How to Ask for Recommendations in Brazilian Portuguese
Learn the difference between asking what someone recommends and asking what they personally like, then follow up for the details you need.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
A simple question is O que você recomenda? (What do you recommend?). Add a topic to make it specific: um restaurante, um passeio, um lugar para tomar café. If you want a suggestion for a local favorite, ask O que você gosta de fazer por aqui? (What do you like to do around here?).
Ask what someone recommends
The two questions ask for different things. Recommendações may draw on what the person knows suits visitors; perguntar o que a pessoa gosta invites a personal preference. Neither guarantees a particular place is open or right for you, so check current details separately.
Que restaurante você recomenda aqui perto?
Which restaurant do you recommend nearby?
O que você recomenda para um passeio de manhã?
What do you recommend for a morning outing?
Onde você gosta de tomar café nesta região?
Where do you like to get coffee in this area?
Add your preferences so the answer fits
Give one useful constraint: a budget, food preference, time of day, or activity. A short detail often improves the recommendation more than a long explanation. If you have an allergy or dietary requirement, say it directly and confirm the information with the business before ordering.
Use perto de mim or aqui perto for nearby places, and para ir com crianças when you need a family-friendly suggestion. You can also ask whether a place is open today, but confirm current hours through the business because they change.
Você recomenda algum lugar barato para almoçar?
Do you recommend an inexpensive place for lunch?
Conhece um café tranquilo para trabalhar?
Do you know a quiet café where I can work?
Tem alguma opção sem carne por aqui?
Is there a meat-free option around here?
Follow up and make a decision
A recommendation is the beginning of the exchange. Ask how to get there, what time to go, or what the person likes about it. If you are not sure you understood the answer, repeat the place name or detail and ask for confirmation. Then thank the person, whether or not you choose the suggestion.
This conversation pattern works beyond travel: you can ask a coworker about a lunch spot, a neighbor about a nearby market, or a friend for a book recommendation. Replace the noun and keep the question frame.
Fica a que distância daqui?
How far is it from here?
O que você mais gosta de pedir lá?
What do you most like to order there?
Então, você recomenda o café da esquina, certo?
So, you recommend the café on the corner, right?
Put it into practice
Practice a complete request: say what you need, add one preference, and ask one follow-up question. That gives the other person enough context to make a useful suggestion.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “What do you recommend for a morning outing”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.