Eating out in Pipa

Despite Pipa being much smaller in size than Natal, the quantity, diversity and quality of restaurants in Pipa rivals with those in Natal (see restaurants in Natal).

Tourism, as a business, is much more important in Pipa than in Natal; while tourism is an important sector in the Economy of Natal, it is practically the only activity in Pipa. Pipa grew from a small village to a popular spot in just a couple of years; during this period, and until today, most of the new businesses which opened were directed to tourists, such as hotels and restaurants.
Besides, Pipa is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches in Brazil, receiving many visitors from other countries and other States of Brazil; this clientele demands restaurants of quality. On the other hand, many foreign visitors decide to make Pipa their home, and many do so by opening a restaurant; many restaurants in Pipa are ran by expatriates.

Envelope of tapioca with robalo
and perfume of coentro.

Restaurants in Pipa are usually more expensive than in Natal; sometimes, quality of food and services justify the higher prices, but other times it is just the owner's greediness. Shopping prices around is more important in Pipa than in Natal, and is also easier, because the restaurants are closer to each other.

»LIST OF RESTAURANTS IN PIPA

Restaurants Contest - Festival Gastronômico da Pipa

To have and idea of the quality of the restaurants, bars and beach kioskes of Pipa, take a look at the website of the Festival Gastronômico da Pipa (Pipa Gastronomic Festival).
This is a kind of contest which has been happening since 2004, in the month of October. The participants must create a recipe especially for the contest, using regional ingredients. During the festival, prices are limited to R$15; after the festival is over, the plates may or may not be permanently included in the menu, and prices may vary.

Lobster with tallarini and
butter of herbs.

Two juries, one of specialists, and one of populars (the customers), choose the winner in each of the three categories (restaurants, bars and beach kioskes); click here to see the list of participants, some photos and the list of winners.

Below, some of the winners on 2006 (some winners whose photos were published by the Festival site).
In the category restaurants, the recipe of the Surf Camping restaurant was voted 2nd best by the especialists jury, with the plate "envelope of tapioca with robalo and perfume of coentro" (see photo at the left hand side); robalo is a noble fish, coentro is a green herb.
The best recipe in the bar category, according to the popular juri, was restaurant Doors, with a plate of "lobster with tallarini and butter of herbs" (see photo at the right hand side).

»LIST OF RESTAURANTS IN PIPA

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