5 Best Restaurants in Ilheus

Bar Vesúvio is an elegant old-world resto-bar in Ilheus and a favourite haunt of famous Brazilian author Jorge Amado. The historic venue featured in his novel Gabriela and has been a beloved local landmark ever since. Recent refurbishings have retained such a quaint, antiquated ambience.

Expect seafood-orientated Bahian classics dominating the menu, including the hearty moqueca (fish stew) or escondidinho (shrimp stew). If you’re famished, kick-start your feast with their Arabic-style pastries, served with spicy meat stuffing. The outdoor patio overlooking the cathedral is a top spot to sip an ice-cold beer and people-watch.

Bataclan was once the most infamous brothel in Ilheus, now a popular restaurant and museum. The century-old colonial building still celebrates its salacious past. You can tour the historic site, which also served as a casino and cabaret in its 1920s heyday. The bustling old venue was particularly popular with local cocoa tycoons and featured in Jorge Amado’s novel Gabriela.

While the cheeky cabaret shows no longer operate, diners can enjoy a traditional buffet in the old theatre room. On weekends, the spot brims with boozy revellers and live musicians belting out Brazilian folk tunes.

Barrakitika in Ilheus does delicious Brazilian dishes and a few international favourites for a reasonable price. This legendary local restaurant is immensely popular for its affordable set-price lunches, spanning everything from flame-grilled picanha (rump steak) to feijoada (a meat stew with beans). Homesick travellers will be pleased to hear the pasta and pizza are also superb.

While the place packs out with diners during the day, it gets extra lively come sundown. Revellers flock to Barrakitika on weekends to slurp down refreshing cocktails while tapping away to energetic live tunes. Come for the churrasco and the stay for the caipirinha.

Vesuvio Praia is the sleek seaside sister of Bar Vesúvio, a historic venue located in downtown Ilheus. In this oceanfront rendition, you’ll find the same eclectic menu of delectable Brazilian dishes, albeit with the addition of sushi and other Japanese delights.

The sweeping sea views come courtesy of its large sliding windows – it’s a popular spot for a post-beach aperitif. Staff close the windows and crank up the air conditioning on sweltering days to give diners a break from the oppressive Bahian heat. It’s a tad pricier than most Illheus restaurants but worth the splurge.

Cabana Da Empada Praia Sul is a small but popular Brazilian food franchise with 2 locations in Illheus. The family-friendly venue specialises in bite-sized filling-stuffed pies and hearty main dishes. Those with a sweet tooth can top off their meal with a decadent sugar-laced pastry – the doce de leite is a must-try.

The spot is also equally famous for its freshly squeezed juices. Choose from a wide array of colourful concoctions, each blended using locally sourced fruits. Fair prices, consistent quality, and a clean, air-conditioned interior round out the offering at this casual dining spot.