Step into the magnificent Confeitaria Colombo and you'll feel as if you have been magically transported from Rio de Janeiro to Old World Vienna, Austria. This 1894 architectural gem, representative of Rio’s Belle Époque period, is a treasure house of Art Nouveau art and architecture. Massive Belgian mirrors, rich rosewood showcases, Italian marble benches and richly elegant stained glass are magnificent to look at on their own. But, the good news is that this sumptuous setting is the stage for a memorable dining experience as well.
While you can grab a quick bite to eat on the lower level and be on your way, to really experience the flair and style of Confeitaria, plan to take you time and dine upstairs, where you will feast on a buffet fit for royalty. But "buffet" really doesn’t do justice to this upscale dining experience because servers are always there to assist you in any way—including quickly removing your plate when you want to return to sample additional dishes.
From an array of crispy salads, artistically composed with the freshest of ingredients, to a dessert buffet that will make you think you are in dessert heaven, the cuisine of Executive Chef Renato Freire and his staff will be a highlight in your scrapbook of culinary adventures. Plan on a visit to their gift shop, and you’ll be able to take home a tasty souvenir of your dining experience as well.
On your way out, be certain to tell the host or hostess about your dining experience. More than likely, you’ll be talking to owner Roberto Souza de Assis, his wife or daughter, who actively work together to let this century continue to enjoy this architectural masterpiece.