RESTAURANTS
There are numerous restaurants on the island, concentrated mainly in the capital, Sal Rei. Many offer fusion cuisine (a mix of Cape Verdean and foreign cuisine), and you’ll find lots of fish straight off the boat (tuna, amberjack, bluefish) and excellent lobster, which should be eaten only during the fishing season (the breeding season is from May to the end of October). Try the traditional restaurants for an authentic local experience.
Prices: you can expect to spend between 20 and 30 euros (2000-3000 ECV) on average. As regards drinks, beer (cerveza) is very popular, especially the pleasantly light Strela, made in Cape Verde, or the Portuguese Super bock. Wine is a little expensive in comparison with the food, but you should try the wine from the island of Fogo, Cha, Sodade or Vinha Maria Chaves, the result of a fine project by the Capuchin Friars of Fossano (Cuneo), Italy.
Below are the establishments currently affiliated with the Boa Vista Fan Card, but follow us to keep up to date!
Izilda
In the village of Bofareira, a quarter of an hour from Sal Rei, time seems to have stood still. One of the few eateries around the square is Izilda, offering an authentic local experience and serving characteristic, genuine Cape Verdean dishes: from the ever-present cachupa to stewed kid, rissois and croquete as an aperitif, as well as pinchos and grilled chicken wings for the village festival.
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Bowlavista
A beautiful garden on the city waterfront, serving vegetarian-inspired dishes, with vegetables mostly grown in hydroponic greenhouses, as well as fish and cachupa revisited. Live music on Sundays and on some weekday evenings. Shop where you can buy home-made jams and soaps, organic cosmetics, a selection of grougue and other spirits.
Sodade
Restaurant in a renovated sobrado, with a charming interior garden. The dining rooms are furnished with pieces from the Portuguese colonial era, and diners can enjoy vegetarian and fish cuisine, as well as an excellent selection of spirits. The Casa della Memoria on the first floor, with entry free of charge for friends of ILB, features fascinating memorabilia from the colonial era, and hosts live music on some evenings, as well as permanent and temporary photo exhibitions.
El Mirador
An inviting Cape Verdean-owned restaurant and pizzeria in the central area of Sal Rei. Tasty pizza with thin, crispy dough and delicious toppings, as well as excellent fish dishes and Cape Verdean cuisine. Set menu available at lunchtime.
Spazio 51
An inviting Cape Verdean-owned restaurant and pizzeria in the central area of Sal Rei. Tasty pizza with thin, crispy dough and delicious toppings, as well as excellent fish dishes and Cape Verdean cuisine. Set menu available at lunchtime.
Churrasqueira Sal Rei
On a beautiful covered terrace overlooking the sea in Estoril, you’ll find this restaurant, run by the cheery Joana. One part of the place has a night-life vibe (there’s also a billiard table), with cocktails and simple dishes, while the other is more of a classic restaurant. At lunchtime, it offers typical local dishes of the day, adapted based on Brazilian and Portuguese traditions, and in the evenings churrasco, skewers of various meats and fish, as well as a range of other dishes, from pasta to pizza and kebabs.
Whale Restaurant
Inside the prestigious White Hotel Oasis Atlantico, it offers typical dishes expertly revisited by the chef and international cuisine of excellent quality. Breakfasts are buffet style with tasty traditional Cape Verdean and international dishes.
Bahia the Beach Club
On the beautiful beach of Estoril, beyond the dunes, the Bahia The Beach Club restaurant offers fine cuisine at lunchtime, with fish, meat and shellfish, and the Italian influence is evident in the pasta dishes and risottos. Delicious desserts, great aperitifs at sunset, super-friendly staff. After lunch, you can relax on the sun loungers or deckchairs (free for restaurant guests).
Morabeza Beach Bar & Lounge Restaurant
Right between the beautiful Praia Estoril and Praia Carlota, a beautiful seafront eatery built with natural, local materials, and featuring a tropical garden. Fish and meat barbecues (self-service on Sundays, with accompanying local and international dishes), great aperitifs, dining under the stars. Parties and live music.
Tourtuga Beach bar & cafè
One of the first establishments to open on the beach in Estoril, it offers local lunch menus, fish, meat and barbecues, and events can be booked. Very popular with families and friends, also for the chance to relax on comfortable loungers after lunch.
