Four Points by Sheraton Curitiba

Where to find traditional Brasilian/Paranese food

by VdV

The official national dish of Brasil is feijoada, a stew of pork, black beans and many spices. Ask around with the locals to hear what their favorite feijoada restaurant is, most will serve it only on Saturdays. See also my Restaurant Tips for "Villa das Artes," a restaurant that serves a feijoada buffet on Saturday.

In addition to the national dish of feijoada, if you are in Curitiba, many will recommend that you try the official dish of the state of Parana (the state in which Curitiba is located.) That dish is called "barreado"--a beef stew that is simmered in a sealed clay pot for over 24 hours. Most people you talk to will tell you that the best barreado is to be had in the town of Morretes, just a train ride or an hour's drive away. I suggest taking the scenic train ride (Serra Verde Express) which will take you directly to Morretes, where you will have several barreado restaurants to choose from. See my Morretes page for detailed information about how to eat barreado, and for tips on at least two barreado restaurants there.

Finally, some say the official "drink" of Brasil is the caipirinha, made from a liquor distilled from sugar cane. It is mixed with sugar and lime (kind of like a mojito, but a different taste.) Refreshing, and yes, delicious. You can purchase little vessels with a pestle in souvenir shops, some have the caipirinha recipe printed on them.

In Curitiba, I was surprised (but happy!) to find barreado, feijoada and caipirinhas all served at Villa das Artes (see my Restaurant Tips.)

Italian Food Aficionados:head to Santa Felicidade

by VdV about Several places

Santa Felicidade is the neighborhood with the most "Italian Flavor" in Curitiba. Many restaurants, shops, etc. Some day tour companies offer evening trips to Santa Felicidade for an "Italian gastronomic odyssey..." Had dinner at one restaurant on New Year's Eve...called "La Famiglia" something or other, along the main strip. Great pasta, nice ambience, very popular restaurant...and very affordable!

This picture is of a winery/chocolate shop, taken on New Year's Eve. Santa Felicidade was recommended as the place to go to ring in the New Year in Curitiba. All the Italian restaurants are packed, and fireworks light up the sky at midnight, with all the restaurant-goers pouring out onto the main street to watch the awesome display in the sky.

Curitiba - European city in Brazil

by mustardgirl

"Last stop in Brazil"

Most of the travellers I talked to during my two weeks in Brazil had not heard of Curitiba and the rest were surprised that I will visit it. This reaction put me on a kind of unease about my decision to go there. At the same time I read nice things about the city on VT pages...
To be honest the city left me with no special memory or feeling. I didn't have time to discover it properly and I made a mistake by staying in a 4* business hotel (with a bargain price) and not a hostel where I could have met some fellow travellers.
But the reason for going there in the first place was Serra Verde Express and that was not a disappointment!
I think it would be a good place to visit if you have more than just 2 weeks in Brazil.