The Ristorante Hotel Cipriani, located in the Belmond Copacabana Palace, in Rio de Janeiro, was voted the best Italian restaurant in the world outside of Italy for the second consecutive year. The recognition was granted by the ranking 50 Top Italy 2026, announced this Monday (15) at a ceremony held in Milan.
The restaurant is run by the chef. Nello Cassese, which was also awarded Chef of the Year in 2026. The Rio de Janeiro restaurant topped the list thanks to its combination of refined technique, passion for Italian cuisine, and the use of select ingredients.
According to the award organizers, "the dishes, elegant in flavor and presentation, tell the story of good taste and the rich gastronomy of Italy." The fusion with Brazilian ingredients was also highlighted, as in the case of the ravioli filled with chicken cacciatore accompanied by a purée of national roots. The gelato mountain-shaped dessert was considered unmissable. The wine list and service also received praise.
The restaurant has been operating for about 30 years and is located opposite the hotel's pool. The dining room features retro-chic décor with designer objects and artwork. The restaurant offers tasting menus and a personalized experience at the chef's table.
Currently, the restaurant is closed for renovations. The works are part of the revitalization of several areas of the hotel, including suites, spa, gym and the restaurant itself. There is no reopening date yet. During this period, the hotel is hosting special dinners inspired by the restaurant's cuisine, with information available on the official Copacabana Palace website.
Top 10 outside of Italy
Besides Cipriani, nine other restaurants make up the list of the best establishments in Italian culinary outside of Italy by 2026. The list includes addresses in France, Canada, China, the United States, Singapore, Germany, and Croatia.
The podium repeats the names from the previous year: the CarpaccioLocated in the Royal Monceau hotel in Paris, the restaurant came in second place. The kitchen is run by chefs Oliver Piras and Alessandra Del Favero. Third place went to... DaNico, in Toronto, led by Daniele Corona. Both have a Michelin star.
The 2026 edition of the award took place in the same year that Italian cuisine was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Check out the 10 best Italian restaurants in the world outside of Italy in 2026:
- Ristorante Hotel Cipriani – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Il Carpaccio – Paris, France
- DaNico – Toronto, Canada
- Rezdôra – New York, United States
- By Vittorio Shanghai – Shanghai, China
- Subito Lathe – Singapore
- Fiola – Washington DC, United States
- Otto and Mezzo BOMBANA – Hong Kong
- Agli Amici Rovinj – Rovinj, Croatia
- Acquarello – Munich, Germany
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