The minimalist, understated design of Azumi is balanced by the expertly made food that reflects authentic Japanese cuisine, thanks to the Japanese sushi chef responsible for menu planning and food preparation. Although the menu flirts with contemporary ideas, it tends to stick firmly to traditional classics and avoids Western additions such as cream cheese. The quiet talk of the waiters who chatter between themselves in Japanese adds to the authentic experience.

A sizable immigrant population means Japanese restos are big business in Rio. A handful—namely Sushi Leblon and Yumê—deserve a mention, but Azumi’s seafood is particularly fresh thanks to its boat that catches fish each morning for the evening’s sushi and sashimi.

Hands down, Azumi serves some of the best traditional Japanese cuisine in Rio. This laid-back sushi bar certainly has its fans – both in the nisei…

**The most authentic Japanese restaurant in the city, Azumi is tucked away on a quiet Copacabana street from where it serves up exceptional, award-winning sushi. The combos are a lesson in the simple pleasures of the ocean, but the main courses prove there is much more to the country’s cooking than simply raw fish. There is no better way to start proceedings than with a bowl of edamame beans and ice-cold sake, and even as a bona-fide sushi lover I find it hard to resist the ika sautée, combining tender, spicy squid with mushrooms and crisp, stir-fried vegetables.

The most authentic Japanese restaurant in the city, Azumi is tucked away on a quiet Copacabana street from where it serves up exceptional, award-winning sushi. The combos are a lesson in the simple pleasures of the ocean, but the main courses prove there is much more to the country’s cooking than simply raw fish. There is no better way to start proceedings than with a bowl of edamame beans and ice-cold sake, and even as a bona-fide sushi lover I find it hard to resist the ika sautée, combining tender, spicy squid with mushrooms and crisp, stir-fried vegetables.

Since its founding in 1989 by the Ohara family, the establishment has stayed true to its Japanese roots, avoiding Western adaptations. After closing its doors in 2023 at its longstanding Copacabana location, it reopened the following year in Leblon under new management: entrepreneur Antonio Rodrigues, known for reviving classic bohemian spots in Rio, took the helm while preserving the restaurant's spirit. The dining room's decor stays true to the concept — it's like being in Japan.

Em funcionamento há quase três décadas, o Azumi, um dos japoneses mais tradicionais da cidade, é a primeira dica de onde comer lámen no Rio. Até dia 30 de setembro, a casa realiza a 3ª edição do Festival de Lámen, com oito opções, sendo quatro novidades. Duas delas são o apimentado curry lámen (R$38), com caldo de galinha e porco com curry e topping de chashu e ovo e o tonkotsu lámen (R$40), preparado com caldo de porco, rico com vegetais do dia e molho picante à base de alho.

Por mais que os restaurantes japoneses tenham se espalhado Rio e Brasil a fora, o Azumi tem o diferencial de se manter tradicional. Fundado em 1989 por Isao Ohara, patriarca da família que chegou ao Brasil em 1963, a culinária do restaurante não fez adaptações porque queria que outros imigrantes japoneses tivessem um lugar familiar onde comer. Isao faleceu em 2018 e, desde então, sua filha Alissa Ohara é quem dá andamento ao legado da culinária japonesa.

Azumi is a local foodie hotspot in Copacabana that has a solid reputation for serving seafood fresh from the ocean. Grab a seat at the tightly-packed counter and watch as the expert sushi chefs create traditional Japanese cuisine right in front of your eyes. The minimalist décor and simple menu allow Azumi to focus on doing what it does well: creating mouth-watering classic creations with skill.

This isn't just any other Japanese restaurant along Rio's streets. Azumi is the most authentic Japanese restaurant in the city, nestled in a quiet Copacabana corner where it serves seemingly endless variations of delicious sushi & sashimi. Whether it is the crunchy edamame beans, classic caipisake or healthy miso soup, Azumi appeals to every dedicated diner.

Famously traditional Azumi in Copacabana and Tenkai (in Ipanema and Centro) are known for their dedication to traditional Japanese sushi.