On the square in front of the Cathedral and without hesitation sit at one of the small tables at Vesúvio, the historic meeting place of the cocoa barons described in Gabriela, Cravo and Canela, one of Amado's most famous novels. Bar Vesúvio, opened around 1920 by two Italians, became famous precisely because of writer Jorge Amado's novel. It regained the charm of the old Vesúvio in 2000, after changes in ownership and name, when it was completely renovated in search of original features-including sidewalk tables. Inspired by the characters of Gabriela and Nacib, on Tuesdays; in the evenings, there are always theatrical performances with Ilheão actors. Today it is the most pleasant place to have a drink and one of the best restaurants in town.
