Cafe & Camera, Salvador

On Carmo Hill (“Ladeira do Carmo“), there’s a gem of a café that feels more like a treasure chest of treats and curiosities. Café & Câmera, perched snugly beside the Church of the Third Order of the Brothers of Mount Carmel, offers the full package: stunning decor, a menu that tempts taste buds, and exceptional coffee sourced from Chapada Diamantina. Snag a table in the church courtyard, settle in, and let the hours pass while savoring the picturesque view of Salvador’s Historic Center townhouses.

This spot isn’t just about coffee-it’s also a charming blend of gallery and antique shop. Adriano Viana, the man behind the café, is not just a photographer and entrepreneur; he’s a carpenter too. His photos adorn the walls and are available for purchase, as are vintage cameras, woodcuts, and well-loved books. Even the coffee cups are chosen with care, each a little work of art. On the menu? Irresistible breads and cakes, like banana walnut cake and decadent dark chocolate walnut cupcakes. And if that’s not enough, the music is pure nostalgia, played on an old-school vinyl turntable.

True to its name, Café & Câmera fuses two passions-photography and coffee. With a vibe that invites you to enjoy a great cup of joe and engage in some thoughtful conversation, this place brims with music, art, and literature. It’s a visit well worth your time.