Florianópolis, nestled along Brazil's southern coast, offers a delectable culinary experience that blends fresh seafood, traditional Brazilian flavors, and international influences. Here’s a guide on what to eat and where to savor the best dishes in this vibrant city:

Seafood Delights: With its abundant coastline, Florianópolis is celebrated for its fresh seafood. Indulge in dishes like moqueca, a flavorful seafood stew made with fish, shrimp, and coconut milk, often served with rice and pirão (a cassava flour-based gravy). Don’t miss trying camarão na moranga, a creamy shrimp-filled pumpkin dish, and ostras (oysters) harvested locally and served fresh.

Brazilian Barbecue (Churrasco): Experience the traditional Brazilian barbecue culture at churrascarias (barbecue restaurants) across Florianópolis. Enjoy a variety of grilled meats, including juicy picanha (top sirloin cap), linguiça (sausage), and coração de frango (chicken hearts), served rodizio-style with a selection of salads, sides, and farofa (toasted cassava flour).

Pastéis and Brazilian Snacks: Treat yourself to pastéis, Brazilian-style pastries filled with savory ingredients like cheese, meat, and palmito (hearts of palm). These crispy delights are perfect for a quick snack while exploring Florianópolis. Also, try coxinha (chicken croquettes) and bolinho de bacalhau (codfish balls), popular Brazilian appetizers.

Tapioca: A staple in Brazilian cuisine, tapioca is a versatile dish made from cassava flour and filled with sweet or savory ingredients. In Florianópolis, indulge in tapiocas filled with cheese, coconut, chocolate, or fresh fruits for a delightful taste of Brazilian street food.

Acarajé: Originally from northeastern Brazil, acarajé has made its way to Florianópolis’ culinary scene. This deep-fried black-eyed pea cake is typically stuffed with shrimp, vatapá (spicy shrimp paste), and caruru (okra stew), offering a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Local Markets and Restaurants: Visit the Mercado Público in Florianópolis’ historic downtown to sample an array of local specialties under one roof. Enjoy pastéis, fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes served by local vendors. For a seafood feast, head to beachfront restaurants along the coast, such as Jurerê Internacional or Lagoa da Conceição, known for their picturesque views and fresh catches of the day.

Desserts and Sweets: Complete your culinary journey in Florianópolis with Brazilian desserts and sweets. Try brigadeiro, a beloved chocolate truffle, and quindim, a golden coconut and egg yolk dessert. Also, savor cocada, a sweet coconut confection, and pudim de leite condensado, a creamy caramel flan.

Florianópolis' diverse culinary offerings reflect its coastal charm and Brazilian heritage, promising a gastronomic adventure that delights the senses and satisfies the palate.