Many visitors to Rio de Janeiro are surprised by the strong influence that Syrian and Lebanese immigrants have had on the city’s culinary landscape. One of the best places to experience this heritage is Sírio e Libanês.
The restaurant was founded by Jawad, who arrived from northern Lebanon in the 1950s. After an unsuccessful attempt at starting a textile business, he opened the restaurant and quickly won over locals with authentic Middle Eastern flavors. While Jawad still oversees the establishment, the daily operations are now managed by his daughter, Luciana.
The menu is filled with Middle Eastern classics, but one standout dish is Cordeiro ao Sírio (Syrian-style lamb). Large chunks of lamb shank are slow-roasted until incredibly tender, falling apart at the touch of a fork. The dish is served with a generous portion of fragrant spiced rice mixed with chickpeas, pistachios, and sunflower seeds, creating a rich and satisfying meal.
