The best restaurants Cape Verde

Quality, freshness of products and conviviality are the watchwords of this restaurant run by Lourdes, a French-speaking Portuguese woman. At the stove while her husband Carlos goes fishing for the fish that will be served in your plate, she has created a family spirit mixed with a summer atmosphere. Her famous sweet crepe or the Macarena with caramelized apple is a real treat. However, fish is the speciality of the place and Carlos can organise big game fishing trips for you. The grilled tuna is memorable, but the tataki has recently dethroned it.

Étienne and his wife run an excellent restaurant appreciated by Cape Verdeans and foreigners alike. With the help of his team, Étienne has perfected dishes inspired by Cape Verde and the Mediterranean, with a touch of Africa in reference to Burkina Faso, the chef's country of origin. The result is a delicious cuisine based on local products such as octopus, always tender, and carefully selected shellfish. We also love the flower-filled terrace under the pergola, the rustic setting and the location just a stone's throw from the sandy beach.

La Caleta's team welcomes you with a smile and attentive service, facing the ocean, for lunch, snacks or dinner, while enjoying the lively street life. Seafood, fish, tapas and vegetarian dishes are all on offer. For the curious, there's a choice of cheese or Cape Verdean bafas to accompany a Fogo wine. But the score would be incomplete without mentioning juices such as banana-coconut and the various types of homemade toast offered by Caleta. A must-try!

Far from the hustle and bustle of the capital, yet so close, you can be surprised by the soft music of the ebb and flow of the waves and the wind that shakes the palm trees. On the small cove of Prainha, this "feet in the water" restaurant promises you an experience so radically cool that some people make it their canteen. High quality extra-fresh fish, delicious desserts and caipirinha galore accompanied by cod croquettes (among others) will make you have a good time in a vacation atmosphere. Live bands and entertainment on weekends.

Before moving to Fogo, Roberto Romano, originally from the land of the boot, ran an Italian restaurant on the island of Sal. His new address has become one of the best restaurants on the island, but the problem is that it is very difficult to reach: as a result, taxis sometimes refuse to take you there. The cuisine has a sea flavour with a wide choice of fresh fish (depending on the day's arrival) which can be accompanied by a small local wine. Not forgetting the divine carpaccios which are the house specialty.

This restaurant-cafeteria has quickly become a reference at the bottom of the beach, for its varied offers of fresh fish, especially octopus, seafood and other delights. A small haven of peace with its feet in the water, in all simplicity. You can hear the sound of the waves right at the edge. You must try the delicious lemon pie prepared by Rose. You can also enjoy a list of drinks and desserts. Another highlight of the French-speaking Roberto: 2 rooms for those who don't want to take off. On Sundays, the party on the beach is very picturesque.

The 5al da Música? Everyone knows it: it's THE emblematic Praia venue where Alia Dos Santos welcomes you in a delightful musical atmosphere. The establishment offers a concert every evening. Some locals don't hesitate to dress up to applaud the artist of the day. Caldeirada and chevre are the main dishes. The red-painted walls highlight the black-and-white photos of musicians. Reservations are essential, especially at weekends, as seating is limited. Not to be missed on any account when you visit.

Located on the pedestrian street opposite the church, the famous Americo's boasts the distinction of having been the very first restaurant to open its doors in Santa Maria. It has undergone several renovations to become this beautiful, modern, designer restaurant. It's a 100% Cape Verdean, family-run establishment with 3 dining rooms, specializing in lobster (November to May), grilled meats and fish, not forgetting meats (beef matured in a Josper oven). It also boasts the country's largest wine cellar.

Just above the waves that break on the beach, it is the best spot in Sal at cocktail time. Especially since the beer and other drinks are about the same price as elsewhere. As far as meals are concerned, we take the opportunity to discover the specialities of buzios grelhados, calamari or lobsters, depending on the arrival. It is thus also a very good restaurant of European level with impeccable and attentive service. A varied menu guarantees an original and quality meal, rocked by the surf. You're sure to fall in love with the food and the atmosphere.

As the name aptly suggests, it's all about seafood! Right across from the harbor, you can savor typical cuisine. Shrimp, lobster, fried or grilled catch of the day and steaming caldeirada are cooked to perfection, but there are also snacks, tapas and grilled meats to satisfy every craving. Live music concerts are held almost every day. You can check out the monthly program on their website, but nothing beats the surprise of a Cape Verdean artist.

The establishment is run by the Venetian Adriano, omnipresent, communicative and voluble (he speaks a little French or else with his hands) who will be happy to talk with you. His pizzas are crispy and delicious, cooked in the oven imported directly from Italy, "the Ferrari of pizza ovens". You can enjoy your pizza on the pleasant upstairs terrace with its Venetian fresco as a backdrop. To finish the meal as it should be, we opt for a very good creamy ice cream, Italian style of course. Buon appetito !

For the freshest fish, head to George's. George is the head chef, who prides himself on being an authentic self-taught chef who specializes in seafood products, creating grandmotherly recipes that are nonetheless delicious. The place is unsophisticated, but the warm welcome makes up for the simplicity of the setting. On the stove side: the succulent Portuguese caldeirada (fish casserole), shrimps, carpaccio and octopus... lobster lovers, you've also come to the right place!

Elvis Gomes and Zoé run a crêperie-bar on the beach, a kind of cabanon that enjoys a perfect oceanfront location. The place is ideal for kitesurfers and hikers looking for a break after the joys of sport. Generous and attentive, Elvis concocts tasty snacks such as chocolate banana pancakes, as well as more substantial dishes (grilled fish, octopus, moray eel...), all at very reasonable prices. You'll appreciate this moment of peace overlooking the sea, with your toes fanning out in the sand.

Probably one of the best cafés in Santa Maria. Subtropical ambience, with recycled pallets for seating, brightly colored cushions, plants galore and a roof made of dried palms. The team also provides books in several languages, ideal for spending a cool moment. The establishment is completely sheltered inside, but tables are also set out on the street. Tuna dishes, vegan dishes, mixed salads, smoothies, ice creams with exotic flavors, all made with organic products, and only organic products.

Anabel's is a place that is still hidden, but which is just waiting to be discovered. We go there to have a breakfast, taste the pancakes and fill up with energy. Sweet tooths will be in for a treat with very fun creations, including the great house specialty, the colorful ice roll in all flavors. Fruit smoothies and egg and bacon bagels are available at all hours, for the most delicious snack. Fantastic brunch and good atmosphere on Sunday.

5 minutes from Assomada and Achada Lem, 10 minutes from Serra Malagueta Park, this table offers the best value for money on the road to the north. An ideal anchorage point for lunch or just a meal break, or even an aperitif in the direction of Tarrafal. Held by Magali, a Cht'i with a big heart, the restaurant on the Côté de France (which also offers 4 rooms) will make you spend a pleasant and inexpensive time thanks to dishes masterfully prepared by its chef.

Cocooning atmosphere for this small restaurant, victim of its success, which changed owners in 2022. Of course, it does not compete with the trendy establishments, but its cheerful team, always attentive, cheerfully orchestrates the service. This restaurant, sheltered from the crowd and 5 minutes from the center of town, offers fresh and seasonal products, starting with the delicious "poke bowls", very much in the air of the time. Singer and guitarist are there for the romantic touch. In short, a place without fuss, as we like them.

This well-regarded restaurant, with its cleverly designed décor, is a cross between a tavern and a family home, serving Creole, Portuguese and European cuisine. The menu is varied and there's something for everyone, including vegetarians. A special mention goes to the excellent filet mignon with mustard sauce, which takes on the air of French cuisine. To top it all off, we'll guide you through the wine list, a selection that includes some of Fogo's finest wines. There's no atmosphere without music, so the house ensures that a live artist is on hand every evening.

The Atlantis restaurant, orchestrated by Vera, offers a breathtaking view of the sea. At lunchtime, salads, pasta, carpaccio and light dishes are served on a magnificent terrace on the beach, where you can enjoy the fresh air. In the evening, the restaurant takes on a more refined decor, and it's in this setting that you'll enjoy tasting specialties of meat, fish, shellfish and lobster in season. Prices are very reasonable, given the quality of the dishes, ambience and service. A great experience guaranteed!