The best restaurants São Luis

Opened in June 2018 in the historic center, Iza Morena Bistrô is run by the friendly Iza, a local figure well known to the inhabitants of the old center. Here, you can eat a variety of typical Maranhão cuisine, by the kilo at lunchtime (the dishes on offer vary daily). In the evenings, you can sample dishes from the à la carte menu, while sipping a super caipirinha, the secret of which is in the owner's hands. Grilled fish and shrimp, picanha, carne de sol and moqueça are all on the menu, accompanied by skilfully prepared local vegetables. Fair prices and a popular atmosphere.

The SENAC is a veritable institution in many places in Brazil, where chefs have gained international fame. Like the one in Salvador de Bahia, the SENAC in Sao Luis is housed in a place worthy of its reputation. In a beautiful colonial house, the restaurant of the hotel school: a zealous welcome, a long buffet of specialities of the region, includingarroz de cuxae, the local dish made of rice, sesame and small shrimps. Afterwards, we'll have a drink on the first floor while listening to a good pianist.

A base was initially a kind of refuge in an individual for the workers who came to eat there. Today, thanks to the success of this home made kitchen, it has become a real restaurant, but always under the watchful eye of the owner. At Lenoca we serve good fish and the famous crab pie, a specialty of Maranhão. Popular, with a nice view of the Lions Palace.

In 2010 the restaurant went out of São Luis's historic centre to join the Lagoa da Jansen. It has grown, but the beautiful decor and menu remain the same. There is always a lot of atmosphere and delicious fruit juices!

Coco Bambu has several branches in Brazil, all of which are renowned for the quality of the food offered and the neat surroundings. Specialized in seafood, it is the ideal place to enjoy shrimps, lobsters and fish cooked in sauce or grilled, always with a Brazilian touch: sauces and purées with coconut, manioc, passion fruit... the offer is wide. The a la carte prices may seem high, but they are copious portions that can satisfy several people. An experience not to be missed!

We're greeted by Juja, the owner and head chef, in a service room with brightly colored walls (you'd think you were in Salvador de Bahia) and a touch of kitsch. The pleasure is in the place, in the eyes and on the plate. The menu features regional dishes, mainly fish and seafood, presented with inspiration. Special mention goes to thearroz do mar, a kind of paella with lobster, shrimp and crab, as well as the shrimp spaghetti. A very good address.

It is an excellent cuisine from Maranhão but also from other parts of Brazil that you can enjoy here, indoors or not far from the pool, in the cool. The dishes are generously served. The place itself is nicely decorated, the service impeccable and friendly and the plates copious, the risottos in particular (try the one with Italian lemon), or the homemade shrimp fritters (with sesame crust). To be accompanied by one of the many wines on the menu.^Mrs Maristela, the owner of the restaurant, is very attentive to the well-being of her guests.

La Cabana do Sol is a large, pleasant straw hut located near the São Marcos lighthouse. The price of success is that this seaside restaurant is always full, and you'll often have to wait to get a seat (we opt for the Rua João Damasceno restaurant for faster service). Whether you opt for meat or fish dishes, the menu offers several options of typical, tasty dishes. Excellent service. We're greeted with small pasteis in chilli sauce, offered by way of welcome.