Where to eat

Florianópolis oysters

How the island became Brazil's oyster capital and where to try the best ones.

Updated on October 7, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 6, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original

In Brazil, Florianópolis is synonymous with oysters. The district of Ribeirão da Ilha is the country’s largest oyster producer, according to Wikipedia, and the farms spread across the calm waters of the North and South bays.

How oyster farming works

The oysters grow attached to structures in the sea, such as net lanterns hanging from lines held up by buoys. From the villages you can see the rows of buoys on the water and the farmers’ boats. The sector gets technical support from state bodies such as Epagri.

The Fenaostra

The National Oyster and Manezinho Culture Festival (Festa Nacional da Ostra e da Cultura Manezinha), known as Fenaostra, was created in 1999 and takes place in Florianópolis, according to Wikipedia. It brings together food, music and Azorean culture. The dates change with each edition: check the city’s official announcement.

How to eat them

Raw: freshly opened, with lime.
Au gratin: with cheese, a classic in the island’s restaurants.
Steamed (ao bafo): cooked in steam.

Where to try them

Ribeirão da Ilha: restaurants on the edge of the South Bay.
Santo Antônio de Lisboa: lunch, or late afternoon with the sunset.
Public Market: downtown.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Brazil's largest oyster producer?

In Ribeirão da Ilha, a district in the south of Florianópolis, according to Wikipedia.

When is the Fenaostra?

The dates change with each edition. Check the official announcement from the City of Florianópolis.

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