Samba and dinner in one night. In Copacabana, the Roxy Dinner Show combines a set three-course Brazilian-style dinner with the stage spectacle Aquele Abraço. It is built for people who want Rio at night, with culture you can see and hear (and choreography you can feel in your ribs).

I especially like the three-course meal with vegan options, plus the way the program moves through Brazil’s regions using music, dance, and big production visuals. I also like the sheer pace and professionalism of the show, from the pre-program singing to the main performance that hits hard.

One drawback to plan around is the late-night timing. Even if you arrive early, the main show starts around 9:30 and the evening runs until about 11:00.

Key highlights

• Copacabana location at R. Bolívar: Easy to find, and it comes back to the same meeting point at the end.
• Dinner before the spectacle: Expect a quiet start with dinner, then the show ramps up later.
• Pre-show singing plus a main event: The main portion is around 9:30 with a finish near 11:00.
• Brazil by region through music and dance: Aquele Abraço uses performers plus video elements to tell the story.
• Set menu with vegan options: Dinner is included, but alcohol is charged separately.
• A theater-style night for all types of groups: The venue handles large volumes (up to 500), with assigned seating.

Roxy Dinner Show in Copacabana: What the night feels like

This is the kind of Rio experience you book when you want an evening that’s simple to plan and big in payoff. You get a full dinner event plus a staged show in one location, so you are not piecing together transportation, timing, or multiple tickets.

The atmosphere leans toward old-school glamour meets modern production. One reviewer called it a 1930s-style fancy venue, and you can expect that theatrical feel once you walk in. The result is a night that feels like a “Rio highlight” even if you only have one evening to spare.

If you want a cultural night that is more than background music, the format works. Aquele Abraço is designed to take you through Brazilian musical styles and dance traditions, and the show uses visuals and video elements to keep the story moving.

From 7 PM doors to the 9:30 show: Your exact pacing

Think of the night in three chunks: arrival and seating, dinner with a quieter pre-program, and the main production.

Most nights, doors open at 7:00 PM and the overall window runs until about 10:30 PM at the venue. In practice, the rhythm usually looks like this: you check in and get seated around the early evening, then there is a pre-show period where singing and performance elements begin (often around 7:30 PM).

The big moment comes later. The main show starts around 9:30 PM and typically ends around 11:00 PM. That means you should plan your whole night around this event. If you like early dinners and early bedtimes, this one will test your discipline.

Also note a real-world timing detail: a few people expected earlier seating for dinner, but the venue opens at 7:00 and dinner service follows soon after. So you are not sitting in total limbo, but you are also not eating instantly the second you arrive.

The three-course menu: What’s included, and where it can surprise you

Dinner is part of the ticket. You get a three-course meal with two entry options, four main options, and three desserts, including vegan choices. That is a solid level of choice for a dinner show format.

One clear win: people who love steak tend to leave happy. A review specifically praised the filet mignon, and another mentioned steak cooked to the requested level. Service also often gets positive notes, including attentive servers.

Now the honest part. Not every meal hits the same bar for everyone. A few comments describe the dinner as average or even disappointing, with one person saying portions felt small. Another said the dinner was good but not great, with a mass-prepared feel.

So how should you think about value? At $125.17 per person, you are mostly paying for the full show production plus a full dinner experience. If your top priority is food like a top-tier restaurant, you may find this more “very good event meal” than “food destination.” If your priority is Brazilian performance and you like a nice set menu with the option for vegan, it makes more sense.

Drinks: the add-on that changes the math

Alcohol is not included. The ticket covers dinner and the show; all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are charged separately. If you plan to have cocktails or wine, budget for it up front. It is easy for the final bill to creep up during a night with music and a celebratory crowd.

Aquele Abraço: Brazilian music, dance, and stage storytelling

This is the reason to go. Aquele Abraço is presented as a sensory journey through Brazil, combining music, dance, and cultural storytelling into one continuous evening.

You can expect a mix of dance styles and musical timelines from across Brazil. Multiple reviews describe it as an energetic trip through Brazilian history and regional musical diversity, with performers who look genuinely comfortable on stage. The production also uses video elements to make transitions clearer and larger than a simple stage show.

One standout theme is how the finale tends to build toward something like Carnival-samba energy. The show is designed to end on a high note, not a polite fade-out.

Language and understanding: you do not need perfect Portuguese

You might not know Portuguese, and that’s fine. One review noted that they did not know Spanish or Portuguese but still enjoyed the show, which makes sense because dance, rhythm, visuals, and audience cues do a lot of the teaching.

That said, the experience is not marketed as an in-depth guided lecture with translations. If you need every spoken word explained to you, you may feel the lack of bilingual guidance. For most people, the performance language is the body and the music.

Seats, dress code, and staying comfortable in Rio at night

This is a theater evening, and people dress accordingly. One person pointed out that many attendees go for a nicer look, with dresses and even full suits. You will see casual outfits too, but if you want the night to feel special, dress up a bit. Even “nice pants and a collared shirt” can do the trick.

Seating: it’s assigned, not first-come chaos

You do not have to arrive hours ahead for walk-in seating. Reviews mention seating is pre-arranged and you are guided to your table when you arrive. So treat your arrival time as “on time,” not “camp out.”

If you care about views, ask staff what they can do when you check in, but do not count on miracle upgrades. Some reviews mention front-row seating and great views, so the early part of the dinner period matters for how the room settles.

The walk home after 11 PM

After the show ends near 11:00 PM, you may choose to walk back toward nearby areas like Ipanema or Copacabana. Some people reported it felt reasonably safe, but navigation matters, and maps can route you through darker side streets. If you walk, use well-lit, more commercial streets and stay alert. If you prefer stress-free logistics, you will want your own transport plan for afterward since transportation is not included.

Price and value: who this $125.17 ticket makes sense for

For $125.17 per person, you are buying an evening that bundles:

• a set dinner with choice and vegan options
• a major staged production (Aquele Abraço)
• a full atmosphere designed for night entertainment

This price can feel high if you mainly care about the dinner. Some comments criticize the meal quality or taste consistency. If you judge the experience only by food, you might not feel justified.

But if you care about production quality, performance energy, and a guided-feeling cultural night without extra planning, the value makes more sense. Reviews rate it 4.9 out of 5 with 95% recommending it, and that level of consensus usually means the show lands for most people.

Best fit

This is a great fit for:

• couples wanting date night in one stop
• first-time visitors who want a polished Rio night without building an itinerary
• people who like music-and-dance performances more than museum-style sightseeing

It can be less satisfying if you:

• want gourmet fine dining as the main event
• have strict expectations for portion size or restaurant-level flavor complexity
• prefer a quiet evening without late-night pacing

Food needs and comfort: vegan, allergies, and staff help

Vegan options are part of the included menu, which is a real advantage for a dinner-show format. One review also said the venue had no problems catering to gluten and dairy allergy, which is encouraging if you have dietary constraints.

At the same time, not every menu can satisfy every allergy or preference perfectly, and one reviewer suggested expanding allergy-related menu options. So the practical move is to communicate your needs clearly during booking or before the show if that option is available to you.

On the comfort side, this is also a staff-driven experience. Multiple reviews singled out attentive service, including a server named Marcio who helped with English and attentive care. Friendly, responsive staff matters a lot in a long evening.

Should you book Roxy Dinner Show in Rio?

Book it if you want a single-ticket Rio night that mixes dinner with a large-scale performance. The show has strong momentum, the venue feels like a proper production space, and the overall experience is rated highly.

Skip it (or set expectations) if food quality is your main goal, since the dinner can be hit-or-miss depending on what you expect from a $125 meal. Also treat the schedule as late-night entertainment, not an early dinner option.

If you do book, plan smart:

• arrive close to the start of the event window so your dinner timing feels smooth
• budget separately for drinks since alcohol is extra
• dress a bit nicer if you want to fit the vibe
• arrange your return transport or use careful, well-lit routes after the show

FAQ

What time does the Roxy Dinner Show run?

The venue’s listed hours run from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The main show portion starts around 9:30 PM and many evenings finish around 11:00 PM.

Is dinner included in the ticket?

Yes. Your ticket includes dinner with two entry options, four main options, and three desserts, including vegan options.

Are alcohol and soft drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included, and all beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are charged separately.

Where do I meet for the show?

The meeting and ticket redemption point is R. Bolívar, 45 – Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22061-020, Brazil. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Do I need private transportation?

Private transportation is not included. The venue is near public transportation, but you will need to plan your own way there and back.

How far in advance should I book?

On average, this is booked about 25 days in advance, so booking earlier usually helps lock in your preferred date.

Can I get a full refund if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.