Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Paraty • Paraty

RESTAURANTE DO HILTINHO

Over land or by sea, visit this culinary delight.

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Located in a small town house in the Historical Town Center close to Praça da Matriz, and with a branch in the beautiful Ilha do Algodão, Restaurante do Hiltinho is specialized in caiçara (fishing community inhabitants) cooking and is one the town’s most traditional eateries.

The restaurant dates back to 1978, and it takes pride in having among its staff the oldest waiter in Paraty -Antônio – in addition to Cacilda, the pleasant and much awarded cook. Faithful friends on the path to success, both have plenty of stories to tell, from people from all walks of life to celebrities – such as sportsman Pelé – who have tasted and approved the delightful dishes served there. The premises are welcoming and provide the comfort of air-conditioning with no need to close doors or windows, from where the small-town comings and goings can be watched.

The menu is varied in assortment, with over ten kinds of fish and as many other dishes featuring shrimp, lobster and squid. The most popular among these is Peixe à Brasileira – either sea bass or red snapper – with plantains and rice, plus a delicious pirão (puree of manioc meal and fish stock), of course. The seafood stew that serves as many as three persons comes in second place in customer preference. And the famous shrimp stuffed with farofa (toasted manioc meal) and small shrimp; a surprise owing to the crustacean’s large dimensions. Another much ordered dish is the Rainha Juliana: half a melon cut open in the shape of a crown and stuffed with shrimp risotto, sufficient for two persons.
For those who prefer to avoid fish, there is a number of options of red meat, poultry, pastas, omelettes and salads.

Beverages include fruit juices, soft drinks and an extensive list of others that comprise the traditional cold beer, caipirinhas, wines from different origins and even French champagne. This culinary experience ends with delicious desserts including home-made sweets, among which the outstanding are made of pumpkin and coconut, navel oranges and bananas in syrup.

For those who enjoy a sea view, visiting the Ilha do Algodão branch is a must! Depending on the kind of boat, the crossing to the island may take from 20 to 60 minutes. Once there, having gone up a stairway sheltered by the greenery from the woods, visitors are fascinated by the spot’s unequalled beauty. The view is breathtaking!

The dining room in rustic style is decorated in very good taste, accommodates a number of tables and it is also possible to opt for small tables on the outside, overlooking the mesmerizing landscape. The menu served is the same as on the continent, meaning that the culinary experience will only be “enhanced” by the dazzling scenario.

The island branch is open during the high season from Friday to Sunday and on holidays, from 11 am to 5 pm. It is always convenient to phone previously and make a reservation, in particular in case of groups or during the off season. At times of major events in the town, prior reservations are indispensable, for the island branch as well as for the main restaurant in the town.

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