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Africa Cape Verde Cape Verde Dining Café Criolo (Sal)

Overview

Café Criolo (Sal)

The guide was updated: 2024-03-13

Café Criolo doesn't look like much more than a shack when you first catch a glimpse of it, but it happens to be one of the best local restaurants on Sal. Servings are huge, prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is warm and vibrant. The traditional Cape Verdean dishes served here stand out for their exceptional quality — fresh, flavourful and truly authentic. From the divine cachupa to the amazing stews and the to-die-for seafood rice, Café Criolo promises a culinary journey through the finest tastes of Cape Verde.

Useful Information

Address: Between Rua Almicar Cabral and Rua 1 de Junho, Santa Maria
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 7am–10pm, Sun closed
Phone: +238 995 55 28

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Chez Pastis (Sal)

Chez Pastis (Sal)

Chez Pastis is a charming gem of a restaurant, offering Italian cuisine, Brazilian meat, and local fish and seafood. The flavours are simply exquisite, and the setting, a vine-covered courtyard, completes the unique dining experience. Although slightly higher in price, every bite justifies the cost. Given the limited number of tables, making a reservation in advance is highly advisable.

Odjo d’Água (Sal)

Odjo d’Água (Sal)

Perched at the end of Santa Maria Beach, the Odjo d’Água Hotel boasts three dining options. Farolin, a panoramic restaurant, provides breathtaking views of the beach and the Bay of Santa Maria while specialising in fresh fish, seafood, and traditional dishes like cachupa. Esplanada Palha Verde, an uncovered space with parasols above the sea, allows guests to relish aperitifs or meals against the backdrop of ocean waves for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Damfjord Beach Bar, with a focus on tropical juices, serves a diverse menu of drinks and quick-mix dishes, emphasising flavorful wraps.

Barracuda (Sal)

Barracuda (Sal)

Located directly on the gorgeous Santa Maria beach, Barracuda offers a unique and relaxing dining experience where you can enjoy your meal with your feet in the sand. Sourced directly from local fishermen who dock their small boats in front of the establishment, Barracuda guarantees a delightful seaside dining experience amidst the picturesque surroundings.

Café Criolo (Sal)

Café Criolo (Sal)

Café Criolo doesn't look like much more than a shack when you first catch a glimpse of it, but it happens to be one of the best local restaurants on Sal. Servings are huge, prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is warm and vibrant. The traditional Cape Verdean dishes served here stand out for their exceptional quality — fresh, flavourful and truly authentic. From the divine cachupa to the amazing stews and the to-die-for seafood rice, Café Criolo promises a culinary journey through the finest tastes of Cape Verde.

Casa Café Mindelo (São Vicente)

Casa Café Mindelo (São Vicente)

Casa Café Mindelo is a small guesthouse, restaurant, café and bar, located in a beautifully restored colonial building from 1870 in the heart of Mindelo, overlooking the Porto Grande bay. A central meeting point in the city's daily life, Casa Café Mindelo is open from early in the morning to late in the evening. Drop by any time of day for some tasty home-cooked meals, hot coffee, or a refreshing drink in the evening, accompanied by live music.

Sol Doce (Sal)

Sol Doce (Sal)

Located conveniently next to the pier, Sol Doce provides a prime vantage point to witness local fishermen bringing in their daily fresh catches. Offering generous portions at reasonable prices, the restaurant specialises in grilled fish, with tuna tataki emerging as a favourite among diners.

Quintal da Música (Santiago)

Quintal da Música (Santiago)

Quintal da Música is a space that combines gastronomy and culture in the very centre of Praia. Typical Cape Verdean cuisine is served to the backdrop of nightly live traditional music. Nationally and internationally renowned artists have delighted customers here with their music, an experience that keeps them coming back time and time again.

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