto69 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
The tilapia risotto we had for lunch yesterday was "Agua na Boca," as they say in Portuguese. It was a generous serving of perfectly seasoned, creamy arborio rice laced with tasty tilapia pieces; garnished with grilled sweet cherry tomatoes and parsley, The distinct flavour of white wine came through with every bite. Extra shredded cheese, though not needed, was served on the side. Honestly, that's a lot of yumminess for RS28. We literally licked our plates!
As a bonus, we were granted a quick tour of the kitchen where we met the charming, executive chef, who happens to speak English. Can't wait to return to La Bocca for another lunch or dinner.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicolle Soalheiro
10 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
The atmosphere is extremely cozy and romantic, the dishes (which are very well served in terms of quantity and quality) arrive at the perfect speed and temperature! The waiter was very polite and attentive to our requests during the meal, ensuring we had an impeccable experience. Furthermore, the place is not noisy and the location makes it easy to get any type of transport. We will come back for sure!
Written 14 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynne B
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • friends
While the food was good (not great) the service was terrible! We were with friends celebrating a special occasion who were so excited to share this restaurant with us. The experience was terrible. The wait staff had an apathetic attitude and the management was equally apathetic. Not recommended for the price! We wanted to love it but it was so disappointing!
Written 19 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JH M
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • family
The restaurant calls itself Italian food, as it is not. I hated it! There was a long wait for the food to arrive at the table, the meat had an inedible taste, the noodles called parpali were sticky, overcooked and the cheese sauce was far from tasteful! Anyway, I don't recommend it to anyone... the restaurant is simple, but what matters is that the food is good. Unfortunately it is not! I wasn't lucky...
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dante
Rio de Janeiro43 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
The center of Rio has some good options but the area of Lapa where La Bocca is located does not have restaurants of the same type and quality.
If you know the region, take your time and ask questions if necessary (just don't look like you're a tourist 😉). It seems a little unsafe (and it is for those who don't know) but being close to the main street (Riachuelo), you won't have any problems.
The facade is not so easy to find until… you find it, coming face to face. Positive point: it's almost on Rua Riachuelo.
The options are good and the service is very good, with affordable prices and excellent value for money. In other regions, it would be much more expensive but, given the number of Italian restaurants in the city, it is not easy to charge so much for good quality, especially in the Center.
If you're in the area, go! Order the focaccia and a good wine!
Written 19 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reservarlden
London1311 contributions
Feb 2024 • solo
Hidden away just off the main Rua Riachuelo in Rio Centro this delightful Italian restaurant was absolutely perfect. Loving Italian food and always looking to sample different venues when overseas, this has to be South America’s best!!
From the welcome given by the wonderfully attentive Matteu who was exquisite in his interactions throughout, just as he was with all other diners, this was an absolute treat.
The menu spoils you for choice and upon arrival the food itself could not be better!! Delicious and better than expected. A good choice of drinks, starters and desserts on offer too to further indulge in. The dessert was just too good!!
The venue is fairly small and tucked away so is a little east to miss. Make sure you don’t as it’s a place you MUST visit when in Rio. Indoor and outdoor seating available with excellent English spoken throughout by Matteu. Had the day of visiting 10/02 not been my last day in Rio I would have definitely returned again to try some of the other delights on offer. Fantastic ambience. If you’re looking for faults to find, you would find it impossible here as everything was a pleasure. Thanks to everyone at La Bocca.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
neal e
Birmingham3 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
What a fantastic little hide away restaurant, we ate on the Friday .......had to come back on the Saturday, the best food we have eaten on our two week vacation.. which ends tomorrow!
Beef dishes were amazing, especially the baby beef. Big shout out to Mathew who looked after us on the second night, excellent english, very helpful in translation of menu and recommendations, extremely attentive.
Written 13 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LauraGrace1126
Elkhorn502 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
After a month of travel we were ready for something different. This place is quite small but very clean. Staff was very welcoming. Food was quite good. We split the octopus starter which was better than what we had at Aprazivel. The Greek salad was very fresh. The squid ink risotto was good but we’ve had better. I’ll be dreaming of that octopus for a long time!
Written 25 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tania C
Rio de Janeiro127 contributions
Nov 2023 • couples
Lovely surprise! One of the few restaurants in Rio with excellent Italian cuisine at a fair price. Modern and pleasant atmosphere in the heart of Rio, Lapa. Good option for lunch during the week, for those who work in the city. Option for Saturday too. Worth a visit.
Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcia Ferrari
Sao Paulo60 contributions
Apr 2022 • business
Good atmosphere in the middle of Santa Teresa. If you like blues and good italian food, this is the place to go. I had the vegan dish (pasta and aubergine) and it was superb. Try it with beer. Armonization is perfect.
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonni T
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • family
Fantastic food and the best service I have received in my life. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone travelling or local to Rio.
Written 26 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Harry L
1 contribution
June 2022 • couples
Really enjoyed this meal, excellent service and the music gives a really great vibe. I had the pan con tomate and the Hamburguessa. Excwllent
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel Robinson
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • couples
Incredible food and atmosphere as always! Forever out favourite place to eat!
Thank you to all the lovely staff who go above and beyond to make every visit special.
Written 14 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy Y
Toronto49 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
We are a couple of foodies from Canada, who like good food and LOVE La Bocca, especially their 3-course lunch special Monday to Friday that changes weekly. In addition, there is an extra daily special for R$ 28 (without appetizer or dessert) -
usually a type of pasta, or risotto.
Today, we enjoyed eggplant bruschetta appetizers, followed by crispy, grilled tilapia with a medley of vegetables, and Italian polenta, with baby spinach. I'm not a fan of polenta, but THIS polenta, was to DIE FOR!! A serving of pear crumble with chocolate sauce completed the meal. Very few words were spoken during the entire time as we tried to devour every morsel. My husband, in an effort to scoop up all the chocolate sauce, wanted to lick the plate (LOL). Needless to say, we'll definitely be back for more!
We tend to take a late lunch, so we usually have the patio to ourselves, where we can socially distance if needed. The young, soft-spoken server comes out to greet us with a smile and makes a special effort to communicate in English, which is very nice.
What a place! It almost feels like home, or grandma's house - simple, small and cozy. The atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing; the courses are timely, and you never feel stressed or rushed.
I've been fortunate to have visited their kitchen twice and was most impressed how spotless and organized it was. Yes, we're talking about a COMMERCIALKITCHEN - not big (small in fact), but immaculate! Contents of fridges revealed - with nothing to mask or hide.
Honestly, nothing is phoney about this place; what you see is what you get - in my humble opinion, the best Italian food in Lapa, if not in all of Rio. And, the record speaks for itself - rated #28 of 8,608 restaurants in Rio de Janeiro. Keep up the good work, La Bocca, and we will continue to spread the word!
Written 15 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 75
Related Stories
Best moderately priced restaurants
See all 
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a bohemian enclave hosting many local artists’ studios. The narrow, winding streets of this neighbourhood were revitalised years ago, and visitors can now stroll through this area to view magnificent mansions dating back to the late 19th and early 20th century. A highlight not miss: Museu Chacará do Céu, a former mansion turned museum which houses works by prominent Brazilian modern artists.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing