Balneário Camboriú is a famous destination for its beaches and lively nightlife. However, for travelers or digital nomads planning a longer stay, knowing where to eat well and save money is crucial! In this guide, I’ll give you valuable tips on affordable restaurants and the best supermarkets for grocery shopping in the city.
Initially, my idea was to focus on how Argentinian tourists, even when their country’s economy is struggling, manage to visit Balneário Camboriú. But I realized these tips are equally useful for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
To give you an idea, a marmita (a Brazilian-style set meal) in popular restaurants here typically ranges from BRL 25.00 to BRL 40.00 (Brazilian Reais). In more upscale establishments, meal prices start from BRL 50.00, and at beachfront restaurants, values are considerably higher. But don’t worry, there are options for every budget!
As written in this article about Brazilian food culture, the cheapest options for eating are the local restaurants that offer “Prato Feito“, also described by its acronym “PF”, where the local workers go for lunch. A “prato feito” usually costs between BRL 30,00 and BRL 40,00 in most places. At more expensive restaurants, you’ll pay between BRL 50,00 and BRL 80,00 for a meal.
Affordable Dining Options in Balneário Camboriú
If saving money is your priority, these two restaurants in the city center, both on Avenida do Estado Dalmo Vieira (or simply Avenida do Estado), are must-stops. They are conveniently located near the beach and are frequented by locals, which is always a good sign!
1. Shian Yian: Chinese Buffet with Great Value
Shian Yian is a Chinese restaurant that has stood out for its variety and price since 1993. They serve an all-you-can-eat buffet with diverse options, including rice, beans, different types of meat (beef and chicken), fresh salads, and more. A plate will cost around BRL 25.00. It’s one of the best choices for those who want a complete and economical meal.
Operating Hours: Generally open for lunch between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
Address: Av. do Estado Dalmo Vieira, 2401 – Centro.
2. Churrascaria Ferrari: The Beloved Set Meal Spot
Churrascaria Ferrari is a classic in Balneário Camboriú, known for its quality meats at fair prices since 1988. Here, you can order a marmita (set meal) for around BRL 20.00. The all-you-can-eat buffet costs around BRL 40.00 on weekdays. The marmita is well-served with rice, salad, and a choice of meat (beef, pork, or chicken), making it one of the most economical and satisfying meals you’ll find.
Operating Hours: Usually open for lunch (11:00 AM to 2:30 PM) and dinner (6:45 PM to 10:30 PM).
Address: Av. do Estado Dalmo Vieira, 3437 – Centro.
Other Affordable Dining Options in Balneário Camboriú
To eat cheaply in Balneário Camboriú, you can consider several other options that offer good value, especially restaurants with all-you-can-eat buffets (buffet livre) or pay-by-weight (por quilo) options, and snack bars with quick, affordable dishes.
Here are some suggestions:
All-You-Can-Eat Buffet / Pay-by-Weight Restaurants:
- Restaurante Ganesh: Located at Av. Brasil, 250, Centro. Offers a buffet and self-service lunch with freshly grilled steaks. Takeaway marmita options are also available.
- La Vita: At 3ª Avenida, 1123, Centro. Known for its varied homemade buffet and desserts.
- Mundo Selvagem: A pay-by-weight restaurant with diverse options for meats, seafood, and vegetarian dishes.
- Restaurante Litoral BC: Located in the courtyard of Posto Apolo, on BR-101. Offers espeto corrido (all-you-can-eat barbecue) with a variety of meats at an affordable price, especially on Sundays. During the week, the price is lower, but the meat is not unlimited.
- Restaurante Pingo: On Rua 904, next to “o camelo” (a well-known local landmark). Offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with good food and an affordable price.
- Choperia e Hamburgueria Seu Zé: On Av. Atlântica, 2350. Offers a daily special at a fair price, plus draft beer, drinks, and snacks.
- Restaurante Tempero da Mara: On Rua 2500. Serves all-you-can-eat and pay-by-weight buffet, as well as breakfast. They also serve grilled tambaqui (a type of fish).
Quick Bites and Budget-Friendly Options:
- Granpastel (Pastelaria do Japonês): A city classic on Rua 904, offering large, well-filled pastéis (fried pastries) at a fair price.
- Casa di Pastel: On Rua 2500, corner of Avenida Brasil. Besides pastéis, they offer hamburgers and natural juices.
- O Terrier Dogueria: On Avenida Brasil, offers snacks, hot dogs, and lunch options.
- Choperia e Petiscaria do Rei: Branches on Avenida Central and Avenida Atlântica for beer, snacks, and shared portions.
- Sushi Central: On Avenida Central, parallel to Avenida Atlântica. Offers economical sushi options.
Supermarkets for Your Grocery Shopping in Balneário Camboriú
If your stay will be longer or you prefer to cook to save money, Balneário Camboriú offers great supermarket options. You can find everything from fresh bread to fruits and meats, with different price ranges.
The largest and most complete are:
- Bistek: A well-regarded chain with a good variety of products.
- Imperatriz: Another large chain, with competitive prices and a good selection.
- Angeloni: Considered a supermarket with slightly higher prices than the city average, but with differentiated products and a wider variety of imported goods.
For those looking for even more savings, it’s worth checking out chains like:
- DuBom
- Meschke
- Koch
These smaller, regional markets often offer promotions and more affordable prices for basic products.
If you look for recommendations about what to eat during your trip to Balneário Camboriú, I share in other articles tips about main course dishes, entrees and snacks, beverages and drinks, fruits and desserts that are part of Brazilian food culture.
Despite its reputation as an expensive city, especially in the summer and with high real estate and rental prices (which are indeed hard to avoid!), Balneário Camboriú does offer diverse options for all budgets and tastes when it comes to food. Just like many Argentinian tourists who come with a tight budget, you can also enjoy the city without spending a fortune on meals.
Do you have any other tips for cheap eats or grocery shopping in Balneário Camboriú? Share them in the comments!
Originally posted 2022-05-08 21:24:02.
