Fine dining is more than just food—it’s an immersive journey. My recent experience at Tuju in São Paulo set a new benchmark for what a restaurant can offer, blending art, nature, world-class gastronomy, and award-winning hospitality in a three-level dining adventure.

### Michelin-Star Dining at Tuju São Paulo: A Nature-Inspired Experience
From the moment you step into Tuju, the design captivates you. The space is a seamless fusion of modern architecture and nature, featuring:
✔️ A lush vertical garden creating a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere
✔️ An open kitchen, allowing guests to witness the magic behind the dishes
✔️ Multi-level dining that transforms the meal into an interactive experience

### Tuju’s Cocktail Bar: House-Made Ingredients & Sustainable Mixology
At Tuju's bar, the same farm-to-table ethos that defines the kitchen extends into every cocktail. The bar team crafts signature drinks using ingredients sourced directly from the restaurant's own garden and trusted local producers. Every syrup, infusion, and garnish is made in-house, ensuring zero waste and maximum flavor.

This commitment to sustainability and craft has helped Tuju stand out as a leader in Brazilian mixology. The cocktails reflect the seasonality of ingredients, with flavors that seamlessly complement the tasting menu. Whether it's a citrus-forward gin infusion or a smoky, barrel-aged creation, the attention to detail is second to none.

### The Ultimate Tuju São Paulo Tasting Menu Experience
#### First Stop: The Bar – A Chilled Start
The experience began downstairs at the bar, where the first course was dramatically served over ice. It was an instant sensory delight—fresh, crisp, and paired with a cocktail that set the tone for what was to come.

#### Main Dining Level: An Artful Tasting Menu
Once seated in the main dining area, the true culinary showcase began. Every dish was stunningly plated, balancing textures and flavors with precision. Standouts included:

🦪 Oyster with Watermelon & Cucurbitaceae – A refreshing and unexpected contrast of briny and fruity notes
🦀 Crab with Avocado, Corn & Caviar – A rich yet delicate dish, further elevated by the optional caviar
🦑 Squid with Caruncho Pork & Shell Jus Gras – A deeply umami-packed dish that was perfectly balanced
🐟 Fish of the Day with Brazilian Pepper Pil Pil & Asparagus Beans – Silky, flavorful, and paired with a natural white wine that cut through the richness
🥩 Lamb with Scarlet Eggplant & Watercress – Bold and earthy, bringing the meal into heartier territory

To wrap up the meal, desserts were served in the main dining area—each dish a work of art with vibrant flavors:

🍨 Mango with Pesto & Mate – A fresh and herbal twist on a tropical sorbet
🍫 Cocoa, Cardamom & Baru Nuts – Served in a cacao pod-shaped bowl, this dessert was a textural masterpiece

#### Final Stop: Rooftop Lounge – The Perfect Ending
After dinner, we were invited up to the rooftop for an elegant closing experience featuring a curated cheese selection and after-dinner drinks. With one side open to the São Paulo skyline, it was the perfect way to let the night linger.

### Seasonal Menu, Wine List & Chef Ivan Ralston
Tuju offers a dynamic and evolving dining experience under the leadership of **Chef Ivan Ralston**. The restaurant's menu is deeply influenced by the seasonal availability of local ingredients, ensuring that each visit provides a unique culinary journey.

#### Seasonal Menu Changes
Chef Ralston emphasizes the use of seasonal Brazilian products, particularly from the São Paulo region. The tasting menu is determined by the weather conditions of each season, allowing the restaurant to showcase the freshest ingredients. This approach highlights the diversity of Brazilian produce while ensuring constant innovation and sustainability in the menu.

#### Wine List
Tuju boasts an extensive wine list featuring over **5,000 labels**, including a selection of Brazilian varieties. This diverse collection is curated to complement the evolving menu, ensuring that each wine pairing enhances the dining experience. The inclusion of local wines allows guests to explore Brazil's burgeoning wine industry alongside international classics.

#### Chef Ivan Ralston
Born in São Paulo in 1985, **Chef Ivan Ralston** comes from a family deeply connected to the culinary world. After initially studying music, he shifted his focus to gastronomy, training at esteemed institutions and working in renowned kitchens such as **El Celler de Can Roca** and **Mugaritz** in Spain, and **RyuGin** in Tokyo. In 2014, he returned to Brazil to open Tuju, where he combines his international experience with a passion for responsible sourcing.

The restaurant features **in-house organic gardens cultivating over 200 species of unconventional edible plants**, many of which are used creatively in the dishes. Chef Ralston's culinary philosophy honors the cosmopolitan nature of São Paulo, drawing influences from various cultures, including **Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and Jewish**, as well as regions across Brazil. This diverse inspiration is evident in Tuju's menu, which evolves to reflect the seasons and the chef's ongoing research into local ingredients.

### Tuju São Paulo’s Awards: Michelin Stars & Top Culinary Accolades
Tuju's reputation as one of São Paulo’s most prestigious fine dining destinations is well-earned. Its dedication to hospitality, sustainability, and innovation has led to multiple accolades:

🏆 **Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award (2024)** – Recognized by *Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants* for outstanding service
⭐ **Two Michelin Stars (2024)** – Awarded in the *Michelin Guide Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo*, a testament to Tuju’s world-class culinary achievements
🥇 **Brazil’s Best Restaurant (2024)** – Voted **Best Restaurant in Brazil** by the *World Culinary Awards*, further cementing its legacy

### Is Tuju São Paulo Worth It? Final Thoughts on This Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Tuju delivered one of the most immersive, visually stunning, and well-curated dining experiences I’ve had. From the progressive journey across three levels to the artistic plating, innovative cocktails, and bold wine pairings, every detail was perfection.

⭐ **If you’re in São Paulo and want a next-level fine dining experience, Tuju is a must.**