Café 18 do Forte is inside Copacabana Fort, beside the beach in Rio de Janeiro. Its outdoor tables put the shoreline in view, with Sugarloaf sometimes visible too. Come for a slow breakfast or a brunch spread of breads, cakes, fruit and savory bites; the farmhouse breakfast brings corn cake, cheese, bread and pão de queijo. Lunch turns to seafood, including the day’s catch and octopus rice with artisan sausage. The family coconut cake is another reason to save room, though it can be very sweet.
Breakfast and brunch by the water
Café 18 do Forte is set within Copacabana Fort, at Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco in Copacabana. Outdoor seating brings you close to the shoreline, with views across the beach and, when conditions allow, toward Sugarloaf. The sea-facing tables are popular, so arriving early and asking for one is a useful first step.
Breakfast is a focus here. The farmhouse option brings corn cake, cheese, bread, fruit and pão de queijo, the small Brazilian cheese rolls. Brunch choices also include a spread of breads, cakes and savory items intended for two. It is a generous format, so ask about the serving size before ordering if you are on your own.
Seafood and lunch dishes
Lunch includes seafood, with the day’s catch served alongside tomato risotto among the dishes noted on the menu. Another named plate is octopus rice with artisan sausage, broccoli and octopus tentacles. Earlier menu details also mention truffled scrambled eggs with asparagus and naturally fermented bread, as well as steak tartare topped with a fried egg.
The menu has included prawn and tuna salads, and the café serves beer and wine by the glass. Offerings and prices can change, so check what is available when you visit. Fresh oysters have been reported on Tuesdays and Fridays during one September visit, but that schedule should not be treated as a standing guarantee.
Coffee, sweets and the fort setting
For a lighter stop, the café has coffee, waffles and traditional Brazilian dishes. The family coconut cake is a signature sweet, served with warm beijinho sauce in one published menu description. It can taste very sweet, so a drink alongside it may suit you better. Pavlova has also appeared among the desserts.
The café’s name refers to the 18 people associated with a 1922 revolt: 17 soldiers and one civilian who left the fort and marched into the streets. The setting makes it easy to combine a meal with time at the fort, but access arrangements for the grounds are separate from the café. Confirm current entry and payment details before your visit.
FAQ
Where is Café 18 do Forte?
It is inside Copacabana Fort at Praça Cel. Eugênio Franco, 1, in Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana neighborhood.
What should I order at Café 18 do Forte?
For breakfast, try the farmhouse option with corn cake, cheese, bread, fruit and pão de queijo. Lunch dishes include the day’s catch with tomato risotto and octopus rice with artisan sausage.
Is the brunch for one or two people?
The brunch spread is intended for two. Ask the café about minimum orders if you are dining alone.
Can you get oysters there?
Fresh oysters were reported on Tuesdays and Fridays during one September visit. Check with the café for current availability.
