Cape Verde

Cape Fruit is a small but absolutely charming cafe and smoothie bar that focuses on healthy living and healthy eating. It is one of the few places that cater to vegetarians and vegans, offering fantastic meat-free options for breakfast and lunch, as well as delicious fruit smoothies and juices.

You won't find Giramondo listed anywhere, because it is one of Santa Maria's best kept secrets. Decadent waffles, crepes and cakes fill the displays, as do their homemade, Italian-style ice cream flavours. With just a tiny outdoor seating area, it is easy to miss, but definitely worth finding.

The Odjo d’Àgua Hotel has four dining options at its superb location at the end of Santa Maria beach. Farolin specialises in fresh fish and national dishes, such as cachupa, Esplanada Palha Verde offers pre-meal aperitifs, Esplanada Porton di nos Ilha is more of a lounge area for after dinner drinks, and Sambinha serves tropical juices, snacks and ice cream.

Cafe Criolo doesn't look like much more than a shack when you first catch glimpse of it, but it happens to be one of the best local restaurants on Sal. Servings are huge, prices are very reasonable, the atmosphere is vibrant and the traditional Cape Verdean dishes are of the finest quality. They also serve excellent homemade desserts and strong coffee in the afternoon.

Escape the oppressive midday heat with a refreshing scoop from the city's oldest ice cream shop. All the usual flavours are complemented by local varieties like mango, papaya and camoca, all homemade. If you're hungry for something more substantial, they also serve light home-cooked meals.

A very popular cafe and bar located right in front of the main square at Santa Maria, Ocean Cafe is a lively place for an afternoon coffee or a drink after dark. Locals crowd the place in search of local beers and international cuisine, as well as for the regular live music, dancing and good vibes.

Nhamii Ice Dreams is a small but sleek gelateria, renowned throughout the islands for its high-quality ice cream, fresh natural fruit juices, crepes and other desserts, as well as sandwiches and assorted light snacks.