Trancoso is one of the most charming and authentic destinations in the Brazilian coast. Every year, thousands of tourists from Brazil and abroad disembark in the village in search for its chilled out atmosphere, lush nature and that unique warmth of Bahia.
Those who arrive in Trancoso though are also surprised by a rich and eclectic gastronomic scene, with wonderful restaurants that serve from regional dishes that imprint the originality and traditions of the village, to international recipes with first-rate ingredients.
A journey through the best restaurants in Trancoso is an essential part of a trip to the village. That’s why we share with you now a list of the main restaurants, those that you can’t miss during a visit to Trancoso.
Don’t forget to book your table in advance as these restaurants can get very busy, especially during high season. Bahia Homes guests are fully supported by our team of concierges, who, in addition to making reservations at bars, restaurants and beach clubs, also recommend the best tours and activities in the region. Talk to one of our consultants and get to know our services and rental houses in Trancoso.
TRANCOSO’S MUST GO RESTAURANTS
Capim Santo Restaurant
Located on a small alley at the entrance of the Quadrado, the Capim Santo is one of the most traditional restaurants in Trancoso. Opened in 1985, on a Santo Reis day, the place is today one of the main gastronomic attractions of the village.
Founded by a couple from the first wave of travelers to rediscover Trancoso in the 70s, the Capim Santo is currently run by the couple’s daughter, the renowned chef Morena Leite.
The restaurant serves light and healthy dishes with many local ingredients. The recipes are original and are mainly based on fish and seafood. Be sure to try the prawns in the Thai curry with coconut milk.
Address: R. do Beco, 55 – Quadrado | Opening hours: from 7pm.
Maritaca Restaurant
With cheerful colors and charming decor, Maritaca is a must for anyone visiting Trancoso. The restaurant offers everything from super tasty thin edge pizzas to various dishes such as pasta, meat, seafood and risottos. The desserts are also divine, with the guava souffle promising to make the memories of your vacation in Trancoso even sweeter.
With a wood-burning oven right in the center of the room and large windows overlooking a tranquil square, Maritaca’s atmosphere is one of the highlights of the place. The team, made up of employees with over 20 years of experience, guarantees an intimate and welcoming experience.
Address: R. do Telegrafo, 388 | Opening hours: from 6pm
Cacau Restaurant
Located at the end of the Quadrado, next to the São João Batista Chapel, the Cacau Restaurant is a mandatory stop in Trancoso. The place is located on a large land full of native forest and offers a charming and sophisticated environment that goes beyond the gastronomic experience.
The Cacau is run by Dora Miranda, from Salvador, who moved to Trancoso in the 1980s. Dora opened the restaurant in 1999, which quickly became one of the classics of the Bahian village.
Be sure to try the traditional crab cone with palm farofa, for starter, and the shrimp with rice in banana leaves and coconut milk. Simply divine.
Address: Praça São João Batista – Quadrado | Opening Hours: from 14h
Uxuá Restaurant
Hidden between the historic houses and the vegetation of the Quadrado, the Uxuá goes almost unnoticed by most passersby. Make no mistake though: this is one of the best restaurants in Trancoso.
Chef Érico Dias is in charge of the kitchen, which serves Brazilian flavours with French techniques. Among the must-try dishes are the mango risoto with prawns flamed in cachaça and roasted coconut crunch; octopus with red rice, peppers, oyster sauce and smoked paprika.
The exceptional service provided by the team, combined with the cozy atmosphere and the impeccable decor inherent to the Uxuá’s trademark complete the experience.
Address: Praça São João Batista – Quadrado | Opening Hours: from 1pm.
FOR A LUNCH AT THE QUADRADO…
Silvana & Co. Restaurant
Located in one of the historic houses of the Quadrado, the Silvana & Cia Restaurant is one of the oldest in the village, operating in the same place since 1981.
Led by chef Silvana, a native of Trancoso, the restaurant’s tables are arranged under a beautiful almond tree, offering the ideal setting for that relaxed lunch with no time to end up with family and friends.
The restaurant’s main dishes are the moquecas, which serve two people, as well as the famous banana leaf fish, but there are many other flavors to be explored.
Address: Praça São João Batista, 150 – Quadrado| Opening Hours: from noon.
Rabanete Restaurant
The Rabanete is a simple and informal restaurant located in the Quadrado. There, the meal is enjoyed under the shade of the trees while watching life happen in the center of Trancoso.
The restaurant works on a pay-by-weight concept, with dishes prepared on a wood stove. The Rabanete is the perfect place for a quick and relaxed lunch. In addition to the selection of hot dishes, there is also a huge variety of desserts. Make sure to try them out.
Address: Praça São João Batista, 308 – Quadrado | Opening hours: every day from noon.
FOR A SENSORY EXPERIENCE…
Floresta Restaurant
Recently launched, the Floresta is the newest development by Fernando Droghetti, owner of Jacaré. Located in the middle of a 400-hectare rubber forest in the Rio da Barra, it offers a sensory experience that goes far beyond gastronomy.
The tables are arranged under the trees and there are several elements to be explored by guests, such as hammocks, hanging frames and resting areas.
The kitchen is 100% Brazilian and led by chef Jandira, Jacaré’s partner for many years.
The restaurant opens only three days a week, serving one dish each day. Friday is shrimp bobó day; Saturday is feijoada; and Sunday of roasted ham.
Address: Rio da Barra | Opening hours: Friday, Saturday and Sunday only from 2pm.
Tartarugas Bar & Restaurant
Located inside the Terravista Condo, on top of the cliffs, the Tartarugas Restaurant is the perfect destination for those who want to have lunch and spend the day by the beach.
The panoramic view of Bahia’s sea, the constant gentle breeze and the welcoming service promise a wonderful experience.
The Tartarugas Bar and Restaurant opens at 11 am and is open by reservation only.
Address: from Trancoso, km 18 Condomínio Terravista Vilas Praia das Tartarugas | Opening Hours: from 11am.
THE BEST ACARAJÉ IN TRANCOSO
Acarajé da Chica
Located on a corner a bit further away from the Quadrado, the Acarajé da Chica is considered by many to be the best acarajé in Trancoso.
The restaurant is simple yet original. The kitchen is run by the native Chica and her girls, who prepare acarajés and other northeastern snacks such as dried meat portion, cassava and assorted broths.
To go with it, the menu has a good selection of natural juices, or, even better, cold beers.
Address: Rua Alfa 1593 (next to the UPA) | Opening Hours: from 6pm
TO HAVE DINNER WITH SOME DRINKS…
Jacaré Restaurant
With a cool atmosphere and an excellent selection of national and international dishes, Jacaré is the ideal place to gather friends for a dinner with no time to end.
Located on a corner facing the entrance to the Quadrado, customers have the option of enjoying a drink with appetizers in the lounge, or a more elaborate dinner in the lounge. The extremely attentive staff makes the experience even more pleasant.
Among the unmissable delights at Jacaré are the salmon tartar, the steak au poivre with fettuccine in butter and sage and the Uruguayan parrilla. The nutella cheesecake with red fruit sauce is the right recipe to end the night with a golden key.
Address: R. Carlos Alberto Parracho, 121 | Opening hours: from 7pm.
El Gordo Restaurant
Another restaurant with a super cozy and charming atmosphere in the Quadrado.
El Gordo is located by the pool of the hotel of the same name and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the sea. The Chef Wladimir Umezu has been in charge of the kitchen for over 15 years, preparing authentic recipes influenced by the Mediterranean, Brazilian and Asian cuisines.
The menu is very diverse and the flagships include dishes based on fish and seafood, as well as special meats. Owned by a Portuguese businessman the menu features some Portuguese classics such as Polvo a Lagareiro and Bacalhau a Gomes de Sá.
El Gordo also has a cool bar with a great selection of drinks, making it a good option for that afternoon of cocktails by the pool, or a happy hour in the late afternoon.
Address: Praça São João Batista – Quadrado | Hours of Operation: from 1pm
Ginger
Located in the Beco do Quadrado, right next to the Capim Santo Restaurant, Ginger is one of Trancoso’s trendiest bars.
The indoors area is very small (there are only two tables), but the best thing here is to stay at one of the improvised tables outside, set up between poufs and cushions.
Ginger’s drink list is very complete, with attention to the Gin based cocktails. To eat, the owner of the place, Ana, always prepares daily menus with fresh ingredients from the region. Every day there is a delicious surprise to combine with your cocktails.
Address: R. do Beco – Quadrado | Opening hours: from 7pm.