One of Latin America’s—and the world’s—great culinary capitals, São Paulo is a city shaped by centuries of migration, layering diverse traditions into its vibrant food scene. Here, sfiha from Lebanon and sushi from Japan are as Brazilian as feijoada (the rich and hearty Brazilian stew), woven into the country’s gastronomic identity. This cultural fusion has given São Paulo a cosmopolitan energy unlike any other.
As migrants from every region of Brazil made the city their home, they brought with them the flavors, techniques, and traditions that define the country’s culinary landscape. Today, São Paulo stands as the ultimate showcase of Brazil’s cuisine, where beloved everyday dishes are served alongside edgy culinary artistry, proving that Brazilian food merits its place on the world stage.
From time-honored favorites to bold interpretations, the selection of restaurants below highlights the depth and diversity of Brazil’s food culture—all within São Paulo’s dynamic dining scene.
A Pioneer of Brazilian Culinary Artistry At D.O.M.
Few restaurants have done more to elevate Brazilian cuisine—both at home and on the global stage—than D.O.M., the Two-MICHELIN-Starred flagship of Chef Alex Atala. A pioneer, Atala has spent the past 25 years transforming humble Brazilian ingredients—like cassava, okra, and the aromatic root priprioca—into culinary revelations.Through inventive tasting menus, D.O.M. takes diners on a journey through Brazil’s terroir, with flavors drawn from regions like Amazônia and Cerrado, reimagined with precision and heart. This connection to Brazil’s culinary identity extends beyond the plate—D.O.M.’s understated decor is a tribute to the country’s diverse cultures, featuring handcrafted pieces that honor its artistic heritage.
Regions Converge on the Plate At NOTIÊ
Hailing from Paraíba, Chef Onildo Rocha brings a deeply researched, regionally inspired approach to NOTIÊ, where each season’s menu reflects his expeditions across Brazil’s diverse biomes. Through his 5- and 11-course tasting menus, Rocha tells the story of Brazil’s rich landscapes, uncovering unique ingredients and reinterpreting them with imagination.More than just a restaurant, NOTIÊ is an immersive experience. Set atop a rooftop with sweeping views of São Paulo’s skyline, the space welcomes guests with an 18-meter ceiling panel showcasing striking imagery of the country’s biodiversity—an artistic prelude to the vibrant flavors that await on the plate.
A Fusion of Minas Gerais And Bahia At A Baianeira
Born in Almenara, in the Jequitinhonha Valley, Chef Manuelle Ferraz grew up at the crossroads of Minas Gerais and Bahia, where she discovered that the region’s cuisine is more than just food—it’s a cultural expression. At her Two Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurants, both named A Baianeira, she celebrates this seamless blend of culinary traditions, where borders fade and influences intertwine in dishes like pão de queijo and baião de dois.Ferraz’s cooking is rooted in tradition and comfort but elevated with sophisticated techniques that reflect contemporary Brazil. This philosophy extends to the decor, where artisanal pieces highlight the country’s unique craftsmanship. One of her restaurants is housed in the basement of MASP, São Paulo’s iconic modern art museum. Designed by Lina Bo Bardi, the building’s 74-meter free span is a Modernist masterpiece—an architectural symbol of the city and a fitting backdrop for Ferraz’s vibrant, culture-infused cuisine.
A Standard-Bearer For Brazilian Cuisine At Tordesilhas
Mara Salles is one of Brazil’s most respected cooks—a title she proudly embraces. For over three decades, she has been a champion of regional ingredients and a driving force in elevating Brazilian cuisine.At Tordesilhas, the Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant she founded in 1990, Salles curates a menu that spans the country, from the delicate moqueca capixaba fish stew to the slow-cooked barreado paranaense, the comforting baião de dois, and a rich confit of pork rib with browned rice and kale.
Set in a charming space in Jardins, one of São Paulo’s top foodie neighborhoods, Tordesilhas is an essential stop for anyone eager to explore the depth and diversity of Brazilian cuisine.
A Journey Through Brazil’s Culinary Diversity At Balaio IMS
Having established Mocotó as a flagship for the cuisine of northeast Brazil, Chef Rodrigo Oliveira expanded his culinary vision with Balaio IMS, located at the Instituto Moreira Salles, one of São Paulo’s foremost cultural hubs. At Balaio IMS, Oliveira delves deeper into Brazil’s diverse gastronomic heritage, offering a broader exploration of the country’s culinary traditions.
The menu reflects an array of regional influences, from the seafood-infused pirão to sautéed beef picadinho and salt-cured pork steak with creamy baião. The desserts are equally emblematic of Brazil’s vibrant flavors, with chocolate ganache paired with pequi foam and a classic quindim, featuring coconut custard, meringue, and crunchy coconut.
With its Bib Gourmand distinction, Balaio IMS is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience the full breadth of Brazilian cuisine of today.
Where Brazilian Pork Reigns Supreme At A Casa do Porco
On a corner of São Paulo’s Centro district, a part of the city undergoing a resurgence with new restaurants, boutiques, and cultural venues, Chef Jefferson Rueda has created a space dedicated to the celebration of rural cuisine. Born in the interior of São Paulo state, Rueda brings a unique approach to his bustling A Casa do Porco restaurant, centering on—you guessed it—pork as the foundation for exploring Brazil’s food heritage, from the days of the country’s early explorers to the present.Pork appears in every aspect of the menu, from quirera de milho with pork broth, which honors Brazil’s indigenous roots, to cured pork strips served raw with curd and caruru. It even makes an appearance in the dessert selection with banana, chocolate, and crackling. In addition, the restaurant holds a MICHELIN Green Star for its sustainable practices, including sourcing most of its vegetables from the chef’s own farm, where pigs are reared with full respect for their well-being.
A True “Churrasco” Experience At Fogo de Chão
A roundup of Brazilian restaurants would not be complete without one dedicated to churrasco, the style of cuisine that is the most widely recognized and beloved internationally. With its focus on grilled meat, generous portions, and warm service, churrascarias are a true representation of Brazil’s essence—celebration and hospitality around the dining table. The all-you-can-eat rodízio format, which originated in Rio Grande do Sul, perfectly embodies this spirit of generosity.Fogo de Chão has become a benchmark in this culinary art form, offering the highest quality cuts of meat paired with attentive service. With locations across the globe, Fogo de Chão continues to be a top choice for those seeking premium churrasco, particularly in São Paulo, where it operates five outlets. The restaurant on Rua Augusta, one of the city’s main arteries, exemplifies how Fogo de Chão honors the traditional churrasco while embracing an elegant, welcoming atmosphere.
Hero image: © Leandro Martins/D.O.M.
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