Luiz Filipe Souza: A Rising Star and Visionary in Global Gastronomy
Luiz Filipe Souza has emerged as one of Brazil’s most celebrated chefs, redefining the global perception of Italian cuisine with his innovative Oriundi cuisine, which seamlessly blends Italian traditions with Brazilian ingredients. Born and raised in São Paulo, Luiz Filipe’s culinary journey began in the kitchens of prestigious restaurants like Fasano and Piselli in São Paulo, and Reale Casadonna in Italy, where he honed his skills and deepened his understanding of Italian gastronomy.
In 2017, Luiz Filipe opened Evvai, his flagship restaurant in São Paulo’s upscale Jardins neighborhood. Within two years, Evvai earned its first Michelin star, followed by a spot on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list at number 40. By 2024, Evvai had achieved its second Michelin star, solidifying Luiz Filipe’s reputation as a culinary trailblazer.
Evvai: Oriundi Cuisine at Its Finest
At Evvai, Luiz Filipe Souza introduces his concept of Oriundi cuisine, exploring the cultural and culinary fusion between Italian immigrants and Brazilian traditions. The restaurant’s name, inspired by the Italian phrase “Let’s go,” embodies the spirit of exploration and innovation that defines Luiz Filipe’s work.
Evvai’s menu is a meticulously crafted tasting menu that evolves annually, offering an exquisite journey through both Italian and Brazilian culinary traditions. Each course is thoughtfully designed to highlight seasonal ingredients and draw connections between the two cultures. To enhance the dining experience, every dish is accompanied by a hand-drawn card created by the chef, explaining the inspiration and story behind the course. These personalized touches immerse diners in Luiz Filipe’s vision, creating a memorable and meaningful connection to the food.
Trattoria Evvai: Comfort Meets Craftsmanship
For a more casual yet equally refined experience, Luiz Filipe opened Trattoria Evvai, which brings the warmth of traditional Italian comfort food to São Paulo. Here, diners can enjoy handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and desserts like tiramisu, all crafted with the same attention to detail as Evvai’s fine-dining counterpart.
The trattoria reflects Luiz Filipe’s dedication to quality and his ability to make exceptional cuisine accessible for everyday dining.
onions with fermented Korean sauce, demonstrating his versatility and creativity across culinary formats.
A Visionary Chef
Luiz Filipe Souza’s work is defined by his ability to tell stories through food, bridging cultures and traditions in innovative ways. As described by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants: “Souza delivers inventive takes on upscale Italian dishes while paying tribute to migrant food culture.”
With his acclaimed Evvai, and the inviting Trattoria Evvai Luiz Filipe Souza continues to push boundaries, offering unforgettable dining experiences that celebrate the rich interplay of Italian and Brazilian gastronomy. His influence extends far beyond São Paulo, marking him as one of the most exciting chefs in global gastronomy today.
