Florianopolis, Brazil
Juliana, 35
Free-minded Pastry Chef
see her Florianopolis city guide

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coffee shop brazilian restaurant seafood restaurant beaches hiking underground

What do you do and why do you do it?

I'm currently studying Food Science &Technology at the University because I love researching and I think that the food crisis today still need better solutions. I hope I can help a bit :)


Shakira and Florence and the machine. My divas that help me through everything!

What are the best TV shows of all time?

Hard to say... I love HIMYM, Master of None has brilliant insights, Malcolm in the middle was great, and recently I got into Dag, a brilliant Norwegian series. Some GoT too, but my bad memory makes a bit hard to follow this show haha

Name some spots in Florianopolis that are good for a Tinder date.

Rabo di Galo has great drinks, Hang Out (on the same block) also has good drinks and a nice outdoor patio. Go to Santo Antônio de Lisboa for some seafood (Rosso is a great option, but you can have really fresh oysters in any restaurant there), or for artisanal beer and an amazing view check Cervejaria Sambaqui. Finish the night with some samba (Sundays only) at Rancho do Neco, a landmark for locals and tourists. For a fancier experience, check out May, a Thai restaurant with great food and breath taking views.

Who’s your hero and where in Florianopolis would you take them out for a serious hang?

I don't think I have a hero. I admire a bunch of people for different reasons. But I would love to have a drink and a bite with Anthony Bourdain at the Public Market, or go dancing with Shakira (told you she is my diva) at Casa de Noca, or get drunk with Chelsea at The Roof.

Where do you buy those fabulous clothes of yours?

I love thrift stores. Baú Coletivo, Entediei and Baú de Luxo have some great findings. At Black Buffalo Studio you can find local designers clothes and accessories.


Avoid walking around in downtown at night and do go up in the favelas, since it can be dangerous. Although it is a beautiful beach, I try to avoid Barra da Lagoa too. It's too crowded, the restaurants are not that good and you can find more beautiful beaches nearby.


Armação and Lagoinha do Leste are incredible beaches (including the trekking between them) but it is quite far and I would recommend going only when is warmer (totally worthy then).

What’s the most decadent / extreme dish you ever ate in Florianopolis and where did you get it?

Boka's offers HUGE portions (go for the fry shrimp) with a bunch of side dishes. Big enough to share with 3 or 4 friends.

Is there a hidden bar / hole in the wall in Florianopolis that you particularly like?

It's not hidden per se, but Tralharia is a very small bar downtown that I love. They have great vegan burguers too. On the continental side, look for Cervejaria Armada, an artisinal brewery with tons of different options.

What’s the most expensive restaurant / spa / hotel you’ve ever been to in Florianopolis? How much did it cost and what did you get there?

Villa Maggioni is a Mediterranean restaurant with espetacular views that is settled in the owners' house. The prices are high, but the pasta is good. Their menu is seasonal, so options and prices vary a bit.

What restaurant in Florianopolis looks crap, but the food’s amazing?

Cantinho das Ostras is a small shack in front of the beach. The tables are outside and when you order oysters the owner gets his boat and go fish them for you. So, the service can be a little slow, but the food is amazing! (And cheap)

Where can you get the best cocktail in Florianopolis? Which one do you like?

The Roof is in a fancy hotel. Good drinks, great view, but a bit expensive. I love Hang Out Coffe because they are always trying to improve their menu and the place is great. Rabo di Galo is a good option too.

Where would you take your partner in Florianopolis if you wanted to really pamper them?

Maybe get a boat ride to Costa da Lagoa. The ride itself is beautiful and you can go swimming in a waterfall at the end. But I would go back to Lagoa da Conceição for dinner. Kanpai is a nice option if you like sushi.


Oysters are the big deal here in Floripa. If you're not a big fan, as me, there are tons of seafood to try. In Armação beach you can have smoked anchovies or mullet right on the beach. Brigadeiros are the most traditional Brazilian sweet and you can find them in any coffee place or bakery.

What’s the one place you think is overrated in Florianopolis?

Jurere Internacional for sure. A bunch of fancy houses and over priced restaurants that get really crowded during summer. Same for Brava beach.

What’s the one place you think is underrated in Florianopolis?

Lagoa do Peri. While I would avoid going there during high season, it's a beautiful place to contemplate nature.

What are the Florianopolis spots a first-time visitor can’t miss?

Lagoa da Conceição for sure. It's not only beautiful, but full of bars, restaurants, club, stores and is nice even when crowded. The Public Market is also a nice experience, don't forget to check the centennial ficus tree nearby (legend says visitors that walk around it once will come back to the city. Do it twice if you're looking for a boyfriend or girlfriend and three times if you wanna get married). Mole Beach is a typical destination for a reason. Although it may be a bit hard to swim there, it's a nice place to go people watching and catch some waves.

Tomorrow’s your last day in Florianopolis. How do you spend it?

I'd probably go to Daniela beach, one of my favorites, spend the day swimming and relaxing on the beach with some friends and head up to Lagoa or downtown at night for some nightlife fun.

What’s your favorite vacation city in the world and why?

I love New York, because there's so much to do there, so many different people, so many different options, that it never gets boring.

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