Blessed by geography, Belém has one of the richest cuisines in Brazil. In addition to the whole range of Amazon freshwater fish, there are saltwater species, including shrimp and crab. Beef is plentiful, as is buffalo from the island of Marajó.
Tip: On the waterfront the Estação das Docas (tel. 091/3212-5525) has a half-dozen restaurants, waterfront incarnations of some of Belém's best restaurants with locations elsewhere. The specialist in regional cuisine is Lá em Casa . The Cappone (tel. 091/3212-5666) Italian restaurant is a great spot for some pasta or risotto; sushi lovers can have a good meal on the patio at Hatobá (tel. 091/3212-3143); for a steak dinner, consider Marujo Grill (tel. 091/3225-5723). For a quicker regional snack, try the As Mulatas (tel. 091/3212-5300) kiosk for a bowl of tacacá soup, or the Sorveteria Cairu (tel. 091/3212-5595) for ice cream made with local Amazon fruit. You can dine on the waterfront overlooking the river, or inside in air-conditioned comfort. All six are open Monday to Friday noon to midnight, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 2am.
Other Options
The Umarizal neighborhood has a number of excellent dining options. In addition to Trattoria San Gennaro , there's top-quality steak at Picanha e Cia (tel. 091/3224-3343), Rua Bernal do Couto 260, on the corner of Avenida Almirante Wandenkolk. The city's best pizza restaurant is Xícara da Silva (tel. 092/3241-0167), Av. Visconde de Souza Franco 978-A. It's a vast high-ceilinged room with a big pizza oven at the far end. In the evening, the Boteco das Onze (tel. 091/3224-8599), Praça Frei Caetano Brandão s/n, located on the patio of the Casa das Onze Janelas, offers a lively atmosphere, good cold beer, and top-quality Brazilian fare.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
