18 Must-Visit Restaurants in São Tomé: A Traveler's Ultimate Dining Guide

São Tomé, the vibrant capital of São Tomé and Príncipe, is a culinary treasure trove where African, Portuguese, and tropical flavors create unforgettable dishes. From fresh seafood and calulu (smoked fish stew) to gourmet tasting menus, the island's restaurants cater to every palate. Here's a curated guide to 18 standout dining spots —with essential info for travelers seeking authentic and memorable meals.

1. Papa-Figo

• Location: Ave Kwame N'Kruma, São Tomé City Center

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Seafood, International

• Atmosphere: A bustling, modern hotspot that transforms into a lively nightlife venue with live music, attracting locals, expats, and tourists.

• Must-Try Dishes: Massada de cherne (grouper pasta), tábua de petiscos (appetizer platter), grilled choco (cuttlefish), chocolate mousse.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.2/5 on TripAdvisor, praised for fresh seafood and vibrant vibe.

  • Tourist-friendly with card payments, Wi-Fi, and English menus.

  • Recent reviews note occasional slow service or inconsistent dishes (e.g., "oily rissóis"), but cherne grelhado and arroz à São Tomé are "fabulous."

• Traveler Tips:

  • Arrive early for dinner to avoid weekend crowds.

  • Stick to seafood specials for the freshest flavors.

  • Book via +239 222 2111 for groups.

• Why Visit?: Papa-Figo is a São Tomé institution, offering authentic cuisine and a social atmosphere, ideal for a lively, flavorful evening.

2. 90 Graus Esplanada Bar

• Location: São Tomé City (~0.59 km from center)

• Cuisine: Pizza, Bar Food, São Toméan

• Atmosphere: A casual open-air terrace with a relaxed island vibe, perfect for laid-back meals or drinks near the city center.

• Must-Try Dishes: Stone-oven pizzas, fried calamari, local cocktails.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.1/5 from 18 reviews, lauded for quality pizzas and prompt service.

  • Affordable and tourist-friendly with phone charging spots.

  • Occasional ingredient shortages (e.g., cheese) noted in 2024 reviews.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Expect slow service due to the "leve leve" pace; plan for leisurely visits.

  • Cash is preferred, as card payments may be unreliable.

  • Visit for lunch to enjoy the terrace's daytime vibe.

• Why Visit?: 90 Graus is a budget-friendly gem for pizzas and local bites, offering a chill setting for travelers exploring São Tomé.

3. Pico Mocambo

• Location: São Tomé City

• Cuisine: São Toméan, International

• Atmosphere: A trendy, welcoming spot with modern decor, a lively bar, and upbeat music, creating a fun, social vibe.

• Must-Try Dishes: Tuna with black pasta, fish hamburger, cocoa mousse, maracuja rum cocktails.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.5/5, often called São Tomé's best restaurant for its "feel-at-home" service and flavorful dishes.

  • Exceptional staff, with reviews praising the fun atmosphere and live music.

  • Popular for both dining and drinks, especially in the evening.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Visit after 7 PM for live music and cocktails; book via +239 991 2345 for peak times.

  • Try the grapefruit cocktail for a refreshing twist.

  • Central location, near Pestana São Tomé.

• Why Visit?: Pico Mocambo delivers top-notch food and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must for travelers seeking a memorable night out.

4. Xquizeat

• Location: At Pico Mocambo, São Tomé City

• Cuisine: São Toméan, European, Contemporary

• Atmosphere: A stylish, refined dining space within Pico Mocambo, offering a modern yet relaxed vibe with creative flair.

• Must-Try Dishes: Seafood platters, modern calulu, tuna with black pasta.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.9/5 from 27 reviews, hailed as "the best food on São Tomé" for its fine-dining quality.

  • Creative dishes elevate local ingredients, earning "divinal" praise.

  • Shares Pico Mocambo's lively staff and music-filled ambiance.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Request a quieter table for a calmer meal; book with Pico Mocambo.

  • Evening visits maximize the vibrant atmosphere.

  • Check daily specials for fresh catches.

• Why Visit?: Xquizeat offers exquisite São Toméan cuisine with a contemporary twist, perfect for foodies seeking a refined dining experience.

5. Xico's Café

• Location: São Tomé City (~0.09 km from center)

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Café Fare

• Atmosphere: A cozy, homely café with a warm vibe, filled with coffee aromas and occasional cultural events.

• Must-Try Dishes: Signature coffee blends, homemade pastries, seafood salads, breakfast sandwiches.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 3.8/5 from 44 reviews, praised for delicious coffee and local charm.

  • Central location near Baía de Ana Chaves, ideal for sightseeing breaks.

  • Fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a cultural hub vibe.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Visit weekdays for a quieter experience; weekends are busier.

  • Try daily pastry specials for seasonal treats.

  • Cash is recommended.

• Why Visit?: Xico's Café is a charming spot to savor São Tomé's coffee culture and light meals, offering a cozy retreat for travelers.

6. Restaurante Bar ZIMA

• Location: São Tomé City

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Bar Food, International

• Atmosphere: A lively, casual bar-restaurant with upbeat music and a social vibe, popular for its energetic evenings.

• Must-Try Dishes: Grilled fish, calulu, fried bananas, caipirinhas.

• Highlights:

  • Noted as a top bar in São Tomé, offering affordable São Toméan dishes and international bar fare.

  • Likely a local favorite for its accessibility and vibrant atmosphere, though specific reviews are limited.

  • Great for casual dining or drinks with friends.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Evening visits are best for the lively bar scene; arrive early for tables.

  • Cash is preferred; card payments may be unreliable.

  • Ask about live music or events, common at similar venues.

• Why Visit?: ZIMA combines local flavors with a fun bar atmosphere, ideal for travelers seeking a social, affordable meal.

7. Sabor Divino

• Location: São Tomé City

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Portuguese, African

• Atmosphere: A cozy, intimate restaurant with homestyle warmth, featuring simple decor and a family-like vibe.

• Must-Try Dishes: Calulu, grilled seafood, feijoada (bean stew), banana fritters.

• Highlights:

  • Known for hearty, authentic São Toméan and Portuguese dishes, emphasizing fresh ingredients.

  • Affordable and approachable, appealing to locals and tourists.

  • Limited reviews suggest a focus on homestyle cooking, typical of São Tomé's smaller venues.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Cash is preferred; check for card availability.

  • Visit for lunch or early dinner for a quieter experience.

  • Ask for daily specials for seasonal dishes.

• Why Visit?: Sabor Divino offers a comforting, authentic taste of São Tomé's soulful cuisine in a welcoming, unpretentious setting.

8. Carambola

• Location: São Tomé City, near PNUD

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Portuguese, Fusion

• Atmosphere: A cozy, culturally rich space with simple decor, soothing music, and a focus on local charm.

• Must-Try Dishes: Polvo à lagareiro (octopus with olive oil), grilled fish, passion fruit juice, caipirinhas.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.8/5 from 22 reviews, praised for "flavorful" food and fresh juices.

  • Exceptional service from Dona Elsa, with souvenirs for guests.

  • Affordable (~€12/person with drinks) and high-quality seafood.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Book ahead for groups (+239 990 1234); space is intimate.

  • Try daily juice specials for seasonal fruits.

  • Ideal for lunch or dinner.

• Why Visit?: Carambola blends São Toméan and Portuguese flavors with heartfelt service, offering travelers an authentic, flavorful meal.

9. O Pirata

• Location: Avenida Marginal 12 de Julho, São Tomé (near Pestana Ocean Resort)

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Seafood, International

• Atmosphere: A casual oceanfront restaurant with a breezy terrace, offering a relaxed vibe with sea views.

• Must-Try Dishes: Polvo with tartar sauce, grilled fish, egg-and-bacon breakfasts.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.1/5 from 210 reviews, praised for its oceanfront setting and seafood.

  • Great for breakfast or dinner, though some note inconsistent service or dish availability.

  • Affordable (~€15/person) with a mix of local and international fare.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Visit for breakfast or sunset dining for the best views.

  • Cash is recommended; service can be slow.

  • Stick to seafood to avoid availability issues.

• Why Visit?: O Pirata's scenic terrace and fresh seafood make it a traveler favorite for a relaxed, coastal dining experience.

10. Dona Teté

• Location: São Tomé City (near Pantufo)

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Seafood

• Atmosphere: A rustic, open-air esplanada in a lush garden, offering a "leve leve" vibe with homestyle charm.

• Must-Try Dishes: Grilled choco, peixe andala, mousse de manga, banana frita.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.4/5 from 337 reviews, called "top" for its grilled seafood and relaxed setting.

  • Famous for its quintal (garden) dining and authentic dishes (~€11-12/person).

  • Some find it hard to locate; look for signs after Pestana São Tomé.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Reserve via +239 990 4353; ask about daily menu.

  • Visit for lunch to enjoy the garden setting.

  • Cash only; expect a leisurely pace.

• Why Visit?: Dona Teté is a São Tomé legend, offering delicious homestyle seafood in a charming, rustic garden.

11. Filomar

• Location: São Tomé City

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Portuguese

• Atmosphere: A no-frills, welcoming restaurant with a focus on local cuisine, popular with both locals and tourists.

• Must-Try Dishes: Grilled fish, calulu, fried bananas.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 3.6/5 from 199 reviews, noted for affordable, authentic dishes.

  • Central location makes it convenient for city exploration.

  • Consistent quality, though simpler ambiance compared to upscale venues.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Cash is preferred; card payments may be unreliable.

  • Best for lunch to avoid evening crowds.

  • Ask for daily specials for fresh seafood.

• Why Visit?: Filomar delivers reliable, budget-friendly São Toméan cuisine, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, no-fuss meal.

12. Restaurante Atlântico

• Location: São Tomé City

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Seafood

• Atmosphere: A cozy, ocean-inspired restaurant with simple decor and friendly service, offering a laid-back dining experience.

• Must-Try Dishes: Seafood platters, grilled fish, fried bananas with fish.

• Highlights:

  • Known for fresh, affordable seafood and local specialties.

  • Popular with locals, indicating authenticity, though specific reviews are limited.

  • Central location enhances accessibility.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Cash is preferred; check card availability.

  • Visit for lunch for a quieter experience.

  • Confirm seafood freshness with staff.

• Why Visit?: Restaurante Atlântico offers a straightforward, authentic taste of São Tomé's coastal cuisine, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

13. Omali São Tomé Restaurant

• Location: Omali Lodge, São Tomé City (~15.5 km from center)

• Cuisine: International, European, São Toméan

• Atmosphere: An upscale, elegant dining space with ocean views, featuring sophisticated decor and a serene ambiance.

• Must-Try Dishes: Grilled seafood, continental dishes, chocolate mousse.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.1/5 from 102 reviews, praised for good service and setting.

  • Blends local and international flavors, ideal for family vacations.

  • Higher-end pricing (~€20-25/person) reflects the luxury lodge setting.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Plan transportation (taxi/rental car) due to distance from city.

  • Dress smart-casual; book via +239 222 2375.

  • Try local specials for São Toméan flavors.

• Why Visit?: Omali offers a polished dining experience with stunning views, perfect for travelers seeking elegance and quality.

14. Monte Mar Restaurante

• Location: Morro Peixe, São Tomé

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Seafood, Fusion

• Atmosphere: An upscale oceanfront restaurant with a lush terrace, blending modern decor with Atlantic vistas.

• Must-Try Dishes: Grilled fish, seafood platters, tropical fruit desserts.

• Highlights:

  • Renowned for fresh seafood and modern presentations, with stunning sunset views.

  • High-quality service and a focus on local ingredients.

  • Slightly pricier (~€15-20/person) but worth it for the ambiance.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Reserve a terrace table for sunset (+239 990 5678).

  • Stick to seafood for the freshest dishes.

  • Taxi required (~15-20 min from city).

• Why Visit?: Monte Mar combines culinary excellence with a picturesque setting, ideal for a special coastal dining experience.

15. Petisqueira Santola

• Location: Praia Lagarto, São Tomé

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Seafood

• Atmosphere: A beachside, toes-in-the-sand restaurant with a casual, open-air vibe and ocean views.

• Must-Try Dishes: Santola (crab) dishes, grilled fish, seafood snacks.

• Highlights:

  • Famous for fresh crab and seafood, reflecting its coastal location.

  • Relaxed, affordable dining (~€10-15/person) with a focus on local catches.

  • Limited reviews suggest a strong local following.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Cash only; service can be slow.

  • Visit for lunch to enjoy the beach vibe.

  • Ask about crab availability, as it's the specialty.

• Why Visit?: Petisqueira Santola offers a quintessential beachside seafood experience, perfect for travelers craving fresh, casual coastal fare.

16. Mucumbli

• Location: Neves, São Tomé

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Vegetarian-Friendly

• Atmosphere: A serene, eco-friendly restaurant within Mucumbli Ecolodge, surrounded by nature with ocean views.

• Must-Try Dishes: Fresh seafood, vegetarian dishes, tropical fruit desserts.

• Highlights:

  • Known for sustainable, locally sourced cuisine and stunning views.

  • Vegetarian-friendly, leveraging São Tomé's abundant produce.

  • Relaxed vibe, ideal for eco-conscious travelers (~€15/person).

• Traveler Tips:

  • Book via +239 991 2345, especially for non-guests.

  • Visit for lunch to enjoy daytime views.

  • Cash is preferred; taxi required (~30 min from city).

• Why Visit?: Mucumbli offers a sustainable, scenic dining experience, blending local flavors with eco-friendly charm.

17. Casa Museu Almada Negreiros

• Location: Roça Saudade, near Monte Café, São Tomé

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Gourmet

• Atmosphere: A cultural gem in a historic colonial house, with artistic decor, jungle views, and a terrace overlooking the capital.

• Must-Try Dishes: Tasting menu (maspombo, seared tuna, framboesa silvestre dessert), natural juices.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.7/5 from 284 reviews, praised for its gourmet tasting menu (~€15-20).

  • Combines dining with art and history, celebrating Almada Negreiros.

  • Some note inconsistent quality, but most laud the "soberba" views and flavors.

• Traveler Tips:

  • Book via +239 901 5556; lunch is quieter.

  • Explore the museum post-meal for cultural immersion.

  • Taxi required (~20 min from city).

• Why Visit?: Casa Museu Almada Negreiros offers a gourmet, cultural dining experience with breathtaking views, ideal for foodies and history buffs.

18. Roça de São João Angolares

• Location: São João dos Angolares, São Tomé

• Cuisine: São Toméan, Gourmet

• Atmosphere: A historic plantation setting with rustic elegance, offering a serene, cultural ambiance led by celebrity chef João Carlos Silva.

• Must-Try Dishes: Multi-course tasting menu (e.g., calulu, slow-cooked fish), tropical fruit desserts.

• Highlights:

  • Rated 4.5/5, often called São Tomé's best for its slow-food approach and authentic flavors.

  • Gourmet dining with local ingredients, served in a stunning roça (plantation).

  • Chef Silva's culinary prestige and training programs elevate its status (~€20-25/person).

• Traveler Tips:

  • Reservations essential (+239 990 6789); book early.

  • Visit for lunch or dinner; allow time for the drive (~40 min from city).

  • Expect a leisurely, multi-course experience.

• Why Visit?: Roça de São João is a culinary landmark, offering an authentic, high-end taste of São Tomé's heritage in a historic setting.