Salvador and the Bahia Coast Restaurants

1. Bar do Raúl

The freshest of such Bahian delicacies as mariscada (seafood stew), casquinha de siri (shredded crab), and arroz de polvo (octopus rice) at great-value prices and served right on the beach are what make Raúl’s a longtime local favorite. The service is friendly and slick and the portions so generous that one main course can be shared among three or four people. Set on the beach of Saquaira, Raúl’s is a lot more laid-back than the beach bars in Barra Grande and a good opportunity to catch a slice of local life.

2. Bar do Rô

3. Lá em Casa

This Praia de Algodoes restaurant–beach bar is run by Helena and Fernando, a charming couple from Rio, whose tapas-style menu and specials evolve daily around fresh local ingredients and create one of the most pleasant dining experiences in Maraú. Tables are set on a first-floor terrace, so diners have views of the bright green coconut palms framing the ocean. Lá em casa translates as "at home," and there is a relaxed feeling of being guests in a friend's house as Helena bustles in and out of the kitchen while her partner Fernando shakes up mango margaritas. They also offer two comfortable bungalows for rent.

4. Macunaíma Beach Lounge

This hippie-chic beach bar is loved as much for its signature cocktail, the Anti-Stress (vodka muddled with lemongrass, mint, and ginger), as for its extensive, tasty menu (try the tuna tartare and teriyaki salmon) and position on the beach at Ponto do Mutá. During high season, it's best to book ahead if you want one of the tables in the sand, perfect for whiling away the day until it's time to watch the sunset. Service can be alternately brilliant and patchy, but when everything clicks, it's one of the more sophisticated options on the peninsula.

5. Pinnochio’s Pizzaria e Restaurante

Located just off one of Barra Grande’s charming sandy streets, this no-frills wood-oven pizza place is always packed with groups of friends sharing enormous pizzas, pasta, and homemade lasagna at alfresco tables scattered under an almond tree. Italian owner Marco ensures that the service is quick and the thin-crust pizzas are some of the best in Bahia; try the Primavera, with Parma ham and rocket.

6. Tikal Praia Bar

Set on what is arguably Maraú’s most beautiful stretch of coastline, Praia do Algodões, beach-lounge and restaurant Tikal is one of the best places to be, whether whiling away the day over crispy prawns and grilled palm heart or partying until dawn with gorgeous Brazilians at one of their legendary parties. While it may be a bit of a trek from Barra Grande itself (the drive takes approximately 40 minutes), the experience is well worth it, from the sparkling service to swimming in Tikal’s own lagoon. The only downside is that it only opens for two months of the year.