Browse by Cuisine
Restaurants in Itajai
Showing 12 of 12 restaurantsSignature Dishes
Itajaí's cuisine is characterized by fresh seafood, vibrant flavors, and a comforting, home-style cooking approach. Dishes often feature simple ingredients prepared with care and attention to detail, showcasing the natural flavors of the sea and the land.
Moqueca Catarinense
A flavorful seafood stew cooked in a clay pot with tomatoes, onions, peppers, cilantro, and coconut milk. Typically features white fish, shrimp, or a mix of seafood. It is a lighter, brighter version of the more well-known Bahia-style Moqueca.
Peixe à Camboriú
A baked fish dish, often grouper or snapper, covered in a rich tomato sauce with shrimp, mushrooms, and olives. It's frequently served with rice and mashed potatoes.
Pirão de Peixe
A creamy fish porridge made with fish broth, cassava flour, and seasonings. Often served as a side dish to grilled fish or seafood stews.
Siri à Casquinha
Crab meat cooked in a creamy sauce with herbs and spices, then served in a crab shell. A popular appetizer or light meal.
Pastel de Camarão
Deep-fried pastries filled with shrimp, cheese, and spices. A common street food and snack option.
Sequência de Camarões
A shrimp sequence, offering several different preparations of shrimp in one meal. This could include grilled shrimp, fried shrimp, shrimp scampi, and shrimp in garlic butter.
Local Tips
To truly experience the cuisine of Itajaí, consider these tips for navigating the local food scene.
Visit the Local Markets
The Mercado Público is the best place to find the freshest seafood and local ingredients.
Try a 'Sequência'
Order a 'Sequência de Camarões' for a diverse sampling of shrimp preparations.
Ask Locals for Recommendations
Don't hesitate to ask locals for their favorite restaurants and dishes; they often have the best insider tips.
Embrace the Simplicity
Itajaí cuisine is all about fresh ingredients prepared simply. Appreciate the natural flavors and don't expect overly elaborate preparations.
Pair with Local Drinks
Enjoy your meals with local beers or 'cachaça' (sugarcane spirit) to complete the experience.
About Itajai
Food History
The cuisine of Itajaí is deeply rooted in its Azorean-Portuguese heritage, combined with influences from Italian immigrants and the bountiful seafood readily available from the Atlantic coast. Indigenous traditions also play a minor, yet significant, role. This mix has created a unique culinary landscape that reflects the city's history and geography.
Food Culture
Food is central to the social fabric of Itajaí. Family gatherings, celebrations, and community events all revolve around shared meals. The preparation and consumption of food are often cherished traditions passed down through generations.
Family Meals
Sunday lunches are a sacred tradition, with families gathering to enjoy a leisurely meal, often featuring fresh seafood dishes.
Fishing Traditions
Itajaí is a major fishing port, and the fishing culture permeates everyday life. The daily catch influences menus and culinary traditions.
Festival Nacional do Marisco
The National Seafood Festival celebrates the region's bounty of seafood with cooking demonstrations, tastings, and cultural performances.
Mercado Público
The public market is a vibrant hub where locals and tourists alike can find fresh seafood, produce, and traditional ingredients, experiencing the city's culinary soul.