Food & Drink at Cape Verde All-Inclusive Resorts

What's the Food Like at Cape Verde All-Inclusive Resorts?

When booking a sun-drenched holiday to the islands of Sal or Boa Vista, one of the biggest questions travelers have is about the Cape Verde all inclusive food. Because the vast majority of holidaymakers opt for resort packages, the quality, variety, and availability of food and drink can make or break the vacation.

Whether you are wondering is the food good in Cape Verde, curious about the vegetarian / vegan options all inclusive Cape Verde offers, or want to find the best food resort Boa Vista has to offer, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dining in the archipelago's mega-resorts.

What to expect from resort dining

If you are asking, is the food good at all inclusive Cape Verde resorts, the answer is generally yes, though it helps to set the right expectations.

Because Cape Verde is an archipelago located 400 miles off the coast of West Africa, it relies heavily on imported goods to feed the massive tourist populations in the resorts. As a result, the mega-resorts focus heavily on international cuisine designed to cater to European palates. You can expect massive spreads, live show-cooking stations, and a mix of Mediterranean, Asian, and European comfort foods.

While the food is tasty, plentiful, and safely prepared, some guests on longer stays note that the international buffets can feel a bit repetitive after a week. For the absolute best and freshest local seafood, stepping out of the resort to visit an independent local restaurant is highly recommended, but the resorts still provide a fantastic and stress-free dining experience for the average holidaymaker.

Buffets vs à la carte

The dining experience at a standard 4-star or 5-star Cape Verde resort is split into two main categories: the central buffet and the specialty à la carte venues.

The Main Buffet:

The buffet is the beating heart of resort dining. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, these sprawling spaces feature live cooking stations where chefs prepare pasta, grilled meats, and eggs to order. To prevent menu fatigue, resorts host regular themed nights, alternating between Italian feasts, Mediterranean spreads, and Cape Verdean cultural nights.

À La Carte Restaurants:

If you want a more refined, intimate evening, you will want to take advantage of the à la carte restaurants all inclusive packages offer. Depending on your resort, you might find an Italian trattoria, an Asian fusion restaurant, a premium Steakhouse, or a dedicated local seafood venue.

Reservations are crucial: You cannot usually just walk into an à la carte restaurant. You must book in advance, either through guest relations or via the hotel's dedicated smartphone app (like the RIU app).

Visit limits: Most standard all-inclusive packages limit you to one or two à la carte dinners per week.

Dress codes: Expect a "smart casual" dress code for these venues. Swimwear and flip-flops are banned, and men are usually required to wear long trousers or tailored shorts and shirts with sleeves.

Local Cape Verdean dishes you'll find

While the resorts serve plenty of pizza, burgers, and salads, you will absolutely have the chance to try traditional island flavors.

The crown jewel of the local cuisine is Cachupa, the national dish of Cape Verde. It is a slow-cooked, hearty stew made from corn (hominy) and beans. You will find it in three main variations:

Cachupa Rica: A rich version packed with meats like pork, chicken, and local chorizo.
Cachupa Pobre: A simpler, often vegetarian or fish-based version originally eaten when meat was scarce.
Cachupa Guisada: Leftover cachupa refried in a pan the next morning, usually topped with a fried egg and sausage. This is the ultimate Cape Verdean breakfast and a fantastic hangover cure!.

Other local treats to look out for include pastel com diablo dentro (a deep-fried pastry filled with fresh tuna, onions, and tomatoes), rich fish soups, and incredibly fresh grilled seafood like serra (wahoo), tuna, and local lobster. For a sweeter touch, look out for papaya or coconut sweets, and local goat's cheese. (To learn more about the island flavors, check out our [national cuisine page]).

Dietary needs — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies

Traveling with dietary restrictions to an island nation can be daunting, but Cape Verde's top resorts are increasingly accommodating.

Vegetarian / vegan options all inclusive Cape Verde: The buffets always feature extensive salad bars, fresh fruits, rice, and vegetable dishes. However, some resorts go above and beyond. The ROBINSON Cabo Verde on Sal is highly praised for its healthy, dynamic menus, offering delicious vegan poke bowls, plant-based pasta dishes, and an Ayurveda-oriented "BalAyur" menu concept tailored to healthy eating. Other resorts have occasionally hosted specialty raw/vegan chefs who create incredible dishes like fermented cashew cheese and raw mango cheesecakes.

Gluten-Free and Coeliacs: If you have a gluten intolerance or coeliac disease, you must be cautious of cross-contamination in the bustling buffet halls. However, top-tier resorts are accommodating. For example, guests at the RIU Palace Santa Maria have noted that gluten-free bread is readily available upon request at the reception or restaurant entrances. It is highly recommended that you contact your resort ahead of time to discuss your specific allergies so the kitchen can prepare.

Drinks & bars

If you are wondering is the alcohol good in Cape Verde all inclusive, you will be pleasantly surprised.

Your all-inclusive wristband generally covers unlimited local and domestic alcoholic beverages, draft beer, house wine, soft drinks, and standard tropical cocktails mixed by the pool.

Local spirits: You must try the local beer, Strela, and the national spirit, Grogue—a potent sugarcane rum. If pure Grogue is too strong, try Pontche, a sweeter liqueur made by mixing Grogue with molasses or honey.
Premium brands: In standard 4-star resorts, imported international brands (like specific top-shelf gins or aged whiskeys) will usually cost extra. However, if you upgrade to a VIP tier—like Meliá's "The Level" or stay in a 5-star RIU Palace—premium international drinks are often included. Some RIU resorts even feature signature in-room liquor dispensers.

Resorts known for the best food

If high-quality dining is the deciding factor for your holiday, here are the contenders for the best resort for food Cape Verde has to offer:

Best all inclusive food quality Sal:

Hilton Cabo Verde Sal Resort: While often booked as Bed & Breakfast or Half-Board rather than pure all-inclusive, the food here is arguably the best on the island. The Magellan offers high-end buffet dining, while the Bounty Beach Restaurant serves incredible fresh seafood right on the sand. You can finish the night with local music and grogue at the Cize Bar.
ROBINSON Cabo Verde: This adults-only resort is a haven for foodies. The menus change daily, focusing heavily on fresh, healthy, and high-quality international and regional dishes, alongside excellent vegan options and fresh juices.

Best food resort Boa Vista:

Hotel Riu Palace Boavista: Known for offering elevated luxury, this 5-star property boasts a fantastic culinary lineup. Alongside the massive main buffet, guests can dine at Mitsuki (Japanese), Krystal (Fusion cuisine), and a dedicated Steakhouse.
Iberostar Club Boa Vista (VOI Praia de Chaves): This stunning resort features a massive main buffet with spectacular ocean views from its terrace, serving up high-quality international dishes and Cape Verdean specialties.

FAQs

Is the food good at all inclusive Cape Verde?

Yes, the food at 4-star and 5-star resorts is generally very good, featuring vast international buffets and live cooking stations. However, because many ingredients are imported, some foodies prefer to leave the resort to eat the highly affordable, incredibly fresh local fish caught daily by the islanders.

Do I need to pay extra for à la carte restaurants all inclusive?

In most 5-star resorts, dining at the à la carte specialty restaurants is included in your package price, but you are usually limited to one or two visits per week and must make a reservation in advance. Premium items on those menus, like whole lobster, may carry a supplemental local charge.

What is the best food resort Boa Vista has for adults?

The Hotel Riu Karamboa is a fantastic adults-only option in Boa Vista. Completely refurbished in 2022, it offers excellent buffet spreads and specialty Asian, Italian, and Cape Verdean dining options in a lively, child-free environment.