Apart from gorgeous beaches (as soon as you leave the main touristy ones), nightlife and vistas to remember, you’ll be spoiled with some delicious food on Morro de São Paulo.
I’ve been twice, and have many local friends who live on the island.
These restaurants will have you asking for nothing else but more.
Chez Max – The Perfect Italian Escape
Located a short walk away from the most lively area on the beach, Chez Max is your charming Italian oasis where you will feel like staying for hours. At night, the lovely lit up patio is your perfect getaway. During daytime, you can have lunch with a sea view and a breeze. The music is great, and live a few nights every week. The service is attentive and personal, making you feel at home, even if you just arrived.
The menu is affordable and consists of a mix of Italian classics and innovative fusions with options for every taste.
Andrea, one of the Italian chefs from Roma, explains how they make their own Mozzarella, Ricotta and Burrata cheese. All of the chefs are from different food destinations in Italy and passionate about what they do.
I try the pizza with Fungi and Burrata and it’s one of the best I’ve ever had. The base is crispy to just the right level. The flavors complement each other perfectly, and the cheese is so creamy that you’ll be loving every bite. Andrea recommends Emiliana and Norma as two other options on the pizza menu, “but all of them are delicious”. By the look of everything that come out while I’m there, he’s right.
I also have the seafood pasta Mare Montti. It’s so tasty that I’m in conflict between not wanting to stop eating because of how good it is, and enjoying it slow since I don’t want it to end.
The desert specialties are Tiramisu and Petite Gateau. You will also find classic Italian cocktails, Italian wines, delicious fresh fruit juices and strong espresso on the menu. I’ve been to Italy several times and and eating at Chez Max takes you right back to the authentic flavors and charm. Everyone I know who’s been to Chez Max loves it, and it might end up becoming one of your favorite restaurants on Morro de São Paulo as well.
Papoula – Different From Everything Else
Stepping into Papoula is like stepping into someone’s home. Someone with a great sense for interior. Colorful, full of personality, and charming details that makes it easy to stay just a little bit longer. It’s a great place for a date night, and the ambiance alone is a reason for coming here.
The concept at Papoula is all about organic. Everything is made right here. You can even purchase homemade jam and salsa to help you remember these carefree island days when you’re back in your reality far away.
The menu presents an exciting mix of dishes ranging from chicken and vegetarian, to fish with tropical fruits. Everything is very fresh, and beautifully presented. While the taste might not blow you away, it’s good, It’s also probably the place with the widest selection for vegetarians, if that’s your scene.
Reserve a table to be on the safe side since it’s always busy. And don’t come here if you’re in a hurry, since the service is charming, but not very quick. No need to stress though, you’re on a tropical island after all… 😉
Jony Milanesa – Authentic Argentinian
This cute eatery is relatively new on Morro de São Paulo’s food scene. The owner is from Argentina and fell in love with Morro on a trip here a few years ago. The interior is arty, with a few charming seats outside.
Jonny Milanesa started as a sandwich shop on the beach, which expanded to include this restaurant. The Milanesas are the stars on the menu.
The concept is simple. Pick your favorite sauce, type of milanesa, and drink to go with it. Mojitos are a specialty of the house. Apart from being tasty, they are always 2-for-1.
We order two different milanesas. One with chicken and bacon sauce, another one with meat and four cheeses. I’ve been to Argentina twice and these are authentic and delicious. Jony Milanesa is a cool place and a great option for food on Morro de São Paulo when you feel like mixing up your Brazilian diet.
La Piscina – Lunch In Paradise
Open until 5pm, La Piscina is your go to place for a lunch in paradise. Situated on the 4th beach, you’re close to the action, but far away from the noise.
Morro de São Paulo has 5 main beaches. The 1st is great for families, the 2nd is known as the party beach, while it gets more quiet from there. The 4th beach is one of my favorites. It’s easy to get to, but still feels so distant from the rest.
The yuca fritters on the starter menu are made with cheese and so good that you have to finish them all once you’ve tried one. The fresh juices are delicious, served containing pieces of fruits. I have the fish with passion fruit as my main based on the waiter’s recommendation. He’s been working here for more than 20 years and smiles all the time. The fish comes out with a mix of traditional sides, each one made to perfection. It’s so tasty.
The house musician at La Piscina has been working here for years. You can tell that he loves his job. He mixes classical songs with some you haven’t heard before, contributing to that tropical vibe only to be found on an island.
While La Piscina is a bit more pricey in comparison with the options downtown, the setting and the generous portions make up for it. The service is great, and it’s so easy to get into holiday mood once you’re here.
Sabor da Terra – Traditional Brazilian Food
Sabor da Terra has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It’s a family run icon which has been around for more than 20 years, back when Morro was a very different place with a more tranquil vibe. The buffet, which you can enjoy for lunch or dinner, is usually the main attraction.
I had some delicious seafood from the à la carte menu here my first time on Morro de São Paulo. This time around we tried the buffet. They offer a great variety on the buffet table, so you won’t leave hungry. The buffet is priced per kilo and a good option if you would like to eat lots of food on Morro de São Paulo to an affordable price. I think the quality of the à la carte was better, though.
The ambiance is casual with great and authentic service. The Caphirinas are very good here, so if you are a fan as I’m, this is a great place to enjoy one or two.
Santa Luzia – Seafood By The Beach
Set by the ocean and beach 3, Santa Luzia doesn’t look that special at first glance. If you pay attention to it, you won’t be disappointed.
Come here for delicious seafood by the ocean. We order the Moqueca mixta, one of my favorite Brazilian dishes, and a few caipirinhas. It comes with traditional sides such as Feijão, rice, salad, and is absolutely delicious. Savory, colorful, and tasty. It’s my first night back on the island, and this meal satisfy all my seafood cravings. And it’s just something about eating by the ocean…
They know how to make Caipirinhas, and the service is excellent. Once you’re done you’re in a great position for a boardwalk along the beach with the waves as your soundtrack.
Cafe Do Morro – The Best Coffee
Next to the plaza, where the main street to the beach starts, you’ll find Cafe Do Morro. This is more of a cafe than a restaurant, but it’s the best coffee on the island so it deserves to be mentioned. I’ve tried the majority coffee shops and this one is really good. The cakes, beautifully presented next to the cashier, are made right here too.
Cafe Do Morro works with a local who produces craft beer in different flavours. They were the best I’ve had on Morro, but there aren’t that many options that serves craft beer here yet though.
If you get one of the few tables outside, this is the perfect place for people watching while taking in the island’s vibe. Inside is not a bad idea either, they often have a musician working his guitar from 7pm onwards. I did not eat here this time but have heard that the food is great too.
More amazing food on Morro de São Paulo
So much food, so little time. I’ve heard that these places are great too, but did not get the chance to try them this time around:
- Basílico: Amazing Italian food, some describe it as the best restaurant on the island.
- Restaurante Canoa: Beautiful setting on the beach. Italian, and supposedly also amazing.
- Cantina Barolo: Located by the third beach. Sea views, cute decor, and authentic Italian food.
- Café das Artes: Traditional Brazilian food, with views of the plaza. Rumors say that the Moqueca and the banana puré will make you happy.
Have you been to Morro de São Paulo and tried any of these, or do you have other tips? Comment, or feel free to contact me directly.
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