Restaurants cuisine du monde ÎLES SOUS LE VENT SOTAVENTO

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.

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.

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 !

As you approach this barbecue restaurant, the air fills with the smell of barbecue that whets your appetite. If you like your meat cooked over a wood fire, you've come to the right place. In this typical and popular restaurant, you will be served grilled meat in the open air. The restaurant is very popular with locals and visitors alike, as the food is very hearty and the prices are moderate. On the menu: pork skewers, a chicken dish with chips or grilled tuna. Local atmosphere guaranteed.

An institution in its own right, Café Sofia in the heart of the city remains one of the best places to stroll on Sundays (and the rest of the week, too!). The terrace, set right on the cobblestones, is a great place to enjoy a quick lunch or a mojito in the evening. The menu is quite eclectic, offering colorful Brazilian-inspired dishes, as well as simple burgers and pasta dishes at unbeatable prices. Good to know: Internet access is available.

This establishment located in the heart of downtown is easily recognizable thanks to the blue frescoes that explode on its front. Once through the door, one discovers a shady and colorful interior courtyard where a large palm tree stands, bringing its exotic side and giving a little freshness. As for the dishes, the Tropical serves generous fish dishes, including the famous cod a braz, but we appreciate the effort to ensure that the carnivores are not left out, the menu being largely provided. Eclectic clientele and good atmosphere without fuss.

Close to the Portuguese embassy, it's the meeting place for Cape Verde's elite and celebrities. Situated in the hills, it offers a breathtaking view of the sea, best appreciated at night from its panoramic terrace. The seafood is reputedly excellent, and the grilled octopus a must. Undoubtedly the capital's most iodized spot, O Poeta remains one of the best addresses on the island, with a high standard and a final score that is well above average. Come on a Saturday evening for a musical dinner.

Not far from Prainha, this restaurant is becoming increasingly popular and living up to its reputation. Here you'll be served nothing but fish, expertly grilled over a wood fire in front of you. Grouper, thick tuna steaks, octopus risotto, depending on what's available, of course, guaranteeing impeccable freshness... At the helm is João, the cheerful proprietor, who speaks French and will give you a few walking tips and tell you all about the country. A good address with the satisfaction of eating healthy, good, local food in a place without fuss.

Situated in a beautiful location below Tarrafal beach, this is a restaurant like we like them, close to the sea with iodized compositions on the plate. Fish, shrimp and catch of the day, not to mention traditional dishes such as couscous, are all on the menu. The service is efficient and the atmosphere relaxed. All that's left to do is ask for the bill, which you won't have to fall over yourself to pay, before going for a digestive walk on the warm sand.

Gianfranco, the Italian (and French-speaking) manager is a great local figure, and is very friendly, perhaps this explains in part why his restaurant is so popular. The environment is pleasant and you can eat good pizzas on the terrace, cooked in front of your eyes, with evocative names (Di nôs Terra, Fogo, etc.) The rest of the menu is purely traditional: pasta, antipasti... without forgetting a wide and beautiful selection of wines to accompany everything, Italian style.

Without a doubt one of the most fashionable restaurants in Tarrafal, Maracujá, with its fruity connotations, honors local cuisine with a touch of French inspiration. This is not surprising since the friendly owner lived in Marseille for several years. Octopus, tuna and fish of the day can be found on a sober menu, but it is aimed at all palates. In the evening, several cocktails are suggested including the succulent Brazilian caipirinha , with passion fruit of course. Live music on Saturday night for a lively atmosphere, just the way we like it.

In the courtyard of the magnificent sobrado, large indolent armchairs, under vast tents, offer their arms to you. Even if you don't stay there, you can come and have a drink or a meal. It's hard to resist the call of a caipirinha in such a warm and bohemian setting, reputed to be one of the best on the island. The menu offers all kinds of fish and shellfish specialties, depending on what is available. A place, as its name indicates, to be offered at least once to savor an exceptional moment.

The Tropikal boasts one of the only restaurants on the beach, with its feet in the water. It's a great place to satisfy a small hunger with a snack, pizza or carpaccio, but also to get a front-row seat when the sun goes down. As you'd expect, the setting lends itself to absolute relaxation, fine sand underfoot, cocktail in hand. Enjoy Happy Hour, often scheduled just before night falls. An address that invites you to be in a good mood, to relax and, above all, to get away from it all!

Hurry to Benfica before it becomes too popular. For the time being, this space dedicated to grills (churrasco in Portuguese) is only frequented by locals. The locals love to spend time in a good-natured and relaxed atmosphere, typically Cape Verdean, in front of a cold beer and to taste pinchos (small skewers of pork) or grilled chicken. In the background, there are football games or telenovelas playing non-stop or live music sometimes in the evening. Good, hearty and very affordable.

The restaurant is part of the residence Praia Guesthouse and offers a wide choice of fish and seafood dishes, with local flavours mixed with Portuguese influences. Here we only work with fresh products coming from the market. The menu changes every season.

If you want to eat Brazilian food, visit Sunday, where you can test the rodizio, a rich buffet of grilled meats. Other days, return to portuguese kitchen with a card rich in fish and meat. It is recommended that de na secrete (a steak you cook directly on the burning stone) and especially Terra Mar (mixed grill of seafood and seafood products: tuna, lobster, octopus, mignon, etc.). Maria, the owner is accustomed to receiving in his restaurant the entire elite of the capital. Don't be surprised to see famous Cape Verde singers or even the president of the republic! Every Friday evening, from 20 a. m. to midnight, an orchestra plays a variety of music. Finally, let us not forget the magnificent sea view from the terrace and the French-speaking staff. Good value for money.

Maria's restaurant has a very friendly atmosphere, and the staff are just as cheerful as the owner. People come to Flor de Lis to try typical dishes such as cachupa, friginato and molho Sao Nicolão (a goat meat dish served with sweet potatoes, manioc, millet and a type of local rice called xerem). Don't leave without trying the Cape Verdean couscous, which turns out to be... a dessert! The restaurant has recently undergone a facelift, with a more modern look. You'll also appreciate the lovely elevated terrace.

This modern restaurant is very popular with the locals and is located near the black sandy beach where they usually swim in the late afternoon. The adjacent hotel has recently been expanded. The friendly owner João Pedro leads his team with a masterful hand and will give you good advice. On the menu, seafood products, of course, but also succulent grilled cabrito that titillate the taste buds and delight a loyal clientele.

An address that defies competition. A very friendly atmosphere, an original garden, where you can combine tires, shells… There are huge fish dishes for 4 €. Braised chicken is also to fall on the ground. Zezinho, the manager, is a hilarious and colourful character. A former fisherman, he will explain to you (in French please) what he puts on the plate.