Café Lamas Reopens in Rio After Four-Month Closure

Overview

• Café Lamas reopened Wednesday, October 21, 2026, after closing for four months following a June fryer fire that destroyed most of its kitchen.
• Owners said reconstruction included a new kitchen, upgraded electrical work, fresh paint and an added accessible bathroom while the traditional dining room and service style were preserved.
• The delay between the fire and reopening stemmed from two months of insurance paperwork and two months of construction work, according to the proprietors.
• A solidarity campaign by local bars and restaurants helped speed repairs, and staff reported optimism about resuming service with the same signature dishes and menu.
• Founded about 152 years ago and linked to moments in Rio’s social and political life, Lamas is presented by researchers and commentators as a living emblem of the city’s cultural memory.