Cape Verde » Dining in Praia

The food in Praia is rich and varied and the base of most dishes is deliciously fresh fish and shellfish. 'Cachupa' is the most typical dish in Cape Verde and can be found on all the islands. Each island, however, adds to it its own special touch. Coconut milk is used in the confection of a great number of sweet meats.

The people of Praia are very demanding when it comes to eating out. Over the last few years there has been an obvious increase in the city's international restaurants, as well as a return to traditional Chilean food, with European and American influences. The range of restaurants means it is possible to find practically anything you might be in the mood to eat. The most popular and fashionable restaurants are concentrated in several different sections of Santiago, and for most of these restaurants it is important that you book a reservation in advance, even for a weekday.

If you prefer a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, the Bellavista area is a good place to go. Here, besides many restaurants offering a wide variety of different types of food, there are wonderful cafes, art galleries, discotheques and theatres. The range of cuisines in this area is wide. If you want to try Peruvian cuisine (highly recommended), places such as El Otro Sitio or La Flor de la Canela will not disappoint you. In addition to the exquisite and exotic Peruvian dishes, don't forget to try the famous Peruvian-style cocktail called the Pisco Sour. 

If what you are after is fish and seafood, try Azul Profundo on Calle Constitución, where both the atmosphere and the food are excellent and fresh. Todo Fresco, located on Calle López de Bello, is another good seafood restaurant, decorated to make you feel as if you are actually sitting in the lounge of a huge boat at sea.

For Mediterranean cuisine, try Tasca Mediterránea. For the best tapas and Spanish ham, try La Esquina al Jerez. In the area of Las Condes, Asian food rules in restaurants such as Anakena and Bali Thai, which also features dancing and singing in the evenings. For excellent Chinese food, try Danubio Azul or Chang Cheng. 

Tosta mista 

Common toasted ham and cheese sandwich and is the most famous food in Praia.