Where to eat street food in Florianópolis: complete guide with local tips
Discover the best street flavors in Floripa with tips on where to eat pastel, coxinha, skewers, and much more!
October 20, 2025
If you arrived in Florianópolis looking for amazing beaches, breathtaking landscapes, and that light atmosphere only the “Magic Island” offers, get ready to discover another fascinating side of the city: street food!
Yes, between a swim in the ocean and a stroll through the historic center, Floripa offers unique flavors that tell stories, awaken memories, and of course, satisfy that good hunger of those exploring everything for the first time (or coming back to relive it). Here, every corner can surprise you with a snack full of personality, and we’ll show you where to find the best ones!
Pastel
You’re at an open-air market, and you smell that irresistible aroma in the air… it’s pastel calling you! Crispy on the outside and filled with all the good stuff on the inside. It can be meat, cheese, chicken with “catupiry,” or, an island favorite, shrimp. To complete the experience, don’t miss a cold glass of sugarcane juice. It’s the perfect duo! Here’s a tip: a squeeze of lime or a bit of pineapple helps cut the sweetness of the sugarcane juice, making everything even more refreshing.
Local tip: If you’re downtown, stop by Pastelaria do Keko. It has become a classic spot for those looking for an authentic street-market-style pastel, with light dough and generous fillings.
Coxinha
If there’s one national favorite that Florianópolis fully embraces, it’s the coxinha. Soft dough, well-seasoned filling, and a golden crust… do we need to say more? Filled with perfectly seasoned chicken and often a creamy touch of “catupiry,” the coxinha is a must-have at street carts, snack bars, and bakeries around the city.
Where to find it: The food stalls at Largo da Alfândega are a true paradise for anyone who loves this snack.
Kibbeh and Esfiha
The cultural mix also appears in the flavors! With the influence of the Arab community, kibbeh and esfihas have become part of the city’s comfort food scene. Kibbeh, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and esfihas, either open or closed, are easy to find at street fairs, food trucks, and snack bars, and they keep winning more fans with their delicious seasoning and handmade preparation.
Our recommendation: The traditional Kibelândia, downtown, is a must-stop for anyone who wants to experience the taste of Arab cuisine made with care and tradition.
Hot dog
If hunger strikes at an odd time, the hot dog comes to the rescue, and in Florianópolis it’s fully loaded: corn, peas, shoestring potatoes, quail eggs… a true feast in a bun! A street and market favorite, the hot dog is one of those snacks that works any time of day.
Don’t miss: The famous Cachorro-Quente do Afonso, at Olívio Amorim Square, is one of those places everyone recommends (and for good reason!). It’s well known for its friendly service and carefully prepared hot dogs…
Argentinian Empanada
The presence of our “hermanos” around here has also left a delicious legacy: empanadas with buttery, golden dough and irresistible fillings. The most traditional options include well-seasoned beef, cheese with caramelized onions, and spinach with cheese, all wrapped in delicately hand-folded dough, forming the classic crimped edges.
Our recommendation: Franchis Padaria, in Cachoeira do Bom Jesus, has become a must-visit spot for anyone who wants to try empanadas made with that authentic Argentine artisanal touch.
Espetinho (Churrasquinho)
If you catch that unmistakable smell of grilled meat while walking around Floripa, you can bet there’s a skewer stand nearby! Freshly made and served still hot, skewers range from beef, chicken, and sausage to vegetarian options.
Where to find it: At night, it’s common to see food carts and stands in busy areas like downtown, Lagoa da Conceição, and around bars. And if it’s match day at Estádio da Ressacada (home of Avaí) or Estádio Orlando Scarpelli (home of Figueirense), get ready for a real street barbecue party around the stadium!
Acarajé
If you want to experience something different and memorable in Floripa, you need to try acarajé. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s much more than a snack, it’s culture served in your hands! Originally from Bahia, acarajé carries African roots and a rich history. And even far from northeastern Brazil, it has found loyal fans in Floripa and earned its place at local fairs and events.
Don’t miss: Acarajé no Dendê, in Ingleses do Rio Vermelho, serves one of the most authentic and beloved versions in the city. Totally worth every bite!
Açaí (sweet)
Nothing better than leaving the beach and refreshing yourself with a well-served açaí bowl, full of toppings and energy! Although the fruit originates from the Amazon region and is traditionally consumed in savory form in northern Brazil, in Florianópolis the sweet, urban version is the most popular, perfect for the island’s warm climate.
Nossa recomendação: A Açailand oferece sistema self-service Our recommendation: Açailand offers a self-service system where you can choose everything, from the base to the toppings. Perfect for recharging after a sunny day.
Beach classics
In Floripa, snacks come to you too! Grilled “queijo coalho” (Brazilian cheese), corn on the cob with butter, icy popsicles… Between a swim and some sunbathing, nothing beats enjoying the typical flavors sold by beach vendors along the island’s shores.
Where to find it: Any beach on the island during summer, from Praia Brava to Praia de Naufragados!
Other popular treats
Besides the classic street and beach snacks, Florianópolis also offers a variety of treats and sweets that are part of locals’ everyday life, and of course, also win over visitors.
- Churros with dulce de leche or Nutella, perfect to end the day on a high note.
- Popcorn, always present at shows, games, and city strolls.
- Warm cheese bread (pão de queijo), simple or stuffed.
- Cocada, which can be white, caramelized, or flavored with passion fruit and chocolate.
- Tapioca and “crepioca,” great for those looking for a lighter option or for those who prefer generous fillings.
- The classic brigadeiro, an all-time favorite!
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To finish…
Florianópolis is much more than its landscapes. It also reveals itself in its flavors, its aromas, the warmth of street stalls, and the friendliness of those who serve you a snack with a smile. Whether between swims, on a walk through the public market, or after a football match, street food in the capital of Santa Catarina is always nearby, ready to surprise and delight.
So when you’re here, take some time to explore the gastronomy that happens outside the restaurants. Walk without rushing, follow the good smells, try something new. Because in Floripa, every snack is a new story to tell and enjoy!
Gabriela Scherer
Author
I am a film student, passionate about culture and stories that connect people. I have been dancing for over seven years and have explored seven countries in search of new inspiration. Between a photo and a good conversation, I continue living art every day.
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