This cafe sits on an old naval base, so there's a 10 real fee just to enter the area. Trust me, it's worth it, but get here before they open at 10 a.m. By the time they start letting people in, the line is already at least 30 minutes long and moves super slow, especially on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
If you're lucky enough to make it in, the setting is incredible. Seating lines the side of the cafe so almost every table has a view of Copacabana Beach, and you get that ocean breeze while you eat. It wraps around to the back where tourists are constantly snapping photos by the historic base and the pier. I did too, of course.
I ordered the eggs with bacon, but just a heads-up for anyone coming from the States, bacon here means crispy bacon crumbles, not strips. The best way to eat it is to mix the bacon into the eggs so you get the full flavor in every bite. At first, I tried scooping them separately and it just didn't hit the same.
I also ordered toast and at first they brought out little crouton-sized pieces, which wasn't what I was expecting. I asked again and they brought out two big fluffy slices with jelly and that combo was perfect.
The portions were huge. I actually forgot I had also ordered a Caesar salad with shredded chicken and ended up taking that back to my Airbnb. It was solid too, fresh and well-seasoned.
Service was decent. Not overly attentive, but if you raised your hand or asked for anything, they came right away. Prices were fair, especially considering the view and the unique experience.
Between the food, the beach view, the historic setting, and the breeze off the water, this is absolutely a spot you need to hit if you're anywhere near Copacabana. read more