Where to eat in Sāo Paulo, Brazil
Looking for recommendations on where to eat in Sāo Paulo? Come with me on a 3 week long food adventure this food metropolis.
Sāo Paulo boasts one of the most culturally diverse food scenes globally, reflecting the city’s rich tapestry of ethnicities and influences. From vibrant street markets offering Brazilian street food to upscale restaurants showcasing a fusion of international flavors, the culinary landscape in Sāo Paulo is a testament to its melting pot of cultures. From its proud Brazilian traditions, authentic Japanese Izakayas, Italian, Lebanese, and its currently booming African gastronomy. Sāo Paulo is a true epicenter of culinary diversity.
This is by no means a comprehensive assessment of Sāo Paulo’s restaurant scene. Rather, it is a shortlist of the best places I visited on my 3 week long trip to Sāo Paulo – all vetted and highly recommended.
International Flavors
Ikkousha Ramen
Ikkousha Ramen, a Japanese chain recently introduced to São Paulo, left a lasting impression. While I tried a few different ramen spots during my trip, Ikkousha Ramen stands out as the only one I wholeheartedly recommend. For fellow ramen enthusiasts, this establishment offers a genuinely authentic experience that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Halim
Halim holds a special place as one of São Paulo’s favorite Lebanese restaurants. Established in the early 70s by the Halim Family who immigranted from Lebanon, this restaurant has been a beacon for comforting food.
The cabbage beef rolls are one of my personal favorites. However, what truly steals the spotlight for me are their dips. The Lebneh in particular is to freaking die for. The rich flavors and authenticity of their cuisine make Halim a cherished spot for those seeking the comforting delights of Lebanese cuisine in São Paulo.
Izakaya Omoide Sakaba
This Izakaya is a true transporter, especially after my dream trip to Japan; stepping in felt like being back in a dimly lit alleyway in Tokyo.
With menus entirely written in Japanese, adorned with pictures and charming cartoons, this place captures the essence of authentic Japanese establishments – the kind I live for.
Our order included braised pork belly, fried squid, and, of course, some delectable shrimp dumplings. A gem like this tends to be highly popular, so arriving early is advised.
Brazilian Food Favorites
Sujinho
The next stop on our culinary journey is a São Paulo classic — SUJINHO – a steak restaurant with a rich history spanning decades. This old-school cafeteria has carved its niche with the famed “bisteca de boi” and a menu featuring all the Brazilian classics. What sets this establishment apart is not just its storied past but also its affordable prices. The icing on the cake for night owls is that the kitchen remains open until 4 AM, making it a go-to spot for a satisfying and nostalgic late-night meal.
A Casa do Porco
A Casa do Porco is a São Paulo institution, holding the 12th place on the list of World’s 50 Best Restaurants. They are known for their dedication to providing high-quality food at affordable prices. With a tasting menu priced at around $40 and sandwiches as economical as $3 each, their mission is to make quality food accessible to everyone.
One of their courses served pork cheek sushi, which was a new experience for my taste buds. Moving on to their signature mains, the Porco a San Ze is a standout, slow-roasted for 8 hours in a special wood-fired churrasqueira. For those with a penchant for the classics, the Pork Schnitzel is also a crowd-pleaser.
To cap off the meal, we ordered the assortment of guava cheese platter for dessert.
Jiquitaia
This next spot might just be my favorite from the entire trip. Upon entering, the first thing that captivates you is the sheer beauty of the restaurant. It’s reminiscent of stepping into a tastefully decorated residential home, adorned with stunning photographs depicting the origins of their ingredients.
Renowned for their impressive collection of Cachaças, the restaurant has also made a name for itself in the realm of cocktails.
What sets Jiquitaia apart is its ability to bring traditional Brazilian dishes from various regions under one roof. The chef skillfully incorporates European classics with traditional Brazilian ingredients. For example, their most popular dishes, the Arroz de Pato no Tucupi e Magret – a Portuguese classic with an Amazonian twist. If you want to try truly diverse and unique Brazilian flavors that you cannot find at your local churrasco, Jiquitaia has all the sophistication you are looking for.
Fogo de Chāo
This next place hardly needs an introduction, as it has evolved into an internationally renowned chain offering top-quality Brazilian churrasco. Specializing for nearly four decades in the art of fire-roasting high-quality meats using the age-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. A haven for meat lovers, Fogo de Chao surprises by catering to diverse diets, offering a meatless menu that grants access to their STUNNING salad bar. Whether carnivore or herbivore, Fogo de Chao ensures an unforgettable dining experience for all.
D.O.M.
D.O.M. stands as Brazil’s first-ever two-star Michelin restaurant, proudly serving as the flagship establishment of the renowned chef Alex Atala. The dining experience at DOM is nothing short of exceptional and truly warrants its own dedicated blog post. For a closer look at each exquisite dish from the impressive 16-course menu, be sure to check out the short vlog I created. It offers a visual journey through the culinary artistry and innovation that defines this remarkable dining establishment.
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