The Northeast Restaurants

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.

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  • 1. Coco Bambu Frutos do Mar

    $$$$ | Meireles

    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

    Av. Beira-Mar 3698, Fortaleza, Ceará, 3198-6000, Brazil
    085-3198–6000
  • 2. Rola Peixe

    $

    Fantastic seafood and tapas are the specialties at this family-run, laid-back spot. While the decor may be unpretentious, the Basque owners ensure that the service and the quality of dishes, like octopus carpaccio, tuna tartare, and grilled robalo, are flawless. For non–fish eaters, the daily changing menu offers several options of meat, pasta, and salad.

    Av. Baia dos Golfinho, Praia da Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
    084-9157–7354

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No lunch
  • 3. Chica Pitanga

    $ | Boa Viagem

    The wide variety of freshly prepared, tasty dishes at this reliable, per-kilo buffet restaurant makes it a popular choice with business workers and families alike. There is an extensive selection of meats and fish, a sophisticated salad bar, and a dessert counter. While you may need to wait for a table, the lines tend to move quickly.

    Rua Petrolina 19, Recife, Pernambuco, 51021-250, Brazil
    081-3465–2224
  • 4. 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.

    Praca Joaquim Nabuco 147, Recife, Pernambuco, 50010-480, Brazil
    081-3224–7977

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sat. No dinner
  • 5. Olinda Art and Grill

    $

    Good-value hearty meals, such as whole roast chicken with rice, beans, and salad, are served at this popular restaurant on a lovely terrace, which has spectacular views over Olinda. Because of its popularity, service can be on the slow side.

    Rua Bispo Coutinho 35, Olinda, Pernambuco, 53120-130, Brazil
    081-3429–9406

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
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  • 6. Parraxaxá

    $ | Boa Viagem

    Waiters at this popular restaurant wear the bent orange hats of Lampião, a Jesse James–like folk hero who made his way through the interior of northeastern Brazil during the early 20th century. The buffet has a wide selection of the regional specialties that Lampião might have encountered back then. The food is priced per kilogram, so the cost will depend on how hungry you are. Try the amazing escondinho (a wonderful meat and cheese dish), charque (dried beef), and carne sol (brisket).

    Av. Fernando Simoes Barbosa 1200, Recife, Pernambuco, 51021-060, Brazil
    081-3463–7874

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 7. Piazzale Itália

    $$$ | Ponta Negra

    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).

    Av. Deputado Antônio Florêncio de Queiroz 12, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, 59092-500, Brazil
    084-3236–2697

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Closed Mon. No lunch Tues.–Thurs.
  • 8. Pizzeria dall'Italiano

    $

    The thin-crust pizza at this lively spot is a serious contender for the best in Brazil. Originally from Italy, owners Paulo and Michela designed and built their own wood-fire oven to ensure that their secret recipe for pizza dough turned out just like at home. Regulars stop by for caiprinhas, making it a great spot to chat with the locals.

    Av. Baia Dos Golfinhos 731, Praia da Pipa, Rio Grande do Norte, 59179-000, Brazil
    084-9152–8651

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 9. 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.

    Rua Tibúrcio Cavalcante 790, Fortaleza, Ceará, 60125-100, Brazil
    085-3224–0249

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 10. Siwichi Cebicheria Peruana

    $$$

    The sophisticated decor, fresh ceviche, and innovative cocktails at this family-run Peruvian spot make for a welcome alternative to Recife's northeastern standards. Highlights include the assorted ceviche, Nikkei tuna with caramalized onion, arroz chaufa (a Peruvian fried rice dish), and decadent churros (doughnuts).

    Rua Da Cupim 53, Recife, Pernambuco, 52011-070, Brazil
    081-3204–9921

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Sat. No dinner Sun.

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