x-default

©Justin Foulkes/Lonely Planet

Roça São João

Top choice in São Tomé


This well-known restaurant, an ever-popular weekend drive from the capital, occupies a sprawling deck at a classic roça administrator's house, with valley views towards the sea. The food is a mélange of European, African and São Toméan tastes, but best when it sticks to creative takes on local fare, be it chicken or fish. The prix fixe menu makes choosing easy.

The restaurant is run by TV chef and general culture promoter João Carlos Silva, who also owns CACAU. It's the perfect lunch stop if you're heading south, but reserve ahead on weekends. You can also stay at its pousada.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby São Tomé attractions

1. Cão Grande

5.85 MILES

The Great Canine is the poster image of São Tomé, and an awesome sight. An enormous tooth of rock 663m high, it is a hardened column of magma, the remains…

2. Praia das Sete Ondas

5.98 MILES

This long and shallow gray-sand beach produces many rows of waves, hence 'Seven Waves Beach'. It's good for kids, beginner surfers, and a long beach walk,…

3. Boca do Inferno

7.47 MILES

The much-advertised 'Mouth of Hell' blowhole on the seaward side of the EN-2, just after the Km17 marker, has lost its spark. Those on Ilhėu das Rolas are…

4. Cão Pequeno

7.89 MILES

The diminutive sibling of Cão Grande, this phonolite tower is best seen from Ilhėu das Rolas.

5. Roça Agua Izė

7.91 MILES

One of the original 'Big Five' roças of São Tomé, this was the plantation that kicked off the cocoa industry in STP, and it still farms the bean, albeit…

7. Ilhéu de Santana

10.46 MILES

This interesting island, which faces Santana Resort, is unique in that a natural tunnel runs straight through the centre of it. Boat trips operated by the…

8. Jardim Botânico

10.67 MILES

This botanical garden has scores of different species, many with medicinal uses. The personal tours here are excellent, with much local lore and history…