The Southeast, Brazil
Paraty's coastal location puts a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. The surrounding "caipira" (countryside) traditions add staples like cassava and corn. The town's fame for cachaça production means it appears in drinks and sometimes dishes.
Expect fresh fish, shrimp, octopus, and mussels. Tropical fruits like mango and passion fruit appear in juices and desserts. Rice, black beans, farofa (toasted cassava flour), and plantains are common accompaniments. Cilantro, parsley, garlic, and onion form the aromatic base. Dendê oil adds distinct flavor. Cachaçan appears in marinades.
Paraty’s cuisine largely mirrors the Costa Verde region. Its focus on fresh seafood and locally produced cachaça stands out. Subtle influences from Minas Gerais, via the Gold Trail, sometimes appear in dishes featuring more pork or cheese.
Often included in pousada stays. Typically a buffet with fresh tropical fruits, assorted breads, cakes, local cheeses, ham, coffee, and fresh juice.
Many restaurants present "Prato Feito" (PF), a fixed-price meal with protein, rice, beans, and salad. "Comida por Quilo" (pay-by-weight buffets) also prove popular.
A rich, flavorful fish or seafood stew. It cooks slowly in a traditional clay pot with coconut milk, dendê oil, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Served with white rice and pirão (thickened fish broth). Find it in most seafood restaurants.
A truly authentic taste of Brazil's coast.
A local specialty unique to Paraty. White fish cooks in a creamy sauce, often with green bananas, which provide an unique sweetness and texture. This offers a distinct flavor profile not commonly found elsewhere in Brazil. Look for it in traditional restaurants within the historic center.
Paraty's unique sweet and savory blend.
A decadent and popular dish. Shrimp cook in a creamy sauce, often enhanced with catupiry cheese, and then appear inside a hollowed-out pumpkin. The pumpkin itself becomes part of the flavorful experience. Many mid-range and upscale restaurants deliver this.
A creamy, rich seafood delight.
Pastel is a crispy, deep-fried pastry with various fillings. Coxinha is a teardrop-shaped croquette typically filled with shredded chicken. Find them in local eateries.
Pão de Queijo are small, chewy, cheesy bread rolls. Açaí bowls deliver a refreshing, healthy snack, especially on hot days. Find them at bakeries and açaí shops.
Paraty presents several upscale restaurants, often within boutique pousadas or as standalone establishments in the historic center. These places focus on refined Brazilian cuisine, fresh seafood, and a sophisticated ambiance. They suit a special evening out.
You will find an abundance of mid-range restaurants throughout the historic center and the Pontal neighborhood. These deliver diverse menus, including traditional Brazilian dishes, Italian cuisine (pizza and pasta are popular), and contemporary fusion options. They provide a comfortable dining experience with good quality food.
Street food appears less prevalent in Paraty’s historic center. For budget meals, seek "prato feito" or "self-service" (comida por quilo) restaurants on the periphery of the historic center or in Caborê. Bakeries are excellent for cheap snacks, fresh bread, and coffee.
Paraty features a small municipal market where you will find fresh produce, fish, and some local products. Visit in the morning for a true market experience. A modern food hall concept does not apply here.
Discover fresh local ingredients.
International cuisine options appear, mainly Italian (pizza and pasta prove very popular) and some Asian fusion restaurants. These mostly locate in the historic center, delivering alternatives to traditional Brazilian fare.
Variety beyond local flavors.
Many restaurants adapt dishes. Look for "moqueca de palmito" and extensive salad bars at "Comida por Quilo" buffets.
Finding purely vegan options takes more effort. Confirm ingredients; focus on fruits, salads, and vegetable stews.
Rice, beans, seafood, tapioca, pão de queijo are naturally gluten-free. Always inquire about preparation and cross-contamination.
Clearly state allergies in Portuguese. A translation card assists in clear communication.
Brigadeiro: Brazil's national truffle-like dessert from condensed milk and cocoa. Quindim: A yellow, baked coconut, egg yolk, and sugar dessert.
Sweet delights to cap off any meal.
Cocada: Coconut candies in various forms, often from street vendors. June Festivals bring corn-based dishes like pamonha and curau.
Local treats and festive flavors.
Many restaurants boast outdoor seating on cobblestone streets, delivering the atmosphere of the pedestrian-only zone. Some establishments feature live Brazilian music, elevating the dining experience.
Pontal neighborhood restaurants often sit directly on the waterfront, delivering scenic views with your meal, especially popular for seafood.
Some local operators deliver Cooking classes focusing on Brazilian or Bahian cuisine, including instruction on preparing moqueca and local seafood dishes. Inquire at your pousada or local tour agencies.
Visits to cachaça distilleries (alambiques) comprise a popular activity. Learn about the traditional production process from sugarcane crushing to distillation and aging. Many distilleries deliver guided tours and generous tastings.
Food tours might focus on visiting cachaça distilleries for tastings or exploring local eateries and markets. The small municipal market delivers fresh produce and some local products.
Brazil's national truffle-like dessert, made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and butter, rolled in chocolate sprinkles.
A party favorite.
Quindim: A bright yellow, baked coconut, egg yolk, and sugar dessert. Cocada: Coconut candies, from chewy to caramelized, often sold by street vendors.
Sweet delights.
Many historic center restaurants provide outdoor seating on cobblestone streets, allowing you to immerse in the pedestrian-only atmosphere.
Service in Paraty remains generally friendly and informal. Enjoy the relaxed pace of dining.
Dining near the waterfront, especially in Pontal, delivers picturesque views of Paraty Bay.
Paraty’s food scene presents an adventure. Taste its history and natural bounty. A few tips can elevate your experience:
