8 Best Restaurants in The Northeast, Brazil

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The Northeast has little of the hustle and bustle you'll find in the southern cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, so in restaurants you'll find that casual attire is the norm. The many batidas (tropical fruit cocktails) are the highlights of the local cuisine, but many restaurants serve foods from other parts of Brazil. You'll also have many other options, including Italian, Dutch, and French restaurants set up by expats who never left. Dinner begins around 8 pm. Most hotels include breakfast in the cost of your room. Restaurants not in hotels are usually not open for breakfast.

Coco Bambu Frutos do Mar

$$$$ | Meireles Fodor's Choice

Lovers of seafood should look no further than this elegant spot overlooking the beach, which serves prawns in all imaginable forms. Its popularity has reached such heights that there are now 12 Coco Bambus across Brazil. Start with the giant king prawns encrusted in coconut and served with mango chutney, and then follow that up with grilled lobster with Sicilian lemon risotto. Portions are often big enough for two. The spacious restaurant has a number of different areas for dining, from the ample open-air terrace to an air-conditioned salon

Mesa da Ana

$$$$ Fodor's Choice
The most unique dining experience on the island, this closed-door restaurant cooks up four high-quality dishes for a maximum of 10 guests per evening, served at the long table in a lovely garden. During high season, reservations need to be made up to a month in advance.
Eclectic Fodor's Choice $$$$ Dinner
Estrada da Atalaia 230, Fortaleza, 53990-000, Brazil
081-3619–0178
Restaurant Details
No lunch. Closed weekdays. Closed May–June
Reservations essential

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Bargaço

$$$$ | Pina

For those looking for an authentic taste of Bahia, this pleasant restaurant serves up golden moquecas baianas (fish cooked with onion, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and coconut milk) and flavorful caju caipirinhas (cocktails made with cashew fruit). Service can be slow and the prices are high, so make sure you aren't in a hurry or on a budget when you come here.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Ecologiku's

$$$$

This small restaurant is known for its seafood, especially lobster. If you can't decide what to order, the sinfonia ecologiku is a sampling of every type of seafood on the menu. Ask your pousada to call ahead and the restaurant will send a transfer to collect you, since finding this tucked-away establishment can be a challenge.

Seafood $$$$ Lunch Dinner
Estrada Velha do Sueste, Fernando de Noronha, 53990-000, Brazil
081-3619–0031
Restaurant Details
Credit cards accepted

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L'Ô Restaurante

$$$$
This elegant restaurant serves sophisticated Mediterranean-Brazilian fusion dishes. The surrounding area may be a little run-down, but inside the decor is art deco–inspired and there is a beautiful alfresco bar in the garden. Highlights include slow-roasted lamb served with cashew nuts and an extensive wine list. While pricey, the experience is classier than most of its Fortaleza competitors.
Fusion $$$$ Lunch Dinner
Av. Pessoa 217, Fortaleza, 60060430, Brazil
085-3265–2288
www.lorestaurante.com.br
Restaurant Details
No lunch Mon.–Thurs. and Sat. No dinner Fri. and Sun.

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Leite

$$$$
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.

Mergulhão

$$$$

This contemporary restaurant serves fresh seafood with attentive service. With deck chairs, a breezy terrace, and beautiful views over the port during sunset, this is a great spot for a romantic date.

Santa Grelha

$$$$ | Meireles

In a restored colonial house, Santa Grelha is off the tourist path and specializes in exceptional grilled meat and fish, served with legendary home-made farofa (roasted manioc flour). Black-suited waiters and a climatized wine cellar of more than 600 options add to the air of elegance.