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Ratings and reviews
4.5
Travelers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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This property has identified as Hispanic/Latinx-owned
Tripadvisor does not verify the accuracy of this information.
PRICE RANGE
$32.00 – $70.00
CUISINES
Brazilian, Latin, Portuguese
special diets, meals, features
Does this restaurant offer takeout or food to go?
Details
This property has identified as Hispanic/Latinx-owned
Tripadvisor does not verify the accuracy of this information.
About
Ipanema is an upscale casual Brazilian & Portuguese restaurant that has been in New York since 1979. Our dishes are modern representations of classics from both cultures by Executive Chef Giancarlo Junyent and Pastry Chef, Alejandra Nicolon. We have a fully renovated space including an 85-seat dining room, a 25-seat private dining room, and a 45-seat second-floor cocktail lounge overlooking 36th street.
PRICE RANGE
$32.00 – $70.00
CUISINES
Brazilian, Latin, Portuguese
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.5
702 reviews
Excellent
356
Very good
240
Average
66
Poor
19
Terrible
21
Chris890
Long Beach49 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Honestly, the street that this restaurant is located on has some of the best Brazilian food in all of NYC. There's three restaurants which is great for customers as they all have an incentive to keep up excellent quality and customer service.
But Ipanema restaurant really shines in so many different areas. First off, their Caipirinha is amazing, just like in Brazil. Second, while their menu has great food all around, where they really shine is the Bacalhau a Gomes de Sa served for Friday lunch. Hands down the best one I've ever tasted. Perhaps they can private message me the recipe? I promise I won't share :) But anything you order from the menu will taste fantastic. Combine this with some excellent and attentive customer service and you have a winning combination.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James C
New York City260 contributions
Dec 2019 • family
After dragging my family around seeing Bryant park then Rockefeller’s center tree, we were ready to eat.
I read reviews from trip advisor and they were right. Best Brazilian food in the city.
For appetizers we had a variety of empanadas.They were very tasty with a crunchy crust. The fried bananas were sugar sweet.The seafood paella were delicious and plenty of seafood.I had the monkfish stew . It was great.My wife had the pan seared brazing fish . She ate the whole fish skin and all. We didn’t have dessert cause we were full. The waiters were great. They explained everything on the menu. We had a great time at Ipanema.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuditeP_12
Dear James,
Christmas in NYC is a wonderful place to get in the holiday mood. Bryant Park and Rockefeller are two of my favorite spots. We are glad you also found Ipanema in the midst of so many eateries. It is gratifying to hear you and your family enjoyed the food and overall experience with us. We hope you return again and again to NYC and Ipanema.
Best wishes,
Written February 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna B
10 contributions
Jan 2023 • friends
Absolutely incredible dining experience here! The elevated and very creative food, excellent cocktails! The whole ambiance is very cozy and romantic, though you can have your special group celebration here as well. The service is super friendly and waitstaff is knowledgeable and passionate about the cuisine.
Highly recommend to visit Ipanema and just let yourself enjoy every moment here.
P.S. don’t skip desserts! They are divine here!
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelsWithSam
Cary8 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
This sliver of a restaurant on 46th, proximate to all major theaters, is a powerhouse for authentic Brazilian cooking. The management is so welcoming, and the infusion of genuine hospitality infuses the whole dinner experience with a joy that is often missing in the pre-theater world of table turning. It is a truly charming place that we look forward to visiting again in the future. The experience could not have been more positive.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Niu Raza
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • friends
Both Food and drinks were amazing!
Every dish also came with an explanation from our waitress and the chef came out to make sure we had everything we need.
The service was above and beyond. I dropped my napkin mid dinner and didn’t realize it and our server saw that and gave me a new one right away.
There was barely a wait between our courses and the atmosphere was great. I love low light environment and quieter music so I can talk to my date. It’s definitely a great space to catch up, Business wine and dine, date night for any occasions, special occasions or to celebrate being alive. It’s definitely a must try!
The interior of the restaurant also feels like you are traveling somewhere warm, the plants and flower details on the ceiling!
I love that everything was meant for us to get a glimpse of Brazil and will definitely come back!
Written February 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J.R.
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • solo
I was reminded yet again why I love Brazil and its people so much at Ipanema. Even though it’s been a long time since I lived in Brazil, as soon as I sat at the bar and began interacting with the staff I was transported back. Everyone was just as warm and welcoming as family, as well as patient with me as I dusted off my Portuguese and spoke with the many Brazil natives working there. It felt like coming home.
While the people and atmosphere were more than enough to win me over, the food and drink proved why Ipanema was the highest rated Brazilian place in Midtown. The drinks, from a passion fruit-infused Caipirinha to Chef Giancarlo’s personally concocted whiskey cocktail, did not disappoint – and even surprised me with their bright and complex flavors. But in my experience, you know if the food is authentic based on the feijoada. It was perfect. I sat in silence for quite some time while I ate, because every bite of the feijoada reminded me of so many beloved people and places. The farofa was probably the best I’d ever had because it somehow didn’t dry out the beans while still adding it’s distinct texture and flavors. The drizzle of hot sauce was the perfect blend of heat and distinctly Brazilian chili flavors. I could go on. It was just amazing.
If you have room after eating any of the dinner entrees, you should really try the flight of sobremesas (desserts). Gorgeous in presentation (it felt Michelin star worthy), they were each familiar in flavor yet unique interpretations. My favorite was the bolo de rolo, but I’m also partial to guava. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.
I’m definitely coming back, and I’m bringing my friends. Thank you for making this my favorite trip to NYC yet!
Written December 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
barbntim2016
Poughkeepsie5 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
Picked this restaurant based on reviews and proximity to Grand Central Station. It did not disappoint. This is NOT a touristy Brazilian steakhouse. The menu was quite curated, and our server did a great job of explaining the ingredients we weren't familiar with and suggesting dishes we might have overlooked. Cocktails were interestingly complex. The tartare appetizer was melt-in-your mouth delicious. My husband had the octopus appetizer as his entree and the portion size was enough for him. I had the duck entree - another treat. The cumaru creme dessert was so tasty and light. Atmosphere was upscale and chic. Do not pass this one up.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G C
Ottawa121 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
Wonderful dinner. Excellent service by our waiter Nally(spelling?). She made the dining experience great as well as the chef who stopped by our table to elaborate on the appetizers we selected.
We had three appetizers : pork belly, octopus and the mushroom dish. All were great and personally I preferred it over my entree. I got the picanha for my main and the steak was a bit tough; however the taste of the entire dish was very good.
Drink menu was good. One small knock was one person in our party ordered a non alcoholic Diet Coke which was flat. They opted not to mention it to the server but seeing how attentive they were I am sure they would have resolved the issue.
Atmosphere was pleasant with most diners appearing to be among friends. Easy to have conversations as the restaurant was not too loud.
Written March 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claudia
4 contributions
Jan 2023 • family
My mom and I had a fabulous meal at Ipanema. I got the picanha, and she ordered muqueca, which we ate while sipping guaraná and a delicious orange-rosemary cocktail. All the protein was cooked perfectly and of high quality, of course; what was most impressive to us about Ipanema was how the chef so finely combined flavors native to Brazil into his stunning plates. Specifically, the sauces with both the picanha and muqueca were to die for and also tasted really nice together. For dessert, we did the sampler that features everything on the menu, and it was certainly worth it. Look out for the chocolate salami and guava cake with crème fraiche, which were our favorites, but all of the desserts were excellent. We left full, happy, but not in a food coma, because the plates were so finely made. I would return again and again to this resto if I lived here! Truly memorable and unbelievably delicious, this has to be one of the best restaurant meals and experiences of my life. Obrigada !!
Written January 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teresa F
3 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
As someone from the Açores, I always enjoy trying new Portuguese restaurants and Ipanema far exceeded my expectations. From the moment we entered, I could tell it was going to be a special experience. The decor is beautiful, inviting, and would be fantastic for a date night or family occasion. My husband and I were seated side by side at a tucked away table overlooking the bar and dining room. We started with the polvo, foie gras (with passionfruit!!!!), and porco. Every single dish blew us away! Our main dishes were the bacalhau and feijoada, the feijoada could have fed three people! The flavors of each dish are full and interesting, and the portions are generous. We didn't think we could eat anymore but managed to end with a chefs tasting of their desserts. Every single item on the menu was fantastic! The staff were all extremely attentive and they made it clear sharing this experience with their customers is their passion. I would highly recommend making this a priority while in NYC, and we can not wait to return! Thank you for a memorable evening. Teresa and Steve
Written January 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra S
6 contributions
Feb 2023 • friends
Ipanema is the real deal. I dined last night and can say everything start to finish was fantastic! I am a food influencer @foodie2shoes_ and they made every detail from the complimentary olives, to a special glass of dessert wine to pair with our tasting menu. My favorite was the Rib Chop and Burrata. Next time I will definitely bring more people so I can try even more menu items! The venue is also stunning with a clean, modern design that transports you to the elevated restaurant scene of Brazil and Portugal. Thank you Ipanema!
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giancarlo J
13 contributions
Jan 2023 • friends
A Restaurant that takes pride in serving and showing their guest how good Brazilian and Portuguese can be. Exploring different types of recipes that you don’t see in other Brazilian and Portuguese restaurants. Recommended for everyone who wants to try top food!
Written January 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MilwaukeeAnne
Milwaukee4 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
The food was so flavorful and delicious. It came hot and well presented. Beans and rice were free and family style at every table. The steak melted in my mouth. The Brazilian old fashion was a new twist on an old favorite and worth the money. The service was awesome; water glasses never empty.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuditeP_12
Dear MilwaukeeAnne,
Thank you for your lovely comments and for the 5*rating! We aim to please and so glad to hear we reached our goal. We hope to see you again soon on a return visit to NYC.
Written February 22, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jrcasey77
Indialantic30 contributions
Dec 2022 • family
OUTSTANDING meal!! The Cervice and octopus appetizers were wonderful. The steak was cooked perfectly and wonderfully spiced and tender. The dish with the Brazilian bean and sausage soup and collared greens was completely new to us and was wonderful! Dessert was also superb. Jonathan did an outstanding job guiding us through the menu. We'll be back!!
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
uvmgabe27
New York City9 contributions
Jan 2023 • none
We've visited with a group of friends twice now, each time ordering all of the cold and hot appetizers. I'm glad that I got to taste everything because all of the options are outstanding. Some of my personal favorites are the octopus- perfectly cooked and oh so tasty. Other standouts are the tartare, mussels, burrata and ceviche. The mains menu is also wonderful. My personal favorite is the bitoque but I've gotten to taste the cod and the duck, both of which I'd order. The staff was super fun and helpful and the ambiance is incredible. The bar is built around a beautiful green space which helps transport you to another place. Delicious drinks and desserts are just the cherry on top. Don't miss out on this gem!!
Written January 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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