Boa Vista seduces not only with its landscapes of golden sand and dunes sculpted by the wind but also with a gastronomy where African roots, Portuguese heritage and the fruits of the Atlantic converge. On the island, the sea dictates the menu: tuna, moray eels and lobsters arrive at the table almost to the rhythm of the waves, accompanied by Creole spices that evoke the old trade routes. Stews, such as cachupa, tell the story of a people marked by sailors and slaves, while in the local bars, the aroma of grogue and the beats of morna music transform each meal into a celebration of life in Cape Verde.
- The island’s local gastronomy: cachupa, grilled fish and grogue, everything you need to be happy
- Traditional restaurants in Boa Vista: Creole soul in each dish
- Best restaurants in Boa Vista: gastronomy with an Atlantic flavour
- Beachside restaurants: eating with your feet in the sand
- Hotels: the Barceló and other options with excellent gastronomy
The island’s local gastronomy: cachupa, grilled fish and grogue, everything you need to be happy
Boa Vista follows the culinary traditions of the rest of the Cape Verdean archipelago, where fish and seafood are the basis of the diet but with a few differences based on its arid geography and history. Cachupa, the national dish, is served in every corner of the island, a hearty stew based on corn, beans and meat or fish that has fed generations of Cape Verdeans. In Boa Vista, cachupa is lighter than on other islands and is often enjoyed in its “refogada” version for breakfast, with fried egg and chorizo.
Another gastronomic icon of the island is grilled tuna, served with rice and vegetables. The crystal-clear waters of Boa Vista guarantee exceptional quality fish, with varieties such as parrotfish, wahoo, moray eel and grouper, which are cooked on the grill or in stews with Creole-influenced spices. Don’t miss the island’s lobster, a delicacy especially appreciated during the fishing season (October to June), when restaurants offer fresh and tasty dishes.
To accompany your meal, Boa Vista has one iconic drink: grogue, an artisanal rum distilled in the mountains of Santo Antão that is very popular throughout the country. Also common is ponche, a mixture of grogue with honey and a touch of lemon, that is a perfect way to end a dinner by the sea.
Traditional restaurants in Boa Vista: Creole soul in each dish
Boa Vista’s traditional restaurants reflect the essence of the island, with simple but authentic food, where fresh ingredients and Cape Verdean hospitality or morabeza come together to offer you an unforgettable experience.
At Blue Marlin, an unpretentious spot in Sal Rei, the star dish is the fresh fish of the day, prepared on the grill with a side of fried plantain and rice. The atmosphere is relaxed, with wooden chairs and walls decorated with seafaring motifs, and the service is as warm as the Atlantic breeze.
Another classic is Cabo Café, also in Sal Rei, where the cachupa is cooked with a homemade touch and the menu offers typical dishes such as Cape Verdean feijoada and chicken curry. It is a perfect spot to enjoy dinner with live music, with local artists performing morna and coladeira, the archipelago’s most representative rhythms.
Best restaurants in Boa Vista: gastronomy with an Atlantic flavour
Beyond the traditional restaurants, Boa Vista offers quality food for those seeking a more sophisticated experience without losing the authentic flavour of the island.
One of the most recommended restaurants is Morabeza Beach Bar, a stylish place overlooking the sea, specialising in seafood and fusion dishes. Here, you can enjoy prawn curry, tuna carpaccio with passion fruit and grilled lobster, always excellently presented and made with fresh produce.
For a more intimate experience, Perola d’Chaves is a rustic restaurant located on Chaves beach, where Creole cuisine blends with international influences. Its menu varies according to the fish available that day but always includes options such as grouper ceviche, stewed octopus and baked goat meat, accompanied by a selection of Portuguese wines.
Beachside restaurants: eating with your feet in the sand
Boa Vista invites you to enjoy gastronomy barefoot on the sand, in restaurants and beach bars combining excellent food with unforgettable views.
A favourite is Bahia The Beach Bar on Estoril beach, a place with a relaxed atmosphere serving simple but delicious dishes such as fish burgers, tropical salads and fresh fruit mojitos. At sunset, the bar fills up with visitors arriving to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
On Santa Monica Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches on the island, is Boca Beach, a wooden, thatched-roof restaurant where specialties include grilled fish and Creole tapas. Here, the experience goes beyond the food: the sound of the waves and the feeling of being in an unspoilt corner of Boa Vista make your visit truly unforgettable.
Hotels: the Barceló and other options with excellent gastronomy
The large hotels in Boa Vista also offer interesting places to dine, with varied buffets and themed restaurants that allow you to try different flavours without leaving the resort.
The Barceló Occidental Boa Vista Beach Hotel has several restaurants in its facilities, with a special mention for its international and Creole cuisine. At the Praia Blu buffet restaurant and the à la carte restaurant La Tortuga you can find everything from local dishes such as cachupa to more sophisticated options such as seafood au gratin or grilled cuts of meat. Its bars also serve tropical cocktails made with fresh fruits from the island.
Other hotels, such as the Riu Karamboa, also offer a complete gastronomic experience with menus fusing Cape Verdean cuisine with African and European-inspired dishes. At these resorts, the cuisine caters to those seeking exotic flavours as well as those who prefer more familiar options.
