A culinary journey through Brazil's coastal gem – Fortaleza

Let's start with the city's best burgers, and the first place you should head to is Cora. This café has a simple yet charismatic interior, with a wooden style and plenty of modern posters and decor that add a unique touch.

The menu features a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, which is highly appreciated by travelers with special dietary needs. The bun dough is crafted using their special whole wheat flour recipe, so take your pick from any of the sandwiches or burgers on offer, and prepare to be impressed. However, the options don't stop there. Try schiacciata Margarida – a traditional Italian stone-baked focaccia with an open crumb structure, topped with mozzarella and tomato-passata, or fresh salads, crispy nuggets on a stick, and other tasty petiscos (finger foods). 

You’ll also enjoy their batatinha da casa – country-style fried potatoes with a homemade sauce, or banh mi do sol – a toasted baguette filled with grilled meat, pickled vegetables and herbs. As for a sweet treat, the majority of guests opt for strawberry juice and chocolate pie – and you should follow suit.

In close proximity to Praça das Flores, an urban square shaded by tall trees, you'll discover another picturesque café called Pastificio PRIMO. Its eye-catching red and green façade leaves no chance to be unnoticed, and you won't regret stopping here during your stroll. This Italian-style pastry chain offers homemade fresh pasta and sauces, as well as tarts, bread, chicken, antipasti, and other delectable food items.

Their colorful ravioli, made from red or green dough due to natural spinach or red wine dyes, captivate everyone's attention. Opt for spinach with ricotta and nuts, or indulge in the ones filled with premium meat or a combination of four mild cheeses. We also recommend trying delicious artichoke lasagna, delicately enhanced with cream and a touch of lemon, as well as classic cappelletti pasta with a bestselling dip prepared with dried porcini mushrooms, white wine, and Parmesan.

Additionally, their tricolored saccottini pumpkin and cheese, and red-and-white tortelloni prosciutto crudo with Turkish figs are truly exceptional. You'll be amazed at the experience of discovering such an outstanding restaurant right in the heart of Fortaleza.

In addition to its rich local culinary traditions, the city of Fortaleza also offers a variety of exotic dining experiences, and K-BaB stands out among them. This restaurant boasts a stylish and modern ambiance, and its prime location right on Mansa Beach, one of the city's top spots, is an added bonus. Whether you're seeking some spice in your meal or eager to explore the flavors of Korean cuisine for the first time, K-BaB is worth your visit.

To start your culinary journey, try their kimchi, consisting of salted and fermented vegetables. For the main course, bibimbap is a popular choice, featuring steamed white rice topped with vegetables, along with the option to add raw or seared meat. Jajangmyeon, a noodle dish topped with a flavorful sauce is a delightful treat, as is bulgogi, Korean barbecue known for its savory flavors. To complete your meal, don't miss out on the opportunity to try a traditional Brazilian caipirinha cocktail with a signature twist. After your dining experience, take a stroll to the beachfront to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and perhaps even try your hand at riding the waves.

If you're craving visual aesthetics that emanate from every detail, along with beautifully presented dishes, then Cocina 378 is the place to go. This pristine restaurant, located near Parque Estadual do Cocó — an area of conservation with boat tours and trails — will be a perfect choice after a day spent immersed in nature.

Their exquisite seafood paella, served in a sizzling hot skillet, delights the eyes with vibrant shades of green broccoli, yellow fluffy rice, and red bell peppers. Gambas al ajillo, or royal prawns, baked in a rich sauce with a whole head of garlic, exude a divine aroma. Baked salmon on a bed of pea puree surprises with its new flavor nuances, skillfully crafted by the talented chefs.

For dessert, we recommend taking a seat on the suspended swings in the restaurant's inner courtyard and treating yourself to a pavlova accompanied by a steaming cup of robust espresso. And be sure not to forget a chilled bottle of white wine, as no vacation dinner is complete without it.

Owl Beer Pub, one of the best and largest bars in the city, attracts people who enjoy late-night gatherings with friends and parties featuring live music. Local artists are invited to perform rock and MPB – Brazilian popular music, which includes samba-canção, baião, jazz, and other genres. The pub offers a wide selection of beers and cocktails, various indoor and outdoor spaces, and the convenience of ordering food through special tablets to minimize wait times.

To complement your choice of craft beer from the extensive menu, you can enjoy dishes such as filé mignon with country-style potatoes, onion rings, breaded patinha de caranguelo (a type of crab), and crispy fish sticks. If you're in need of a more substantial dinner, especially before a sports match, you might want to try cotoletta served with vinaigrette and homemade farofa, and opt for a smoked pork burger or roasted lamb shoulder.

What’s more, the skilled bartenders at Owl Beer Pub are known for their imaginative and delicious alcoholic cocktails, ensuring you'll find something truly interesting to quench your thirst.

Fortaleza, the city of historical significance, stands as a prominent hub within the country. At the heart of the city lies the renowned Dragão do Mar neighborhood, known for its cultural vibrancy. It houses an array of prominent museums, a planetarium, a theater, and the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral. The district also caters to active leisure enthusiasts, boasting entertainment centers, children's playgrounds, and amusement parks. In essence, Fortaleza offers a diverse range of attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking culinary delights, beachgoers, and avid sightseers.