Café Crioulo
Café Criolo
An affordable local spot in Santa Maria for authentic Cape Verdean food, best known for its lobster stew and deluxe cachupa.
Set in a lane just off Santa Maria's central square, this simple, friendly place has outdoor tables on the street. Signature dishes include Creole-style lobster stew, grilled lobster and deluxe cachupa (served on Fridays, reservation required). Also on offer are grilled grouper or tuna with sweet potato rice, and seafood rice, which can be paired with volcanic wine from Fogo. Prices are low and it only accepts cash. Queues are common at mealtimes, so arriving early is advised. Some reviewers feel the seafood is under-seasoned.
Opening hours
Monday–Saturday 7:00–22:00; closed Sundays
Nearby sights
- Santa Maria Beach, Sal
- Santa Maria Pier (Pontão)
- Santa Maria Salt Pans
- Ponta Preta
- Kite Beach (Costa da Fragata)
- Serra Negra Nature Reserve
- Murdeira Bay
- Monte Leão (Lion Mountain)