Restaurant Review

Located within the iconic Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel on Rio de Janeiro's famous beachfront, Mee is one of Brazil's leading fine-dining destinations and one of only 5 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city (in 2023). The restaurant specialises in pan-Asian cuisine, drawing inspiration from the flavours of Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and other Asian culinary traditions, all executed with considerable technical skill and attention to detail.

Recognised with 1 Michelin Star, Mee offers tasting menus, an omakase experience at its dedicated sushi bar, and an extensive à la carte selection accompanied by a broad range of wines and sake. While my visit in 2023 was enjoyable, the food felt more refined and technically accomplished than groundbreaking or innovative.

Unlike some highly sought-after, multi star Michelin restaurants, the booking process was remarkably straightforward. I walked into the restaurant the evening before and secured a reservation for the following night without any difficulty. Given the reputation of Michelin dining, I had expected a far greater challenge. The entrance through the Copacabana Palace was stunning, particularly after dark when the hotel's grandeur is on full display. Inside, however, I was surprised by how relaxed and casual the atmosphere felt. Rather than the highly polished formality often associated with Michelin-starred establishments, the restaurant had a more approachable and understated feel.

During the evening, I spent some time speaking with the manager, Taaleta, who explained that they have 10 staff to serve 50 guests and each waiter has an assistant waiter along with 80 procedural tasks they need satisfy at each table. While the team was professional and attentive throughout the evening, the service felt competent and friendly rather than especially polished or theatrical.

I selected the 5-course tasting menu, which was delicate, balanced, and enjoyable, although not particularly filling. The standout aspect of the evening was my waiter, Marcus, who was professional, personable, knowledgeable, and spoke excellent English. His enthusiasm and genuine hospitality elevated the experience considerably.

Overall, Mee delivered an enjoyable dining experience in an iconic setting. While it lacked some of the formality and sense of occasion I had expected from a Michelin-starred restaurant, the quality of the food, the professionalism of the service team, and the stunning setting within the Copacabana Palace combined to create a memorable evening and a worthwhile addition to any culinary visit to Rio de Janeiro.

Experience Score

Reservation Process: 8/10
Welcome: 6/10
Atmosphere: 5/10
Room Decor: 5/10
Food Theatre: 3/10
Food Presentation: 3/10
Food Taste: 4/10
Food Portions: 7/10
Dinnerware: 4/10
Attentiveness: 7/10
Service: 7/10
Staff Knowledge: 5/10
Staff Attire: 4/10
Passion: 6/10
Guest Dress Std: 3/10
Value: 10/10