There’s lots of fish and seafood to be had at Itacaré’s restaurants. O Restaurante (Rua Pedro Longo 170, tel. 73/3251-2012, 11 a.m.–midnight daily, R$15–25) is a good pick for Bahian specialties in a colorful setting. Standouts include traditional fish moqueca with banana da terra, octopus risotto, and more unconventional dishes such as fish with grilled eggplant in cream sauce.

For a more contemporary twist on local fare, with Asian influences, savor the likes of grilled jumbo shrimp caramelized with ginger and lime at the warmly inviting Casa Sapucaia (Rua Lodônia Almeida 84, tel. 73/3251-3091, 7–11:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat., R$15–25).

Daring culinary creativity is the norm at Dedo de Moça (3372, 4 p.m.–midnight high season, 7–11 p.m., low season, open daily, closed in May, R$18–28). Chef Vagner Aguiar experiments with Brazilian ingredients and spices such as cloves and cinnamon to whip up dishes such as grilled fresh fish with pineapple-mango compote or a version of shrimp bobó with coconut rice, served in a pared-down yet welcoming ambiance.

Ever popular, especially with the young backpacker/surfer crowd, is Boca de Forno (Rua Lodônia Almeida 108, tel. 73/3251-3121, 5 p.m.–midnight Mon.–Thurs., 5 p.m.–1 a.m. Fri.–Sun., R$12–22) whose crispy, thin-crust pizzas are irresistible. Try the namesake house specialty, with toppings that include heart of palm, sausage, sun-dried tomato, and roasted garlic.