Must-see restaurants in Salvador

  • 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 …

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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,…

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Cuco Bistrô

    Salvador

    This charming cafe is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its Mediterranean-influenced cuisine and modern takes on Bahian dishes. At lunchtime,…

  • Pysco

    Salvador

    Dig into some crispy grilled octopus and a potent pisco sour at this Peruvian restaurant with impressive harbor views. If you want to dine as the sun sets…

  • A Cubana

    Salvador

    One of Salvador’s oldest and best ice-cream shops, with two popular locations in the Pelourinho, and another on Praça Municipal.

  • Casa da Roça

    Salvador

    Come to this nondescript pizzeria in the Carmo area for hearty, homemade Italian staples and strong drinks. The owners are friendly and fun and the…

  • Coffeetown Salvador

    Salvador

    If you find yourself craving pancakes or other American-style breakfast staples try this ultramodern coffee shop just up the street from the museums in…

  • A Cubana

    Salvador

    One of Salvador’s oldest and best ice-cream shops, located at the top of the Elevador Lacerda.

  • Camafeu de Oxossi

    Salvador

    A standard Bahian menu is available at this casual spot on the upper terrace of the Mercado Modelo. Though it's touristy and the food isn't particularly…

  • Caranguejo de Sergipe

    Salvador

    A favorite among tourists, this always-packed restaurant is known for fresh crabs and platters of grilled seafood and vegetables. The service and food can…

  • Caranguejo do Porto

    Salvador

    Another of Barra's seaside hot spots for traditional Bahian food (think moqueca, fresh crabs, empanada-like pasteles, cold beer and caipirinhas), this…

  • Light House

    Salvador

    Tucked away on a quiet block around the corner from the beach, this laid-back place does a self-serve lunch buffet with a range of seafood and vegetarian…

  • Empada Brasil

    Salvador

    This branch of the Brazilian chain is nothing fancy, but it offers porch seating, inexpensive takeout and a decent buffet spread (all you can eat R$22–24)…

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