São Paulo is a city filled with incredible dining experiences, but these four restaurants stand out as my personal favorites. Each offers something unique—whether it’s Japanese-inspired cocktails, contemporary Italian cuisine, Michelin-starred refinement, or a bold celebration of pork. If you're looking to explore São Paulo’s culinary scene, these spots are absolute must-visits.
📍 Pinheiros, São Paulo | World’s 50 Best Discovery
Tan Tan is not just a ramen shop—it’s an experience. Inspired by traditional Japanese izakayas, Chef Thiago Bañares delivers umami-packed dishes like smoky yakitori skewers, rich ramen, and creative small plates that keep you coming back for more. But what truly sets Tan Tan apart is its cocktail program, featuring expertly crafted drinks with Japanese ingredients like yuzu, sake, and shiso. Whether you're here for the food or the drinks (or both), Tan Tan never disappoints.
📍 Vila Madalena, São Paulo | Michelin Recommended | World’s 50 Best Discovery
A hidden gem in São Paulo, Nelita is where Chef Tássia Magalhães reinvents Italian cuisine with local influences. The menu is constantly evolving, with standout dishes like house-made pastas, seafood crudos, and vegetable-forward plates that showcase a perfect balance of simplicity and refinement. The cozy, modern ambiance paired with an exceptional wine selection makes this a must-visit for lovers of contemporary Italian cuisine.
📍 Palácio Tangará | ⭐ 1 Michelin Star
Nestled in the stunning Palácio Tangará hotel, Tangará Jean-Georges brings Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s globally acclaimed cuisine to Brazil. This Michelin-starred spot offers a beautifully executed menu that fuses French techniques with Brazilian ingredients, resulting in elegant yet flavorful dishes. The setting is as impressive as the food—a sophisticated dining room overlooking lush gardens, making it one of São Paulo’s most refined dining experiences.
📍 Downtown São Paulo | 🌱 Michelin Green Star | World’s 50 Best Restaurants
A Casa do Porco, led by Chef Jefferson Rueda, is a must-visit for anyone who loves bold flavors and innovative cooking. This restaurant is all about pork, using every part of the animal in unique and unexpected ways. From the legendary Porco San Zé (slow-roasted pork) to the pork jowl sushi, each dish is crafted with creativity and precision.
Beyond its culinary excellence, A Casa do Porco is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability, earning the prestigious Michelin Green Star for its focus on responsible sourcing, zero-waste cooking, and support for local farmers. The open-kitchen, lively vibe, and unbeatable quality make it an essential São Paulo dining experience.
These four restaurants represent the best of what São Paulo has to offer—innovation, passion, and an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're looking for Japanese-inspired mixology, contemporary Italian craftsmanship, Michelin-starred sophistication, or bold, sustainable Brazilian flavors, these spots are worth every bite.
Witnessing McLaren's stunning Ayrton Senna tribute livery at the São Paulo GP 2024. A must-see blending history, passion, and Brazilian racing legacy.
Don Julio Blanco
Wasabi
Cucumber
Orange bitter
Cold harumaki with tuna tartare, sesame seeds, mayonnaise and nori powd
Fresh oysters from Santa Catarina with ponzu and mignonette sauce.
A curated selection of four exquisite bites, showcasing intricate flavors and textures to awaken the palate.
This beautifully plated amuse-bouche set introduces the refined and playful approach of Chef Tássia Magalhães, setting the stage for the courses to come.
Silky linguini served with an intense carrot-based sauce, topped with bursts of roe for a salty contrast.
A refreshing dish of beetroot and radish, balanced with yogurt and an herbaceous pudding grass infusion.
Succulent pork paired with the natural sweetness of pear and the crunch of toasted bread for texture.
A delicate choux pastry filled with a luscious mango cream, offering a balance of acidity and sweetness.
A refreshing coconut-based dessert enhanced by the bright flavors of pineapple.
A deceivingly simple yet complex dish, featuring a delicate tomato filled with an umami-rich core, setting the tone for the meal.
This dish elevates traditional carpaccio with ultra-thin slices of premium Wagyu beef, renowned for its marbling and rich, buttery texture. Complementing the Wagyu are crispy Comté cheese fritters, adding a sharp, nutty contrast to the delicate beef.
A decadent black truffle aioli ties the elements together, infusing each bite with an earthy depth that enhances the natural umami of the dish. The result is a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making Carpaccio de Wagyu an indulgent and unforgettable experience at Tangará Jean-Georges.
This dish showcases perfectly grilled octopus, tender on the inside with a beautifully charred exterior, highlighting its natural sweetness and smoky depth. Paired with crispy mandioquinha (a delicate Brazilian root vegetable), it adds a light crunch that contrasts the succulence of the octopus.
An emulsion of smoked paprika and fresh herbs enhances the dish with a rich, aromatic complexity, delivering a balance of smoky, earthy, and herbaceous notes.
A bold yet elegant interpretation of grilled seafood, Polvo Grelhado embodies Tangará Jean-Georges' commitment to elevating Brazilian ingredients through world-class techniques.
This refined dish highlights the delicate tuna ribbons, expertly sliced to enhance their natural buttery texture. Paired with creamy avocado, crisp radish, and a zesty ginger dressing, each bite is a balance of freshness and umami. A drizzle of chilli oil adds a subtle heat, elevating the flavors with a touch of spice.
A visually stunning and well-balanced dish, Laços de Atum showcases Tangará Jean-Georges' mastery in merging refined French techniques with bold Brazilian ingredients, making it an essential choice for seafood lovers
This dish highlights the luxurious richness of Wagyu beef, expertly seared in spiced butter, enhancing its deep umami flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. The roasted broccoli, coated in a crunchy pistachio crumb, adds an earthy contrast, bringing texture and a subtle nuttiness to the plate.
A luscious beef jus infused with aged balsamic vinegar completes the dish, delivering a perfect balance of savory depth and subtle acidity. Every bite of Wagyu Grelhado is a testament to Tangará Jean-Georges' refined craftsmanship, offering a dish that is both indulgent and elegantly composed.
An artistic and indulgent dessert combining the bitterness of dark chocolate with the vibrant acidity of passion fruit, beautifully plated with intricate chocolate decorations.
A light, refreshing finale showcasing a medley of tropical fruits, delicate sponge textures, and an expertly crafted sorbet.
At A Casa do Porco, the experience begins the moment you take your seat. Every guest is greeted with a complimentary shot of Cachaça Amorosa, a signature house-aged cachaça that embodies the soul of Brazilian gastronomy.
Smooth yet complex, this premium cachaça carries deep woody, vanilla, and caramel notes, making it the ideal pairing for the rich, pork-centric dishes that follow. Whether you're savoring the Porco San Zé or diving into the house-made sausages, this welcoming sip sets the stage for an authentic, immersive, and celebratory dining experience.
This small but thoughtful gesture reflects A Casa do Porco’s commitment to hospitality, tradition, and a true taste of Brazil—ensuring that every meal starts on the perfect note.
A curated selection inspired by Brazil’s interior regions, bringing together earthy, bold, and nostalgic flavors:
A playful section of the menu designed for bold, hands-on eating, showcasing the versatility of pork
A playful section of the menu designed for bold, hands-on eating, showcasing the versatility of pork
A refined take on the classic mortadella sandwich, featuring house-made charcuterie with a perfectly crusty and warm bread roll.
A fusion of Brazilian and Asian influences, these rich and flavorful dumplings are served in a deep, umami-packed broth.
A fusion of Brazilian and Asian influences, these rich and flavorful dumplings are served in a deep, umami-packed broth.
A delicate yet bold pork tartare, paired with airy, crispy crackling for a textural contrast that melts in your mouth.
