An envious sigh usually accompanies any mention of a trip to Gero, the Fasano empire's first foray into Rio back in 2002. The classic Italian offers a multitude of expensive options to be enjoyed in the almost industrial exposed brickwork and stripped wood setting, with the Amaretto and pumpkin tortelli among the best that prize-winning chef Salvatore Loi has to offer.

Across the city in Barra (Avenida Erico Verissimo 190, Jardim Oceânico, 21 2484 9455), the newest addition to the Gero family opened in October 2011 under the control of Puglian chef Donato Di Giuseppe. Complete with a fine palm-shaded terrace, among the specialities deserving of attention are the duck and juniper ragu (R$54) and the ossobuco with saffron risotto (R$81), while the comprehensive fixed lunch menu mezzogiorno (R$78) keeps the execs returning for more.