Ponta Negra in Natal pairs new openings and established spots, with Italian, author-driven Brazilian, French hotel dining, and regional seafood classics.
Framed by Morro do Careca, a landmark over 100 meters high, Ponta Negra Beach is Natal’s best-known postcard. Calm waters, golden sand, and a striking landscape draw both visitors and locals. In addition, the area has built a strong reputation for food, mixing new restaurants with long-established favorites.
With solid infrastructure and a lively day-and-night atmosphere, Ponta Negra offers dining for many tastes. In this way, gastronomy becomes a key part of the travel experience in Natal. Below is a selection of newcomers and classic addresses in the city’s southernmost area.
New restaurants shaping the scene
Vignoli Natal, from Grupo Vignoli, arrived in Natal in December 2025. The Italian restaurant has capacity for more than 300 people and five areas across two floors. In addition, it offers air-conditioned and open-air rooms, an events space, a kids area, a bar, and a 360° wine cellar.
The menu keeps signature dishes such as Parmegiana, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Carbonara. Another highlight is Vignoli’s award-winning pizza, positioned as a major brand strength in Brazil’s Northeast. Thus, the venue expands Italian options in Ponta Negra.
Opened around mid last year, Vista Mar stands out for its view of Morro do Careca. The menu is broad, ranging from seafood to traditional Northeastern dishes. In addition, it emphasizes generous shareable portions aimed at families and groups.
Suggested dishes include Filet au Malbec, shrimp served in pineapple, and “bolinho de sol”. In this manner, the restaurant reinforces variety as its main appeal. On the other hand, the scenic setting remains a key differentiator.
Launched in November 2024, La Tavola has gained traction with an Italian-focused menu. The restaurant seats 112 people in two environments, with an air-conditioned room and a glass-enclosed outdoor area. In addition, it offers handmade pasta, long-fermentation pizzas, and more refined plates.
Highlights include Gnocchi “à bolonhesa” and the Fettuccine La Tavola, featuring sautéed shrimp, sun-dried tomato, broccoli, and buffalo mozzarella in a creamy pesto sauce. The kitchen also prepares 44 savory and sweet pizza options. Thus, it positions itself as a wide-ranging Italian address.
Duma Cozinha, opened in September 2024, presents an author-driven Brazilian-rooted concept. The menu features the “Ginga com Tapioca do Duma”, with cilantro aioli and fried manjubinha. In addition, it includes salmon tartare, shrimp in cream, crab shell, and crispy squid.
The restaurant also serves meat dishes such as “Churrasco Duma”, an ancho steak grilled over embers. It comes with chimichurri, caramelized pumpkin, and egg farofa. In this way, the house combines bold starters with a distinctive main-course lineup.
Opened in June 2024, Joselia is a bistro named in tribute to chef Rodrigo Andrade’s grandmother. The menu is intentionally small, with about three starters, four mains, and two desserts per week. Thus, the place aims for a cozy “grandma’s backyard” feel.
One highlighted dish is lamb ravioli with fresh pasta, braised lamb, and cream. It also includes truffle, orange, and pangrattato. In addition, the weekly rotation signals a changing, curated experience.
Dining inside Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & SPA
Le Château focuses on French cuisine and operates inside the Vogal Luxury Beach Hotel & SPA. The restaurant is described as intimate and welcoming and is open to non-guests as well. In addition, it proposes fine-dining approaches that reinterpret classic traditions.
The venue highlights a varied wine list and an emphasis on aromas and flavors. In this manner, Le Château positions itself as a French dining option in Ponta Negra. On the other hand, the same hotel offers another concept with a different mood.
With a veranda extending toward the hotel’s leisure area, Terraço delivers a tropical Rio Grande do Norte atmosphere. The space is presented as elegant and connected to nature. In addition, it serves creative dishes and signature drinks that bridge regional and international cuisines.
Classic spots for regional flavors
Among Ponta Negra’s traditional names, Camarões Potiguar is positioned for seafood and local staples. Shrimp is the main draw, but the menu also includes meats, fish, and other seafood. In addition, portions are generous and designed for sharing.
The restaurant offers dishes for two or even three people, plus “family-size” options. The classics mentioned include Camarão Internacional and Camarão à Grega. Thus, it remains a go-to choice for groups.
Mangai is known for Northeastern regional food and an extensive pay-by-weight buffet. Guests can choose from more than 120 options across hot dishes, salads, and desserts. In addition, featured items include carne de sol in cream and baião de dois.
The list also includes gratinated cassava, green beans with coalho cheese, fish stew, and “farofa d’água”. In this way, the restaurant keeps its appeal through variety and local identity. Finally, it reinforces gastronomy as a core attraction in Natal tourism.
Closing the selection, Pérola offers multiple seafood-driven dishes, including shrimp preparations, fish, and lobster. The menu also includes risottos, pasta, and meats, while seafood remains central in snacks. In addition, options include shrimp and fish broths, fried squid, and crab shell.
Thus, Pérola positions itself as another varied address with a strong sea-to-table profile. In this manner, Ponta Negra consolidates its food circuit as a tourism highlight. Therefore, dining becomes part of the destination’s identity alongside the beach landscape.