Le Jazz lands in Rio: French brasserie arrives in Leblon this July
Sixteen years after opening its doors in Pinheiros, Le Jazz is finally crossing São Paulo's borders. This July 2026, the beloved French brasserie arrives in Rio with its fifth and largest location at Shopping Leblon — a move that signals much more than simple expansion.
Le Jazz's arrival in Leblon comes at a strategic moment for Rio's food scene. After the 2026 Michelin Guide placed Rio at the center of gastronomic attention, with Madame Olympe earning its first star in less than twelve months, the neighborhood is cementing itself as the epicenter of fine dining in the city.
From Paris to Pinheiros, from Pinheiros to Leblon
Le Jazz's story began in 2009, when Chico Ferreira and Gil Carvalhosa met in Paris and brought the bistro idea to São Paulo. Opening on Rua dos Pinheiros in December 2009, in a small space that once housed a car repair shop, the restaurant bet on a simple formula: French classics at fair prices.
Led by chef Chico Ferreira, restaurateur Gil Leite, and manager Paulo Bitelman, Le Jazz became a São Paulo reference. With estimated revenue of R$ 30 million in 2017, the brand grew organically to reach four São Paulo locations — Pinheiros, Jardins, Shopping Iguatemi, and Shopping Higienópolis.
The secret? A cuisine inspired by the chef's emotional memories — born in Salvador but raised on a farm in Jaú, where he first encountered the wood-fired stove alongside his father. On the menu, dishes like the impeccable cassoulet and famous moules et frites won over a loyal clientele that returns for the small, charming atmosphere.
Betting on the Rio market
The choice of Shopping Leblon isn't random. With over 40 dining options, the mall has invested heavily in curating its mix. "Gastronomy is one of our strategic pillars and we work with careful curation that values diversity, quality and brands with their own identity," explains Juliana Schmith, Shopping Leblon's business manager.
The move also reflects a warming trend in the upscale shopping center market. Rio is experiencing a special moment: eight Rio restaurants are in the 2026 Michelin Guide, with tasting menus from R$ 440 to R$ 1,380. It's in this context that Le Jazz bets on democratizing quality French cuisine.
Certified as a B Corporation in 2025, the brand arrives in Rio with the same DNA as always: commitment to sustainability, quality ingredients, and that intimate atmosphere that makes you feel in a truly cozy place.
Why go
If you miss Parisian bistros — or have never been to one — Le Jazz promises to bring to Leblon the same magic that conquered São Paulo. Classic dishes executed with technique, honest prices for real French food, and an atmosphere that invites you to stay. It's the chance to experience why, for 16 years, paulistanos have been lining up to eat there.
Want to discover more places like this? Talk to Pico.