Why it matters: opened in 2016 during the Rio Olympics by the NGO Gastromotiva (founded 2006 by chef David Hertz) in partnership with Massimo Bottura’s Food for Soul, this restaurant-school rescues surplus ingredients and trains young cooks from vulnerable communities while serving vulnerable Rio residents each evening. At lunch, Monday to Friday, the same kitchen opens to the public with a set menu – starter, main, dessert, drink – designed by rotating guest chefs. Order the daily set menu (there’s no a la carte) and go early since seating is limited. It is one of the few places in Rio where your meal directly funds culinary training and food-waste reduction.
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Rua da Lapa, 108 · social-gastronomy restaurant & culinary school · lunch Mon-Fri, 11:30am-3pm