OUR STORY
Bringing Portuguese and Brazilian Traditions to Your Table, One Dish at a Time.
ABOUT THE BOTECO IPANEMA
We are a first generation Portuguese and Brazilian, family-owned restaurant that prides itself on the experience as well as our fresh and authentic food. Our family is heavily influenced by both countries and we are doing our best to give every guest a taste of both cultures.When you dine here, we want you to feel like you are a part of our family.
In both Portugal and Brazil, sitting down to a meal is more than just time spent eating. It's the little moments in life that we get to spend with our family and friends that make life so special. Food will always have the ability to bring people together and we are pleased to be able to share our recipes passed down to us from both sides of our family.
WHEN IT ALL STARTED
Started in 1979 by our father Alfredo Pedro (bellow), Ipanema is the product of 40 years of passion and dedication to providing the best hospitality experience possible.
In it's earliest days, the kitchen at Ipanema (then under the name 'Brazilian Coffee') was run by our grandmother until our first executive chef Ernesto Saude began his 25 year career with us. In the dining room our father floated from table to table conveying lighthearted but solid pride in his new restaurant. It was through our food, and these connections made at each table, that we are lucky to still be sharing meals with some of the same clients that have been visiting us for over 30 years.
HOW WE GET THE NAME 'Ipanema'
The name 'Ipanema', of course, can't help but suggest the girl of the famous song, floating along the beach on an airy cushion of bossa nova rhythms. But make no mistake, the food at Ipanema is hefty, rib-sticking fare, just as good for a cold, rainy night in New York City as for a sunny afternoon by the surf.
While the name also refers to the famous beach in Rio De Janeiro, our menu is firmly rooted in the culinary crossover between both Brazil and Portugal.
Ipanema’s menu combines the timeless history of Portuguese recipes with the zest and vibrancy of Brazilian cuisine, resulting in a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
We provide classics dishes such as Feijoada (right), Picanha and Vatapá, Coxinhas & Moqueca using only the freshest ingredients sourced locally and from our home countries of Portugal and Brazil.
OUR FAMILY
At Ipanema our staff is a direct extension of our family. Our original chef and manager both spent over 25 years with us and to this day we have several staff members that have eclipsed ten years of service.
Whether it has been at birthdays, weddings, holiday parties or just a lunch, we are lucky to work with amazing people that make every day special.
It's the familiar friendly faces that our guests see every day that give the warm touch of hospitality which compliments our food perfectly.
Chef André’s
Chef André’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen in Brazil, where he discovered his passion for cooking. Surrounded by cherished family recipes and the aromas of traditional Brazilian cuisine, he learned the importance of respecting ingredients and culinary heritage.
Under the guidance of esteemed chefs like Vasyl Pandonvick, Tiago Pina, Edy Moura, and Flávia Amaral, Chef André developed a unique style that merges tradition with innovation. Inspired by renowned Brazilian chef Alex Atala, he continually pushes the boundaries of Brazilian cuisine, adding creative twists to each dish.
For Chef André, cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s about evoking memories and emotions with every bite. His deep connection to Brazilian ingredients and the joy of bringing people together through food drive his passion in the kitchen.
TESTIMONIALS
Boteco Ipanema offers more than just a meal; it’s a journey into the heart of Brazilian hospitality. From the moment I stepped in, the staff’s friendly smiles and warm energy made me feel like I’d stumbled upon a hidden gem. I started with sangria, each sip a refreshing burst of fruity bliss, the perfect prelude to what came next. The grilled salmon? Simply exquisite—flaky, tender, and bursting with rich, smoky flavor. It was a dish that turned a great evening into an unforgettable one. Paired with the lively ambiance, I found myself already planning my next visit before the night was even over. If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavorful escape, Boteco Ipanema delivers in every way.
MenuPassport
The best Brazilian food in the USA! I don’t know how they do that but everything is great there! The best food, the employees are always so kind and happy! Omg if you don’t know Boteco Ipanema, you don’t know what is a good Brazilian food.
Marcela Biondo
Fantastic food, and even better service. We had reservations for our large party (14). Drinks were amazing. Appetizers (empanadas, crab with avocado, pao de queijo) were great. Everyone loved the entrees. Even the rice and beans were great. Dessert was awesome as well. Our friends have been coming here for the past 4-5 years when they come to NYC. I see why, and we'll definitely be back. It felt like eating at someone's home, with someone's grandma or aunt in the kitchen. If you've never had Brazilian food, you need to come here.
Came a second time for lunch the following day. Another large party of 10 people. Food and service was just as great as the night before. We'll be back next time we are in NYC.
Elliot Wade
This Brazilian spot is perfect for both lunch and dinner! We love the Boteco dish, and the nightlife after 9 PM on weekends is amazing. They also offer a fantastic Sunday brunch. Our family has been coming here ever since they opened in Norwalk, CT, and it never disappoints. Highly recommend!
John Estrada
You won't be disappointed here. The dishes and drinks were quality. Service could have been better. Maybe the waiters work in teams to get to each table but, it made it confusing because once we ordered with one person we didn't see them for some time. We ordered our drinks with one waiter, appetizer with another and was forced to order our entrees with the water person. Ipanema is a good choice for a small group dinner or even a couple's night. There are two floors of seating and bar seating if that's your thing.
Dajion S.
I’ve been to a Brazilian restaurant called Ipanema on Main Street Norwalk Connecticut, highly recommend, great service and good drinks, I’m definitely coming back with my family.
Elthon Figueiredo