The Best Restaurant in Recife, The Northeast

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An integral part of the city's culture, Recife's culinary scene has a well-earned reputation as one of the best in Brazil. Among the specialties not to miss are carne do sol (salted beef, dried in the sun for 1–2 days), tapioca pancakes (white flour made from cassava root) with fried cheese and caramelized banana, and caldeirada (seafood stew with octopus and parsley).

Leite

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For a memorable lunch, look no further than Leite. Since 1882, this Recife institution has served expertly prepared Portuguese classics in a refined setting, where white-coated waiters serve delectable dishes such as bacalão com nata (cod in buttermilk) amid live piano music. Even though its downtown location requires something of a detour, it's well worth the effort.