Must-see restaurants in Bahia

  • Restaurante do Senac

    Salvador

    The best Bahian buffet in town. The cooking school SENAC spreads a tempting array of regional dishes, including several varieties of seafood, moqueca …

  • Portinha

    Bahia

    Portinha is several steps up from most per-kilo restaurants you'll find. There is a plethora of meat and seafood dishes on offer, most of which are…

  • Bataclan

    Bahia

    Once a cabaret frequented by cocoa tycoons (and one of the settings for Amado’s Gabriela), this colonial building was restored to its original brilliance…

  • Bar Zulu

    Salvador

    This laid-back corner bar and restaurant has outdoor tables and serves a wide range of Spanish tapas, Bahian classics and international dishes, plus…

  • Agua

    Bahia

    Itacaré's Agua is a blast of modern cool in Itacare's beach-bum-centric dining scene. The regular menu features exquisitely cooked dishes inspired by…

  • Paraíso Tropical

    Salvador

    Far off the beaten path in the residential neighborhood of Cabula, but foodies don't mind the detour to Paraíso Tropical: the classic Brazilian restaurant…

  • Os Artistas da Massa

    Lençóis

    Fantastically fresh, hearty portions of handmade pastas and jazz music are on the menu at this gourmet restaurant. Opening days can vary during the off…

  • Bar Vesúvio

    Bahia

    This landmark bar and restaurant attracts Amado fans (two of the novelist's fictional protagonists met here) for moquecas (fish stews) and cold beer…

  • Rabanete

    Porto Seguro

    One of the classiest per-kilo eateries around, Rabanete puts out a mouthwatering buffet of gourmet dishes, from pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and basil to…

  • Cafélier

    Salvador

    This quaint hideaway cafe, located inside an antique house that's positioned dramatically on a cliff top over the ocean, is one of a kind. Come for the…

  • Rabanete

    Bahia

    This Trancoso classic, formally known as Portinha, woos diners with a sumptuous buffet (don't miss the dessert spread) and atmospheric seating at tree…

  • Lampião

    Lençóis

    This popular eatery specializes in cuisine from Brazil's Northwest – think grilled meats, fish and chicken, served at cute alfresco tables for two. It's…

  • Souza Bar

    Bahia

    Festive and popular Souza Bar, inside the Tamar Project Station, has a dramatic setting along the rocky coastline. It's a sure bet for fresh clams, crispy…

  • Pai Thomaz

    Bahia

    Pai Thomaz (the nickname of the original owner) opened in 1981 and was famous for its superbly spiced Bahian cuisine. The restaurant closed in 2005 and…

  • Egadi

    Bahia

    This sleek bistro opened in 2018 and specializes in fresh, artful Mediterranean inspired cuisine that utilizes the region's bountiful seafood. There are…

  • Rosa dos Ventos

    Bahia

    Considered one of Arraial's finest restaurants, Rosa dos Ventos offers a short menu of exquisite grilled seafood, perfect cocktails and decadent desserts;…

  • O Coliseu

    Salvador

    This vegetarian-friendly restaurant offers a spread of regional dishes, buffet-style. Lunch is fairly casual, but at night it's a dinner-and-show package…

  • Café das Artes

    Morro de São Paulo

    This pretty cafe-restaurant doubles as an art space; the patio overlooking the square is a sweet spot for a little night music. House specialties include…

  • Du Chef Arte e Gastronomia

    Salvador

    Fresh seafood and upscale plating make the dishes at this swish Barra restaurant pop. You're likely to make the acquaintance of the chef, Lucius Gaudenzi,…

  • Vila Gourmet

    Bahia

    This tropical-style eatery (connected to the centrally located Pousada Sobrado da Vila) serves regional cuisine that’s a cut above the rest – thanks to…

  • Mangue Sereno

    Bahia

    Homemade pastas and creative seafood dishes are locally famous at this lovely restaurant at the pousada (guesthouse) of the same name; the romantic, low…

  • O Cacau

    Bahia

    This beautifully appointed restaurant is a haven for foodies interested in Bahian cuisine. Look for light, modern takes on classic dishes from acarajés …

  • Portal do Mar

    Salvador

    Open all day, with outdoor tables just across the street from the beach, this is an appealing spot for a sunset caipirinha (cocktail made from limes,…

  • Tapioca Caraíva

    Bahia

    Classic Brazilian tapioca dishes spiced up with ingredients like hummus and grilled banana are served in a hip, beachy setting at this popular restaurant…

  • Pelô Bistrô

    Salvador

    The lovely bistro at Hotel Casa do Amarelindo is a sure thing for a gourmet lunch or dinner – the seafood-focused menu features grilled salmon with…

  • Capim Santo

    Bahia

    Dining on the impossibly quaint porch of this old house – or in the beautifully illuminated garden beside it – makes for a memorable evening. Part of the…

  • Andina

    Morro de São Paulo

    Creative Latin American cuisine and cocktails in a lovely treehouse-like setting. Andina is a bit of a hidden gem: to get there from the main square, step…

  • Dona Chika-ka

    Salvador

    Flickering candles lead the way up to a charmingly decorated 2nd-floor dining room, where you can feast on Dona Chika-ka's famous bobó de camarão (shrimp…

  • Barrakítika

    Bahia

    This casual and hugely popular restaurant has outdoor tables, inexpensive set lunches from feijoada (bean-and-meat stew) to peixe frito (fried fish), and…

  • Jony Milanesa Club

    Morro de São Paulo

    If the name wasn't enough of a giveaway, at Jony Milanesa Club you'll find a slew of different varieties of chicken milanesa, as well as burgers and…

  • Bem Te Vi

    Bahia

    At Bem Te Vi traditional Brazilian staples (lots of grilled meat and ample accompaniments) are served up in an airy outdoor dining space that has the feel…

  • Recanto de Dona Sula

    Bahia

    At this local favorite, homemade candies, ice creams and liqueurs are made from regional fruits; the coffee is excellent too. The specialty of the house…

  • Maria Mata Mouro

    Salvador

    The picture-perfect garden patio and elegant dining room are fine settings to enjoy one of Pelô’s top menus. You’ll find Bahian classics, fresh seafood…

  • Sabor da Terra

    Morro de São Paulo

    Excellent seafood is prepared simply or with Bahian spice; fish moqueca and casquinha de siri (shredded crab meat) are excellent. Part of the appeal is…

  • Bar Dos

    Morro de São Paulo

    If you need a break from seafood you can grab a gourmet burger at Bar Dos. The burger menu is varied and relatively inexpensive given the prime location…

  • Minha Louca Paixão

    Morro de São Paulo

    Well-prepared seafood dishes served at elegant (and quiet) waterfront tables make this sophisticated eatery, located at an upscale pousada (guesthouse) of…

  • Cafe do Forte

    Bahia

    Elegantly plated seafood dishes and an extensive menu of fresh juice and coffee drinks can be found at this nondescript spot on Praia do Forte's main drag…

  • Burritos y Taquitos

    Lençóis

    This is a rare chance to get your Mexican fix in rural Bahia: popular with locals, this casual restaurant does burritos, tacos and guacamole, and has a…

  • Cozinha Aberta

    Lençóis

    This gourmet bistro serves fusion dishes from Thai noodles to Indian curries and Italian pastas, all of which emphasize simple presentation and thoughtful…

  • Bastante Elefante

    Bahia

    One of the more popular spots on Itacaré's main thoroughfare is this stylish burger joint that (surprise!) also specializes in vegetarian and vegan…