The best restaurants São Vicente

If you're short of inspiration on a Sunday, when almost everything is closed, head to Calhau for the Chez Loutcha buffet. This is a familiar meeting place for lovers of local cuisine, in a festive atmosphere, with live music and the sea as a backdrop. Cape Verdeans and tourists alike are always keen to take part in the experience, eat well and, above all, dance to African rhythms. To reach the place, it's very easy: a shuttle is available free of charge, like a Sunday excursion.

Run by Marcia, Cusinha D'Terra is a typical gargote, as we like them, with musicians who come and play non-stop on Friday nights. The menu is very basic: salted fritters, soups, fish, chicken, flambéed bananas... perfect for a no-frills lunch. If you don't want to eat there, it's also an accessible space to have a caipirinha or a drink at the counter, surrounded by friendly regulars. Or why not have a breakfast of cachupa and traditional goat cheese, just like at home.

When you dine at Dokas, you're just a few meters from the water and the sport fishing boats, and you'll enjoy impeccable, inventive cuisine. On the menu: real flavors and joyful combinations perfected by the American-Cape Verdean chef and owner. The plates are always appetizing, the atmosphere cheerful and the place has become a kind of canteen for visiting sailors and divers who share their experience of the sea. Naturally, fish, lobster and fresh produce take pride of place.

Overlooking the beach of São Pedro but sheltered from the wind, this bar-restaurant with a rounded shape has a small terrace facing the ocean. The menu, deliberately limited to ensure absolute freshness, offers grills and snacks, and revolves around seafood, lambis stew, octopus or the catch of the day, of course. Home cooking, unpretentious but tasty and of good quality, is served for a very reasonable price. After the meal, why not a little swim with the turtles?

Americo's restaurants in Cape Verde need no introduction, and here's the latest, recently opened in the beautiful town of Mindelo. As elsewhere, the codes of culinary know-how and expertise have been adopted, promising a fine gustatory journey. Pleasant surroundings, competent staff and a good wine list all contribute to the experience. The sophisticated decor is complemented by brightly colored dishes. There's nothing like a more intimate address to try something new and pick up some local fare for an evening. Definitely a great discovery!

A concept that customers love, the atmosphere, the space, the music, the food, the service, the very affordable price, the smile... Casa Tchicau ticks all the boxes! Over the years, the place has become an obligatory stop for all those who want to enjoy a good meal without the fuss in a relaxed environment. There's no time wasted choosing from the menu, the menu is the same for everyone, made up each day of different but always tasty products, and the plates are overflowing with generosity, just like the cook.