Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Angra dos Reis • Angra dos Reis

BAR DO LUIZ ROSA

The time-honored sea with typical cooking

As a pioneer on Ilha da Gipoia, this pleasant bar and restaurant owned by the Rosa family was opened almost 50 years ago, overlooking the idyllic Praia das Flechas. This family business is managed by its founder Luiz Rosa, his wife Paulina and offspring Geninho, Mauro, Fernando, Ana and Paula, all of whom are specialists in customer assistance and in the kitchen.

The environment is simple and the cooking is delightful, always serving very fresh fish and seafood. At first it used to be a small grocer and also sold salted sardines and shrimp, while friends who came by with fresh fish asked for them to be fried. In addition to the fried fish, starters were included, among which the famous cheese appetizers that paired perfectly with the always very cold beer. As business grew, the bar was converted into a restaurant and a menu appeared with more elaborate options. None of this was sophisticated, but was prepared with great care and very special seasoning, which greatly pleased its customers. For more than 40 years of existence, the venue has won over a customer base including local celebrities such as Pelé, Chacrinha, Chico Anísio, Jô Soares, Fafá de Belém, João Havelange – who assisted with the restaurant’s refurbishing, and others such as José Bonifácio Sobrinho, known as Boni, who has held several celebrations there and whose friendship with Luiz Rosa has lasted over 44 years. This is not to mention the young patrons who are today doctors and look after the health of Luiz Rosa.

The typical dishes include the most requested moqueca (stew) that includes fish, shrimps and squid, a prize winning recipe in the region’s cookery festival. Shrimp with catupiry cream cheese and mixed risotto are also excellent choices. It is worthwhile ordering a fruit caipirinha and the famous cheese appetizers while the main dish is being prepared, and feasting your eyes on the exuberant landscape. The clear sea is an invitation for an invigorating dip, and the restaurant provides a bathroom with shower for the comfort of customers. The facilities are also suitable for closed events such as wedding and birthday celebrations.

Only boats or helicopters will get you to Bar do Luiz Rosa. Boats are usually found on the right end of the Angra dos Reis quay. One of the boatmen, Lazinho (phone: (24) 99252-3577), crosses from the mainland every day carrying employees and also takes visitors, who can arrange price and time with him.

Being there is a pleasant visual and eating experience. Make friends with this magnetic family, in particular with Luiz the patriarch and caiçara, who loves having conversations with his visitors.

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