7 Best Restaurants in The Northeast, Brazil

There are several good reasons why this hole-in-the-wall restaurant has an almost religious following: their tapas dishes fuse Spanish and Asian flavors and make the most of local seafood, and the wine list is one of Pipa's most varied and reasonably priced. Choose from favorites like sesame-crusted seared tuna alongside daily specials written on a blackboard menu hanging from the crimson walls. The relaxed yet sophisticated design creates the perfect spot for sharing food with friends—two to three plates per person should do it.

Specializing in innovative yet traditional dishes, this lively restaurant has loyal locals queuing out the door for juicy portions of carne de sol (sun-dried beef) and porco vulcanico (pork fillet served with a special house sauce, beans, and manioc). The menu revolves around the grill, with a wide variety of fish as well as meat dishes generous enough to be shared. Opt for a table among the tropical plants on the breezy terrace, where colorful tablecloths and eclectic design add to the character.

Slip off your flip-flops and tuck into pizza, pasta, and regional specialities in the charming garden of this friendly restaurant. Even though some dishes can be hit-or-miss, the wood-fire oven and romantic atmosphere keep locals and tourists alike coming back for more. Most of the tables are outside, so the restaurant doesn't open when it rains.

Setlle down in the leafy dining room of this regional restaurant, and take in the views of the coconut palms of Olinda while sampling the house speciality of stuffed pumpkin for two. While there are 15 different fillings, it is the abóbora com camarão (pumpkin stuffed with shrimp and served with a pitanga cherry sauce) that really stands out.

During the high season (July and December–mid-March), it's necessary to make a reservation at this popular joint, or you'll be among the many waiting outside, salivating from smells of fresh tomato sauce and garlic. The restaurant's popularity is a result of reasonable prices, a romantic atmosphere, proximity to the Ponta Negra Beach, and skillful preparation of pasta, meat, and seafood dishes. Particularly recommended is the tagliolini allo scoglio (pasta with lobster, shrimp, and mussels).