The culinary tradition of Minas Gerais is known throughout Brazil for its use of wood or coal-fired ovens and cast-iron and soap-stone utensils and pans which give food a characteristic flavour. This is how food here has been cooked for hundreds of years in small farmhouses. Restaurants in Ouro Preto which have adopted these historic techniques have helped popularize the cuisine in other parts of Brazil. Just as in farmhouse kitchens, these restaurants prepare their dishes sourcing fresh, local produce and meats, particularly pork and chicken.
There are numerous restaurants in Ouro Preto and you will find a variety of foods to suit all tastes!
Our Ouro Preto Restaurant Guide below will give you some handy information about eating out in Ouro Preto, as well as the types of cuisine you are likely to encounter. For some general information about food and cuisine in Brazil see our Brazil Restaurant Guide. Some tips and suggestions for shopping in Ouro Preto can be found in our Ouro Preto Shopping Guide.
Food & Cuisine in Ouro Preto
Cassava flour, known as mandioca is the starch of choice for making cakes and appetizers. Best known among these is pão de queijo, a small roll made of cheese and cassava flour, baked and served as a hot appetizer. Known worldwide as Brazilian cheese rolls, these are also a breakfast favourite. Cachaça, (distilled, fermented sugarcane juice), the alcoholic beverage that packs quite a punch is also a local product of significance.
Local Delicacies
Hearty stews and bean dishes with pork are big favourites locally. Tutu á Mineira and feijão tropeiro are typical of Minas cuisine. In the former, beans are cooked, mashed and recooked, much like Mexican fried beans. This is served with a choice of pork products, egg, collard greens and rice.
Feijão tropeirofollows a similar route, except that the beans, instead of being mashed, are combined with cassava flour. Frango a molho pardo, a traditional chicken dish hailing from Portugal is - hold your breath - made with fresh chicken blood. If that makes you wince with horror, you'll be surprised to know that it's quite tasty. You might like to experiment with a tiny portion at a kilo restaurant (Brazilian buffets where you pay by weight for the food you pick up). Frango com quiabo is chicken in a rich tomato and okra stew. These four dishes are bound to be featured in virtually all Ouro Preto restaurants. A single portion is usually sufficient for two persons.
Farofa is made of manioc flour with small quantities of pork, hard-boiled eggs, onions or various vegetables, polenta, collard greens or chouriço (a less spicy version of the chorizo sausage). These and fried bananas are some of the most liked dishes from Minas Gerais.
The national dish is the marvellous black bean stew called Feijoada. Prepared fresh to order, this dish is typically served on Sundays. When you've had dinner at a churrasco, (Portuguese for barbecue restaurants), you'll agree that the Brazilian barbecue is a hard act to follow. Also don't miss out on the experience of eating at a rodizio, where you will be served different cuts of meat ad infinitum, until you indicate otherwise.
Where to Eat
The opulence of baroque in Brazil's beautiful religious sculptures is also reflected in Ouro Preto's cuisine. The substantial meat dishes are high on calories and fat, as well as taste. Even jabuticada, the native liqueur, has a rich, cherry flavour. If you're watching your waistline or simply craving lighter fare, check out the local cafés. The ones on the Rua Direita are said to be the best, where apart from simpler food, you can also listen to jazz and bossa nova played by live bands into the wee hours of the night.
Drinks in Ouro Preto
Guaraná is a popular Brazilian soft drink. Chopp is a well-liked draught beer. Don't forget to pick up a bottle or two of Brazilian cachaça.
Restaurants List
Restaurant - Chafariz
If you are looking for traditional Minas Gerais cuisine this is the place! This all-you-can-eat buffet offers a great variety of dishes, desserts and drinks. The house was the residence of the famous poet Alphonsus de Guimarães and it looks like an antique shop but with cheerful colours. And the owner, Vicentinho, is always there to welcome you.
Regional food
Rua São José 167 - Downtown
55 31 3551-2828
Restaurant - Casa dos Contos
Casa dos Contos is located in an authentic 18th century house in the ground floor, where it used to be a slave house. Regional food is served as well as pastas and you shouldn’t miss the desserts. It seats up to 220 people and it has got a car park.
Located at Praça Tiradentes in the ground floor of a historical building, Relicário 1800 offers a variety of regional food dishes and delicious desserts. And while eating you can contemplate some paintings from the art gallery located at the same place.
In this charming restaurant you will enjoy regional and international cuisine. For lunch they have all-you-can-eat buffet and in the evening they serve à la carte dishes. And in the evening you are going to enjoy live music played by Ouro Preto musicians. If you walk around the place you will find a very nice decoration and the patio a 18th century water fountain.
Right in the historical centre of Ouro Preto, Bené da Flauta is located in a historical two floor building and it holds an Aleijadinho’s artwork. Brazilian food is served for lunch and dinner and they have a nice variety of wines and cachaças.
In this cosy restaurant you will enjoy a mix of regional and Brazilian cuisine and traditional desserts. You can have a cheerful lunch or a romantic candle light dinner. Casa do Ouvidor is located very close to Tiradentes Square in the second floor of a historical building.
Located in the basement of an 18th century house, Deguste combines colonial architecture with nowadays comfort and modernity. This very charming restaurant and café is open most of the day and serves international food from lunch to dinner.
This very charming Italian restaurant is located in the refurbished basement of an 18th century building; just a few steps from Nossa Senhora do Rosário Church. The pasta is made right there and it includes all the variety of Italian cuisine. And to taste your delicious meal try one of the wines from the menu.
Located next to Casa dos Contos and dos Contos Park, this 18th century restaurant has been refurbished to accommodate a nice restaurant, with veranda and nightclub. It serves Italian food from pasta to pizzas and it’s got a nice variety of wines.
Spaghetti as the name speaks for itself serves all kinds of Italian food. Located in a 18th century house, it is very close to Tiradentes Square.
Italian food
Rua Conde de Bobadela, 97 - Downtown
55 31 3552-1941
Restaurant - Café Geraes
Café Geraes is located in a preserved 18th century two floor house. It’s got a fine decoration which could be defined as neo-kitsch. And you can enjoy one of the fine dishes or drink one of their rewarded coffees.
Restaurant and Coffee Shop
Rua Conde de Bobadela 122 - Downtown
Restaurant - Chalet dos Caldos
At this rustic restaurant made by stone walls you are going to enjoy thick soups, called caldos, accompanied by generous slices of bread. A tip is to enjoy the nice panoramic view of Ouro Preto.
Caldos
Rua Carlos Thomaz 33 - Downtown
55 31 3551-3992
Bar - Bar do Beco
Bar do Beco feels like an old tavern. It has got a variety of 65 cachaças in stock at any given time which are are served in soapstone cups. You should also try one of the delicious appetizers while tasting some of the drinks from the menu.
Bar
Travessa do Arieira, 15
18:00
Bar - Booze Café Concerto
Booze Café Concerto is a popular hangout in Ouro Preto, especially during the weekends when guests watch local bands playing MPB, blues or jazz. It is located in the basement of a building very close to Tiradentes Square and it has a rustic decoration. You should try one of the thick soups, called caldos, or sandwiches from the menu.
Bar
R. Conde de Bobadela, 42 - Downtown
55 31 3551-1482
11:00
Snack bar - Satélite
Satélite is the place if you are looking for a quick snack. The menu has got snacks, sandwiches and pizzas and if you want you can have a custom-made sandwich, by selecting the ingredients of your choice. Satélite is located very close to Tiradentes Square in a two floor house.
Olá! Hello from Ramon and his team at Aliar Turismo...your local connection in Ouro Preto! Our home has everything from historic Baroque architecture to fascinating gold mines that are open for tours and we are based right here in Ouro Preto to assist in the planning of your trip or offer support once you arrive. Don't hesitate to drop us a line if we can be of help and we look forward to meeting you in this amazing Brazilian destination!
Cassava flour, known as mandioca is the starch of choice for making cakes and appetizers. Best known among these is 
The national dish is the marvellous black bean stew called 
Drinks in Ouro Preto
