Ipanema, NYC's Iconic Brazilian Eatery, Makes A Sizzling Comeback

Can't swing a last-minute trip to Brazil this summer? A dinner reservation at the resurrected Ipanema restaurant is pretty much the next best thing.

Brothers Carlos and Victor Pedro, the sons of restaurateur Alfredo Pedro, are continuing their father's legacy by bringing back his iconic eatery in style. Inspired by the original Ipanema, which opened in 1979 and served as a staple of Manhattan's Little Brazil neighborhood, the buzzy new spot spotlights Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine in a swanky atmosphere that's sure to draw a sizzling crowd.

The bi-level space features an 80-seat dining room, private dining area, and upstairs cocktail lounge, complete with warm, luxurious touches like oak wood accents, a hand cut stone floor, and plush banquettes throughout.

With Executive Chef Giancarlo Junyent, a born and raised Brazilian who has worked under Tom Colicchio, leading the kitchen, guests can expect a selection of authentic Brazilian and Portuguese dishes prepared with a modern, upscale twist, including artfully plated oysters, classic Piri-Piri Chicken, braised pork belly, and Steak Bitoque, a Portuguese favorite served with potato gratin, steak diane sauce, and egg.

At the gorgeous marble-topped bar, meanwhile, you can pretend you're on vacation with sips like the Rabo di Galo (Avuá prata cachaça, Avuá amburana cachaça, vermouth, amaro and bitters) and the Tall and Tan (house spiced rum, lime, ginger, masala, turbinado sugar and soda water) courtesy of Brazilian mixologist Marcio Silva.

From the food to the drinks to the vibrant ambiance, Ipanema 2.0 revives the spirit of its namesake while making a splash of its own. 

Click through for a look inside!

[Photos by Melissa Hom courtesy Ipanema]