Eating out in Natal

Lotus Japanese Fusion Cuisine

As I really quite enjoy Japanese food, I often go to the Lotus Japanese Fusion Cuisine in Ponta Negra, Natal, Brazil.

It has an upscale atmosphere and food was very good with the right fish cut and perfectly cooked rice. Try the ice cream tempura.

Service is friendly and efficient. You will have to count on some 30-40US$ for a 5 dish menu. They also serve a more economic menu for lunch.

Ask for either Pedro Henrique or Joelson Leite – owner/cook and manager. Both speak English.

Camarao

There are several Camarao restaurants in Natal. They pass for the best in town albeit they are not cheap.

The Camarao in the Natal Shopping mall sells the food by weight. For a decent sized meal, you will spend around 20 US$. Every Wednesdays is shrimps day.

There are another two Camarao restaurants close to Ponta Negra, the beach of Natal. Table reservation is advisable as they are pretty busy all the time.

Churrascaria

If you enjoy your meat, you should definitely go to a Churrascaria. They serve excellent Brazilian meat and chicken.

All the meat you can eat

One option to have food there is to pay a fixed price and eat as much as you possibly can. The waiters walk pass the tables with huge skewers with all sorts of meat. You will choose what you like and they will cut it right onto your plate. This option is not cheap.

The Tabua de Carne on the Av. Engenheiro Roberto Freire or closer to town on Av. Sen. Dinarte Mariz pass for some of the better ones. Otherwise, the Restaurante Confraria da Picanha is also recommended.

Ponta Negra Beach

On the promenade in Ponta Negra, you will find all types of restaurants, from Pizzeria to Chinese together with others serving more local food.

Get something from food carts on the beach

Otherwise, experience the dishes from the numerous food carts passing on the beach. It is pretty safe to eat their dishes. You can also get fresh oysters but that is always a bit risky.

Midway Mall and Natal Shopping Mall

Both shopping malls have an entire floor of food stall/restaurants.

Midway on the top floor and Natal Shopping in the cellar.

Midway also has another Camarao restaurant on the first floor.

Eating in a mall is somewhat weird but a pretty good option if you happen to be in the centre of town and are hungry.

Both also have garages so no problem with parking.

Cervejaria via Continental

This is a brewery producing their own pretty good beer. It is located on the beach road leading from Ponta Negra to Natal on Av. Sen. Dinarte Mariz, 4197.

More places

I believe there are many more places where to have a good meal. However, the speed in which restaurants open and close down in Natal is such that it is a bit hard to keep up to date.

So, I guess, check before heading out to whatever restaurant you have to decided upon.

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My posts on Natal and surroundings include the general one covering mainly Ponta Negra near Natal,  one on various daytrips that you can do, where to have the best food, my experience during a buggy tour, and finally some travel tips.

Enjoy the read!