Sushi Leblon marks 40 years as Rio's pioneering Japanese restaurant

Sushi Leblon, Rio de Janeiro's first Japanese restaurant in the South Zone, celebrates its 40th anniversary on September 2, 2026, having opened in 1986 as Tatsumi Sushi Bar. Founded by Pepe and Carolina Gayoso, the restaurant pioneered Japanese cuisine in the area, later adapting recipes with local and American influences like California rolls. After Pepe's death in 1991, Carolina took over management, eventually joined by daughter Bianca. The restaurant survived a 2024 fire and remains family-run, with Bianca now co-managing alongside her mother and maintaining the welcoming atmosphere Pepe established.