Where to Eat in Mindelo: A Food Lover’s Guide to Cape Verdean Cuisine Tickets & Tours & Informataion April 2025

Where to Eat in Mindelo: A Food Lover’s Guide to Cape Verdean Cuisine

Mindelo is a paradise for food lovers, offering a delicious mix of African and Portuguese flavors. From bustling markets to seaside restaurants, the city serves up fresh seafood, hearty stews, and tasty street food. Whether you're craving cachupa, grilled lobster, or a local snack, Mindelo’s dining scene won’t disappoint.

1. Savor the National Dish: Cachupa

Cachupa, Cape Verde’s beloved slow-cooked stew, is a must-try in Mindelo. Made with corn, beans, vegetables, and either fish or meat, it's served in many local restaurants. For an authentic experience, try cachupa refogada (fried leftovers) for breakfast with eggs and sausage—a flavorful start to your day.

2. Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Beachfront Restaurants

Mindelo’s coastal location guarantees an abundance of fresh seafood. Lagosta suada (stewed lobster) and grilled tuna are popular choices. Restaurants along Laginha Beach, like Caravela and Nautilus, offer oceanfront dining with stunning views. Pair your meal with a glass of Portuguese wine or a refreshing local beer.

3. Explore Mercado de Peixe for Local Flavors

The Mercado de Peixe is the heart of Mindelo’s seafood scene. Fishermen deliver their fresh catch daily, and vendors serve grilled fish on-site. Nearby street stalls offer pastel com diablo, a crispy fried pastry filled with spicy tuna, making it the perfect on-the-go snack for exploring the city.

4. Experience Cape Verdean Street Food

For an affordable and authentic taste of Mindelo, visit local food stalls and markets. Try katchor de atum, a tuna sandwich often served with spicy sauce, or find vendors selling feijoada, a rich bean stew. Don’t forget to sip grogue, Cape Verde’s sugarcane rum, for a true local experience.

5. Discover Mindelo’s Best Restaurants

For an upscale dining experience, head to Casa Café Mindelo, known for its fusion of Cape Verdean and international cuisine. For traditional flavors in a cozy setting, try La Pergola. If you’re in the mood for a lively atmosphere with live music, Jazzy Bird is a great spot to enjoy dinner.