Galeto Sat’s Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22011-001, Brazil

Galeto Sat’s was the very first place I ate at when I arrived in Rio de Janeiro. I originally found out about it on YouTube while researching must-eat spots, and the popular combo of spring chicken and garlic bread looked simple yet delicious. Since it was located right near my Airbnb in Copacabana, it was an easy choice for my first meal.

When I arrived, the place was buzzing. I spoke to a staff member behind the counter to snag a table. The restaurant has a completely open storefront, so you can see the entire rustic, tavern-like interior from the street. If you’re facing the restaurant, the bar and grill are on the right, and the dining area stretches all the way to the back on the left. While I waited, I grabbed a cold draft beer and watched the chicken and various meats roasting over the charcoal.

Once seated, I ordered the Galeto ao Molho SAT’S—their signature spring chicken with lemon sauce. I also ordered the garlic bread as my carb of choice and a side salad to get some greens in with the meal.

When the garlic bread arrived, I dug right into it. It was fantastic—garlicky, buttery, and exactly what you’d expect from a place that doesn’t hold back on flavor.

The chicken itself was the star. The skin was perfectly crispy, while the meat inside remained juicy with a bright lemon flavor and a nice hint of charcoal smoke. The lemon sauce had a blend of spices that reminded me a bit of chimichurri, and it paired perfectly with the roasted bird.

I was stuffed by the end of it; I couldn’t quite finish all the bread, but I ate the majority of it and left feeling completely satisfied. I highly recommend stopping by Galeto Sat’s if you want authentic, tasty roasted chicken cooked over real charcoal.