Rio’s Bar and Restaurant Sector Grows and Drives Tourism and Economy

According to data from SindRio (Syndicato de Bares e Restaurantes do Rio de Janeiro), between January and June 2025, bars, restaurants and state cafeterias collected R$ 258.9 million in ICMS (Tax on Circulation of Goods and Service Provision) and generated more than 13,000 jobs in Rio, consolidating itself as an important driver of tourism and local economy. This value maintains the growth path observed in recent years: R$ 251 million in 2024 and R$ 233.5 million in 2023.

Currently, the sector brings together around 95,000 active establishments throughout the state, corresponding to 8.8% of the country's total. Another highlight is the business profile: 13.9% of these businesses are medium and large, far above the national average, which is 4.5%, showing the weight of gastronomy as an economic and tourist showcase in Rio de Janeiro.

These figures are even more evident when we analyze the diversity of gastronomic events that occurred in the city only in the first half of 2025. Among them are:

SRE Trade Show – Super Rio Expofood, held in Riocentro, from March 18 to 20.

Rio Restaurant Week 2025, which took place from May 23 to June 22, with the participation of hotels and restaurants in the city, offering special breakfast menus, entrees, main dishes and desserts.

River Wine and Food Festival, held from June 6 to 8 at VillageMall Shopping.

Wines from Portugal at the Jockey Club, June 6-8, no Brazilian Jockey Club.

Downtown Wine Festival, which took place from June 12 to 15, at the Downtown Shopping.

Gastro Beer Rio, held on June 21 and 22 Brazilian Jockey Club.

CADEG Winter Festival, which took place from June 27th to July 27th, at CADEG.

These and many other events in the city are available at Official City Events Calendar.