La Vie is one of the more refined dining options in São Luís, a restaurant in the historic centre that takes Maranhão ingredients and applies more careful cooking than most places in the neighbourhood bother with. The menu includes creative interpretations of regional classics — cuxá risotto, seafood cooked with tucupi (cassava juice), local fish prepared with more precision than at the neighbouring beach restaurants.
Prices are higher than elsewhere in the old town but still modest. The setting, in a restored colonial building with exposed beams and good lighting, is attractive without being pretentious. Good for a special dinner if you've been eating at the beach bars all week.