6 Best Restaurants in Recife, The Northeast

Tio Pepe

$$$ | Boa Viagem Fodor's choice

Specializing in innovative yet traditional dishes, this lively restaurant has loyal locals queuing out the door for juicy portions of carne de sol (sun-dried beef) and porco vulcanico (pork fillet served with a special house sauce, beans, and manioc). The menu revolves around the grill, with a wide variety of fish as well as meat dishes generous enough to be shared. Opt for a table among the tropical plants on the breezy terrace, where colorful tablecloths and eclectic design add to the character.

Bargaço

$$$$ | Pina

For those looking for an authentic taste of Bahia, this pleasant restaurant serves up golden moquecas baianas (fish cooked with onion, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and coconut milk) and flavorful caju caipirinhas (cocktails made with cashew fruit). Service can be slow and the prices are high, so make sure you aren't in a hurry or on a budget when you come here.

Chica Pitanga

$ | Boa Viagem
The wide variety of freshly prepared, tasty dishes at this reliable, per-kilo buffet restaurant makes it a popular choice with business workers and families alike. There is an extensive selection of meats and fish, a sophisticated salad bar, and a dessert counter. While you may need to wait for a table, the lines tend to move quickly.

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Leite

$$$$
For a memorable lunch, look no further than Leite. Since 1882, this Recife institution has served expertly prepared Portuguese classics in a refined setting, where white-coated waiters serve delectable dishes such as bacalão com nata (cod in buttermilk) amid live piano music. Even though its downtown location requires something of a detour, it's well worth the effort.

Parraxaxá

$ | Boa Viagem

Waiters at this popular restaurant wear the bent orange hats of Lampião, a Jesse James–like folk hero who made his way through the interior of northeastern Brazil during the early 20th century. The buffet has a wide selection of the regional specialties that Lampião might have encountered back then. The food is priced per kilogram, so the cost will depend on how hungry you are. Try the amazing escondinho (a wonderful meat and cheese dish), charque (dried beef), and carne sol (brisket).

Siwichi Cebicheria Peruana

$$$
The sophisticated decor, fresh ceviche, and innovative cocktails at this family-run Peruvian spot make for a welcome alternative to Recife's northeastern standards. Highlights include the assorted ceviche, Nikkei tuna with caramalized onion, arroz chaufa (a Peruvian fried rice dish), and decadent churros (doughnuts).