Angu do Gomes

After an incredible tour of Little Africa, my guide and I stopped at this nearby restaurant — and it was the perfect way to end the afternoon. The portion sizes were generous, and the food was absolutely delicious. The picanha was cooked to perfection and packed with flavor. I also had my very first caipirinha there, and it definitely left a lasting impression — refreshing, well-balanced, and everything I hoped it would be. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, just steps away from the statue of Rio’s Mercedes Baptista. The space radiated the same energy as the surrounding area: full of history, life, and culture. It was a memorable stop that tied the whole day together. Highly recommended if you're looking for great food, great vibes, and a true taste of Rio.

Today, I went to Angu do Gomez and had steak. The food was okay, but it didn't look nice. There was no dressing, and I asked for my steak to be well done, but it was medium. The service was fine, nothing special. The price was reasonable. Overall, it was an average experience. The food could be better, especially in how it looks. They should also cook the steak as requested. If you are not too picky, it's a decent place for a casual meal. However, if you want a nicer dining experience, this might not be the best choice. Angu do Gomez is okay if you are looking for something simple and affordable.

Angu do Gomes never disappoints! It’s been years since my last visit, and it just keeps getting better. For traditional comfort food, try one of their Angu dishes. If offal meats like heart, liver, and tripe aren’t your thing, go for the minced beef Angu—delicious and satisfying! Pair it with their homemade mate with lemon and don’t miss their flavorful chili oil! The service is excellent, with well-trained staff who speak English. The only downside is the wait for the food, but it’s definitely worth it. Serving Angu in this area of Rio de Janeiro is deeply tied to its history. Angu, a simple cornmeal porridge similar to polenta, was a staple for enslaved Africans during the colonial period due to its low cost and ease of preparation. It provided essential calories for those enduring harsh labor. With roots in African culinary traditions, Angu adapted to Brazilian ingredients and became a key part of the enslaved Africans' diet. Offal meats—often the only available protein—were included due to food scarcity. These discarded cuts were transformed into flavorful dishes, showcasing the enslaved population's resourcefulness. Today, serving Angu at Largo da Prainha honours the resilience and heritage of Afro-Brazilian cuisine and connects the dish to the legacy of survival in this historical port area.

I was a bit confused after reading the rest of the reviews as I saw alot of negative ones, the staff were very personable and welcoming, making my group and I feel comfortable in the midst of a busy area. The food was okay, portions were hit & miss, the appetizer being more food than the main course itself. That said, would recommend to anyone given the lovely staff!!

Amazing local food like Angu(must try the traditional), bolinhos and pastel

Place looks great and crowded and staff were very friendly, but food was incredibly slow to arrive. I’m not sure if it was because we were tourists and no one spoke English, but we only ordered a burger and fries and were there for nearly 2 hours. Everyone around us had eaten and we threatened to leave before getting our food.

Bolinhos de feijoada (black bean balls) are so delicious!! There was also love music

Food was good, service was a bit haphazard with inattentive wait staff, the place itself is nice as it has outdoor seating on the square.

Pedra do Sal is an interesting open air area that was once a slave market but has since been transformed into a street party every Monday night. Angu do Gomes is right at the heart of it and we stopped here for a bite and drinks. Perfectly acceptable comestibles and great vibe.