Le Blond

We were in Rio for 5 days and luckily found this restaurant the first they we arrived. We were impressed so much that we ate there 3 times. The staff were very friendly and attentive . Loved their fish dish with caramelized banana and raisins.

Brazilian dining ; not French dining . I was anticipating a French evening of dining and service . Instead , I felt I was in a ordinary Brazilian restaurant . It was a Monday night . 8:30pm . Not busy . Ambience : the decor was nice . A pity the tables did not have white linen table cloths to give a more elegant appearance. What really ruined the ambience was the 1970’s American rock music playing over the poor quality speakers . I was forced to listen to The Eagles, Peter Frampton , Fleetwood Mac ,Gordon Lightfoot in a “ French restaunt/bistro “. French music would have been perfect to improve the ambience . Service : The staff were all polite and friendly , but did not have the service sophistication/ service training one would expect in a high end , expensive restaurant. ( Dinner for one person : Rs500 . or $100usd) . I was not properly greeted which was an immediate red flag . I sat and waited for 10-15 minutes before I finally was able to order a drink . Red flag #2. I ordered a bottle of red wine and was extremely impressed with the Brazilian Cabernet Sauvignon /Sangiovese 2021 Cata Terroirs. Definitely superior over the mediocre Argentine wine options . Unfortunately, my wine was served 10 minutes after my appetizer was delivered to my table . Red Flag #3. Food : Red flag #4 ! I ordered the Ovo Poché Paul Bocuse ( poached egg) and Costela asada, Demi glace, aligot and pearl onions . The Ovo Poché Paul Bocuse was served to me cold- tepid . I told the waiter , and he apologized and brought me a hot Ovo Poché a few minutes later . The costela asada was a disaster . The aligot ( mashed potatoes with cheese ) was so starchy from over whipping , it had the consistency , texture of a pancake batter of flour and water . I asked the waiter for French fries . The costela asada was very tender ; but extremely salty . I know Brazilians enjoy salty food but this dish was unacceptably salty. For Leblon residents who fondly remember the very excellent Le Formidable French restaurant that closed a few years ago , LeBlond is a dismal alternative.

I reserve 5 stars for truly memorable experiences and most importantly, memorable food. Each dish was a combination of ingredients that I have never tasted together. An incredible fusion of Brazilian and French cuisine. Especially impressive was the scallop ceviche which included a mild yet unexpected coconut milk dill sauce. My entree, fish w/ caramelized banana, was a mix of flavors that I will remember forever...please try it!!!

Didn't know it was Michelin rated when we arrived though, after eating I couldn't imagine it wasn't. We ordered 5 entradas and it was it but too much! Tartare was huge & amazing, the poached egg(who knew or would recognize?) was beautiful, rib stuffed croquettes, exquisite, Bombons Crocantes ao Brie, OMG! Fully attentive staff. Clean gorgeous restaurant

This place deserves its fame. Food is really good and, beyond that, dishes are big enough; the place is not that type of fancy place where the dish does not fulfill your desire for food. They have an authorial cocktail menu, which is creative and good. It is located in a nice area, 500m from Antero de Quental metro station and it is also reachable by several bus lines. The price is high, it is an expensive place; but, honestly, they charge for what they deliver, it is worth your money.

Busy on weekends. Amazing food and very polite staff. The portions are fair enough and not too pricey. Decor is very classic and old fashioned. Loved the shrimp risotto and carbonara. Most ordered dessert was the chocolate soufle with pistache icecream.

One of the best restaurant in Leblon.

The paella was too salty and the octopus was hard to chew. The filet minon was amazing . The appetizer super heavy raw meat