Seafood Heaven: The Top 5 Spots to Eat Like a Local in Fortaleza
If you’re in Fortaleza and not eating seafood… are you really in Fortaleza? With the Atlantic crashing at our doorstep and fishing boats bobbing along the coast, it’s no surprise that seafood here isn’t just a meal — it’s a way of life.
Whether you’re craving crab with your toes in the sand, grilled fish in a candlelit corner, or buttery shrimp in a sizzling clay pot, we’ve got you covered. Here are our top 5 seafood spots in the city — all delicious, all local-approved, and all worth every forkful.
1. Coco Bambu Meireles – The Legend Lives Up to the Hype
📍 Av. Beira Mar, 3698 – Meireles
💸 R$70–R$160 per person
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s huge. And yes, the portions are outrageous. Coco Bambu isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a seafood institution. With a view of the ocean and a menu that reads like a love letter to shrimp, this is a must-visit.
What to Order:
Camarão Internacional — shrimp baked in cream sauce, rice, and crispy potatoes.
Inside Tip:
Get a table by the window or upstairs for date-night views.
2. Restaurante Marisol – Beach Vibes, Big Flavor
📍 Av. Beira Mar, 4620 – Mucuripe
💸 R$50–R$100 per person
This under-the-radar beachfront gem is perfect for those who want a relaxed vibe without sacrificing serious flavor. The seafood is fresh, portions are generous, and the views of jangadas (sailboats) rolling in? Unmatched.
What to Order:
Peixada Cearense — a traditional fish stew with coconut milk, eggs, veggies, pirão.
🌅 Pro Tip: Go for a late lunch and catch the sunset with your second beer.
3. O Mar Menino – Ceará Food, Fine Dining Energy
📍 Rua Frederico Borges, 426 – Varjota
💸 R$80–R$180 per person
For those who want something a little fancy without losing the soul of local cuisine, O Mar Menino is your spot. Think traditional dishes reimagined by a chef who respects the roots.
What to Order:
Grilled octopus with cassava purée and the reimagined moqueca.
Inside Tip:
Let the staff recommend a Brazilian white wine — they know their stuff.
4. Barraca Itapariká – Seafood + Sand = Yes
📍 Av. Zezé Diogo, 3120 – Praia do Futuro
💸 R$40–R$100 per person
Beach shack? Yes. Top-tier seafood? Also yes. This classic barraca serves ice-cold beer, sizzling shrimp skewers, and some of the best crab in town, especially on Thursdays (a.k.a. Dia do Caranguejo).
What to Order:
Grilled shrimp, crab, and moqueca de peixe.
Bonus:
On weekends, live DJs turn it into a beach party with caipirinhas flowing.
5. Camaroes da Varjota – Hidden Gem, Giant Flavor
📍 Rua Castro Monte, 978 – Varjota
💸 R$50–R$110 per person
Small, simple, and so very good. If you’re after shrimp done right (and a lot of it), head here. It’s not flashy, but the kitchen delivers every time — and locals know it.
What to Order:
Bobó de camarão (shrimp in a creamy manioc and coconut sauce) and grilled fish with buttered cassava.
Local Hack:
It gets busy on weekends — go early or prepare to wait (worth it).
💬 The InsideFortaleza Take:
You could eat seafood in Fortaleza every day and never get bored. That’s the charm — each place has its own style, story, and sauce. So, whether you’re barefoot on the beach or dressed up in Varjota, seafood is always a good idea.
And if you don’t know where to start? We do. Just DM us.
📲 Follow @InsideFortaleza for weekly food picks, secret menus, crab night tips, and caipirinha deals.
