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Best Restaurants in Curitiba

Best Restaurants in Curitiba

Parana Brazil Travel Guide

Culinary Overview

Cuisine and Flavors

Curitiba's culinary scene blends traditional Brazilian flavors with People from europe techniques and ingredients. The city values "comida caseira" (home-style cooking) and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients often include pine nuts (pinhão – seasonal), mate (erva-mate), various meats (beef, pork), fresh vegetables, and products from milk. Flavor profiles are typically hearty plus resting, with a balance of not sweet and sweet elements, showing European influence in sausages, pasta, and baked goods.

Dining Customs

  • Meal Times: Lunch (almoço) is the main meal (12 PM - 2:30 PM). Dinner (jantar) typically starts after 7 PM.
  • Service Charge: A 10% service charge is often added to the bill. Customary to pay for satisfactory service.
  • "Comida por Quilo": Popular pay-by-weight buffets for lunch, offering variety for a good price.
  • "Rodízio": All-you-can-eat style for churrascarias (steakhouses) and pizzerias.

Regional Variations & Meal Structures

Regional Identity

Curitiba's cuisine aligns with Southern Brazilian culinary tradition, including churrasco and mate tea. Paraná coast influence (e.g., seafood like barreado) also has.

Breakfast Café da Manhã

A lighter meal typically composed of coffee, bread, cheese, ham, and fresh fruit.

Afternoon Snack Lanche da Tarde

Sometimes a java with a pastry or savory snack.

Important Information

  • Lunch (Almoço) is the largest meal, often a full plate or a "comida por quilo" buffet.
  • Dinner (Jantar) can be a lighter meal at back at home or a more elaborate experience if dining out.

Must-Try Dishes

Signature Dishes

Barreado

A slow-cooked beef stew from the Paraná coast, prepared in a sealed clay pot until the meat shreds easily. Served with rice, pirão (flour paste), and sliced bananas.

It's found in restaurants specializing in Paraná cuisine.

Carne de Onça

A local raw beef dish (similar to steak tartare) spiced with onions, chives, and olive oil. Served on broa (rye bread). A Curitiba original.

It's found in traditional bars and "botecos."

Pinhão

The edible seed of the Paraná Pine (Araucaria angustifolia), usually boiled or roasted. A season-based delicacy (May to July).

Find at markets and incorporated into local dishes.

Street Food & Beverages

  • Pastel: Deep-fried pastry with savory or sweet fillings.
  • Coxinha: Shredded chicken encased in dough, deep-fried.
  • Pão de Queijo: Small, chewy, baked cheese bread rolls (naturally gluten-free).
  • Caldo de Cana: Freshly pressed sugarcane juice, often with lime.
  • Chimarrão: Strong, unsweetened mate infusion, culturally shared.
  • Caipirinha: Brazil's national cocktail with cachaça, muddled lime, sugar, and ice.

Snacks & Desserts

Bolo de Rolo

A thin roll cake with guava paste.

Brigadeiro

A dense, fudgy chocolate truffle.

Dining Options

Fine Dining

Found mainly in upscale Batel and sections of Centro Cívico. These establishments serve contemporary Brazilian, international, and fusion cuisine with sophisticated ambiance.

  • Extensive wine lists.
  • High-upscale dining experiences.

Mid-range Restaurants

Abundant throughout the city, especially in Batel, Mercês, and near shopping malls. A diverse selection of Italian, German, churrascarias, and diverse Brazilian regional food.

  • Many options, including pizzerias.
  • Casual dining for various tastes.

Budget Eateries & Street Food

"Comida por Quilo" buffets are widespread for affordable lunches. Lanchonetes give rapid snacks plus uncomplicated meals. Street food is found near parks, coach terminals, and markets.

  • Pastels and coxinhas are common street food.
  • Affordable plus different options.

Markets & Food Halls

Mercado Municipal de Curitiba

An excellent public market for fresh produce, cheeses, local delicacies, plus upscale items. Features a popular food court.

Feira do Largo da Ordem

The famous Sunday craft market in the Historic Sector also has a varied range of street food stalls.

International Cuisine

Italian

Significant immigrant history.

German

Strong cultural presence.

Japanese

Sushi and sashimi available.

Middle Eastern

Various other foreign choices.

Special Dietary Considerations

Dietary Needs

  • Vegetarian and Vegan: Increasingly available, especially in trendier neighborhoods and "comida por quilo" places.
  • Halal and Kosher: Limited dedicated options. Some major grocery stores might carry specific products.
  • Gluten-Free: Consciousness is increasing. Larger or modern establishments might accommodate. Pão de Queijo is naturally gluten-free.

Communication

Clear Communication

Communicate clearly, using a Translation app or phrasebook.

Choosing places known for natural, fresh ingredients may also assist.

Resources & More

Helpful Tools
Happycow for vegan options (for vegetarian/vegan).
Google Maps reviews for dietary options.
Costela no Fogo de Chão

Slow-cooked beef ribs prepared over an open fire. From Southern Brazilian "Gaucho" culture.

  • Available at churrascarias (steakhouses).
Pierogi / Pirogue

Polish/Ukrainian dumplings, a dish reflecting Eastern European influence.

Found in classic eateries in historical immigrant communities or specialty eateries.

Traditional Beverages

Alcoholic
  • Cachaça (national spirit)
  • Beer (local lagers, craft beer scene)
Seasonal and Festival Foods
  • Pinhão: Sought-after during Festa do Pinhão (May-July).
  • Winter Soups/Broths: Comfort foods due to Curitiba's cooler climate.

Culinary Experiences

Engaging with Food Culture

Cooking Classes & Food Tours

Some local tour operators or culinary schools may offer short-term cooking classes focused on Paraná or Brazilian cuisine.

Explore local bars for Carne de Onça.
Find Food Tours
Farm Visits & Food Producers

For actual farm visits or to see food production, venture outside the city to rural areas or agricultural tourism paths like the Estrada do Vinho.

Typically outside urban area.
Discover Rural Experiences
Food Festivals & Events

Occasional food festivals (e.g., Festival Gastronômico de Curitiba) are held throughout the year. Check local event listings.

Seasonal events celebrate products like pinhão.
Check Local Events

Unique Dining Concepts

  • Carne de Onça: A raw beef dish found in traditional Curitiba bars.
  • "Buffet Livre" (All-you-can-eat): Highly popular for churrasco and pizza, a singular Brazilian dining experience.
  • "Café Colonial": A lavish afternoon tea/meal with extensive cakes, pastries, cheeses, and hot dishes.

Other prominent Foods

Quindim

A bright yellow baked custard made with coconut, egg yolks, and sugar.

Cachaça

The national spirit of Brazil, made from fermented sugarcane juice. The base for the Caipirinha.

Dining Summary

Quality Ingredients

Curitiba values fresh, good ingredients in its gastronomic scene, with a blend of local and Continental flavors.

Seasonal Delicacies

Pinhão (pine nuts) are a seasonal highlight from May to July, widely found in local markets and dishes.

Cultural Influence

Strong Eastern European immigrant influence reflects in popular dishes like Pierogi.

Dining Insight

Exploring Curitiba's food scene means more than just eating; it's an opportunity to immerse in the city's diverse heritage.

  • Don't miss the "comida por quilo" for a short, varied lunch.
  • Try local churrascarias for a genuine Southern Brazilian barbecue.
  • Visit Public Market for a sensory experience of local produce and gourmet items.
  • Be ready for late dinner times typical in Brazil.