In Salvador, the restaurant scene represents the city’s blend of Indigenous, European and African cultures. The city’s culinary offerings explode with bold flavors and textures, whether in street food or fine dining. Our epicurean adventures included a lively meal at a local bar, classic Bahian dining at a beloved mainstay and an inventive tasting menu at one of the city’s most exciting hot spots. Each offered its own distinct take on Salvador’s rich food culture, and each proved memorable.

Café e Cana Botequim
» Casual Brazilian pub grub in a lively atmosphere

I knew we’d be in the mood for an unfussy dinner after getting out late from a dance performance at the Balé Folclórico da Bahia. Our guide mentioned that the Upper City would be lively on a weekend night, so we followed the music and found Café e Cana Botequim, a glowing bar buzzing with locals and tourists. We were shown to a table in the lofted area and ordered a round of frosty beers, each served in its own bottle-shaped cooler. The meat-centric menu offers various intriguingly unfamiliar main courses (the restaurant’s Instagram page has labeled photos of many of its dishes), but I couldn’t resist a sandwich. I ordered a sort of Brazilian take on a Cuban, with marinated roast pork topped with melted cheese and covered in a mustardy relish of grilled pineapple. Housemade potato chips were a delightful accompaniment. I devoured the deliciously messy sandwich, which was so sensational that I almost ordered another. While I tend to prioritize fine dining on my reporting trips, seeking out casual meals like this is nearly always rewarding. Even I need a break from “tweezer food” every now and then.

Café e Cana Botequim
Rua do Carmo 25. Tel. (55) 71-99181-7314