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If you expect to find much regional cuisine using local, exotic ingredients in Manaus, you may be disappointed. Belém has a much more vibrant and creative eating scene, although there are enough good restaurants to keep you interested over a few days. Here expect to find rather bland, brightly lit restaurants serving much fish caught in Amazonian rivers and served with the ubiquitous farofa, the ground manioc flour that is fried in oil and served crispy and dry as a side dish.
Although the decor is clean and simple, the quality of the fish dishes speak for themselves—testament to which, it was chosen as the restaurant to host Pope John Paul II when he came to Manaus in 1981. Don't miss the house speciality caldeirada de tambaqui (tambaqui fish stew) and be sure to come hungry, as one platter comes with enough food for two people.
The green awning and red-and-white-check tablecloths are hints that this restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine. Pasta dishes are delicious, especially the lasagna fiorentina (with a marinara and ground-beef sauce). A buffet is also available every day for lunch.
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