Restaurants, Clubs and Bars in Praia
Restaurants
Gamboa
Excellent quality, both in terms of service and food. The restaurant has live music most weekends often featuring musicians who regularly accompany Cesaria Evora. Situated in Cha d'Areia close to Hotel Marisol and Brazilian Embassy.
O Poeta
Good food and commands excellent views over Prainha and the Baia de Santa Maria and of the Port. Located next to the Portuguese Embassy on the Achada de Santo António.
Punto d'Incontro
Popular Italian restaurant with excellent pizzas. Located on the Avenida Cidade Lisboa, near to the national football stadium, opposite the national library and national theatre/auditorium.
Plaza Park
Good quality meat, fish and pasta dishes, their steaks are recommended. On the Achada de Santo António, across the way from the restaurant O Poeta.
Dragoeira
Highly popular open-air restaurant of locals and their families. It serves pork kebabs and grilled chicken, not one for vegetarians. Located in Meio da Achada.
Sovaco da Cobra
The name means 'Snakes Armpit' but this restaurant is a little gem. Tucked away in the residential area of Terra Branca it serves Brazilian cuisine (particularly beef and chicken) in a charming setting. They also serve Caiparinha cocktails made from local rum, fresh limes, sugar and lots of crushed ice, powerful but refreshing.
Tabanka
Named after a local form of music and dance. The waitresses may encourage you to join in their dance to a lively impromptu beat drummed out on leather cushions and tabletops. Very entertaining. This large open plan restaurant serves grilled meat and fish, pasta and pizza and is found between Meio da Achada and Terra Branca districts.
Quintal da Musica
This is probably the best place to visit if you are seeking local music with your meal. A centre for artists and gastronomes alike there is live music most nights and during the day the instruments are left available for any budding talent to use.
A Falesia
Excellent views onto the ocean and good local food. Situated in Prainha, close to the Hotel Praia Mar. Only open during the day.
Beira Mar
Fish, fish and more fish! Locally caught tuna, wahoo, dorado and grouper are grilled in the restaurant courtyard, truly mouth watering. Situated in Cha d'Areia close to Hotel Marisol and Brazilian Embassy.
Alkemista
Situated above the beach of Quebra Canela, just to the west of Hotel Praia-Mar. Alkemista is a great spot to relax during either the day or night. The pasta dishes are excellent.
Clubs
Cockpit
Open most nights. Popular nightclub with ex-pats and the growing more affluent professional community. Has an open-air courtyard area and as with virtually all Cape Verdean nightclubs the music is a mixture of Cape Verdean, Brazilian, European and American hits with occasional live performances. Entrance is 500 CVE. As with all nightclubs in Praia, you are issued with a card on entry upon which your drinks are stamped which you must present and pay for upon leaving. If you lose your card you must pay a minimum consumption charge. Cockpit is located in Achada Grande Frente roughly between the Port and the airport.
Bomba H
Open Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday throughout the summer. Bomba H attracts a younger crowd and is usually very busy. Entrance is 200 - 500 ECV depending on the night. Bomba H is situated in Tira Chapeau behind the Coca Cola plant.
Flampas
Open on Friday nights and is popular with a more mature set. The music is more salsa and samba orientated. Located within the same building as Bomba H.
Zero Horas
Usually at its busiest on Saturday nights and is popular with the mid twenties set. Entrance is 500 ECV with ladies allowed in free between midnight and 1am. Zero Horas is located in Achada Grande Frente near to Cockpit.
Capitol
Located in Prainha near to the Hotel Praia-Mar. Capitol is the venue of choice of professional Cape Verdeans and tourists staying in the vicinity.
Bars
Gato Negro (Black Cat)
Situated off the main square of Palmarejo. Open till the small hours. This bar has an Irish pub feel to it, but serves mainly cocktails. Popular with the ex-pat and professional community.
K Bar
Upmarket bar that is popular with the ex-pat and professional community resident in Praia. Located at Quebra Canela behind Alkemista.
Relax
Open late. Run by a Cape Verdean-American, Relax is Praia's first MTV bar. Comfy sofas invite you to lounge in front of their big screen TV. Located near to the high school in Praia's chic Palmarejo district.
Cape Verde Coffee Shop
Run by charming Scottish ex-pats. Praia's answer to Starbucks with pastries, sandwiches and great coffee. Located on the main street near to the high school in Praia's chic Palmarejo district.
Cafe Sofia
Popular cafe situated on the small square next to the cinema on the Plateau.
