A review of the unique Sodade Restaurant

Sitting on the main square of the sleepy town of Sal Rei is Sodade Restaurant, a unique eatery that also houses a museum! Well worth a visit when staying on the island of Boa Vista.

One of the great attractions of travelling overseas is the opportunity it provides to eat out and sample the local cuisine. The islands of Cape Verde offer a few local specialities such as the national dish, Cachupa, a slow cooked hearty stew with beans, corn kernels, vegetables and fish or meat, commonly served with rice. It’s not only delicious food that Cape Verde “wows” with, but the island of Fogo also produces its own excellent wine! Santa Maria, a bustling resort in Sal has a great variety of bars and eateries, but it is a small restaurant on Boa Vista which really stood out for Karen, our product manager, on her recent visit to this fabulous archipelago. 

Sodade sits near the main square in the sleepy town of Sal Rei, the tiny capital of Boa Vista. It is owned by Ayanna and Cristiano who are related to the owner of nearby charming Orquidea Guesthouse. What makes this restaurant so special is the fact that it is situated in an old Sobrado, a traditional house from colonial times with Portuguese and Jewish influences. The first floor has been retained as a museum known as the House of Memory which can be visited during the day for a small charge and is included in the island tour excursion. For dining, customers are seated in one of the tiny rooms or courtyards which make up the ground floor of this attractive, historical building which provides a feeling of intimacy. Subtle lighting adds to the effect and there’s even a Banana tree! Every Tuesday and Friday from 8pm, live music creates a fantastic ambience and it’s worth booking ahead to ensure you don’t miss out.

During their recent trip Karen and Suzanne started their evening with a popular cocktail, Caipirinha. “Be warned, it’s not for the faint hearted!” says Karen. When it comes to the menu, you can enjoy appetisers of tuna pâté and tomato bruschetta, whilst making your choice from a range of traditional dishes. As with so much of the cuisine across the islands, there is a big fish and seafood influence which is guaranteed to be fresh. Fish pie with broccoli sauce and tuna balls with curry are just two of the tempting options, served with casava or sweet potato chips. The menu also features a Mediterranean catch of the day, that is sure to “wow”. Desserts are equally delicious, if you have room for more! Finish your meal off with a mango tart and ice cream, a mouth-watering combination with tropical vibes! 

To experience the beautiful island of Boa Vista and visit this unique restaurant for yourself, speak to a member of our team today.