[FERNANDO DE NORONHA, BRAZIL] — As a still developing tourist destination..and only 450 tourists allowed on the island a day… the restaurant scene on Fernando de Noronha still has some ways to go.  But there are some incredible standouts I tried. And am still thinking about.

About the most dramatic is Merhulhao, right overlooking the harbor. Perfectly positioned to catch the full length of the island at sunset, you just can’t beat the view….maybe one of the best in the world. Clouds, currents, boats sailing in and out, awesome chill music, extremely nice young couple that runs it. Oh…and the food. Perfect, clean, simple seafood. Excellently prepared. Man, the energy of this place is just really remarkable.  And one of the coolest coffee preparations I’ve ever seen….

Some good tips in this Conde Nast Traveler article on Fernando de Noronha.

Ringside seats. Restaurant Mergulhão. Can’t think of a better place to watch the sun set and the schooners and adventure seekers coming in and out of the scenic harbor on #fernandodenoronha in #brazil. The food is as even better than the view.

Said view. Make sure you time the sunset right at restaurant Mergulhāo. One of the best I’ve ever seen.

Now this is some coffee. Pour over before pour over was a thing. Dripped into a dulce de leche-lined cup, served with a side of sunset. At restaurant #mergulhão

The main colonial town itself is…pretty rustic. Didn’t really see many places I really wanted to eat.

Bar do Cachorro

Bar do Cachorro. It’s a pretty quiet island, but I hear this is the place to be during peak season. When check it out one night, just two people. But the waves and views look amazing. Here’s what Travel & Leisure says.

I never made it here to eat, but I hear it gets rocking during peak season, with dancing and the crashing waves.

The main part of the old town is quaint and rustic — typical for most Brazilian towns. But Good Lord, it has to be one of the steepest main streets on the planet…

Did several nights of exploring new places to eat, but really had a hard time finding a better restaurant or better setting than the restaurant right in the Pousada Maravilha. I had outstanding, French-influenced dishes all week, like this murderously rich oxtail and potato gratin. It’s expensive, but the whole island is. So you might as well have a great meal.

The food was great, every meal. Not that many people in the restaurant, so everything was cooked to order.

Breakfast of champions acai. Addicted to the bite. For me, it’s hard to start out a day in Brazil without an acai. There’s a great place in the center of the island, right on the main road, across from the Turtle Center. Nothing fancy, but a great place to plan the adventures for the day.

Ecologiku’s, on the other hand, is a place you want to seek out. Tucked behind the airport, down some slaggy dirt roads, pull your buggy up this little place in the forest. One of the best places on the island, you wouldn’t think so in looking at it. But when the moqueca arrives, you’ll understand. No windows. No screens. Just you, the husband that seats you, the Mrs. who cooks to order, and the forest chirping.

Ecologiku’s, on the other hand, is a place you want to seek out. Tucked behind the airport, down some slaggy dirt roads, pull your buggy up this little place in the forest. One of the best places on the island, you wouldn’t think so in looking at it. But when the moqueca arrives, you’ll understand. No windows. No screens. Just you, the husband that seats you, the Mrs. who cooks to order, and the forest chirping.

Bar Dudarei The absolute perfect spot for a caipirinha on the beach.

For me, it’s hard to start out a day in Brazil without an acai. There’s a great place in the center of the island, right on the main road, across from the Turtle Center. Nothing fancy, but a great place to plan the adventures for the day.

Frommer’s blurb on Ecologiku’s.

Travel & Leisure’s suggestions on the island. 

 Pousada Maravilha menu.