Though Brazilian cuisine varies by region, one thing is for certain: São Paulo is a gastronomic paradise, featuring the cuisines of many countries near and far, ranging from neighboring Peru, across to Italy and as far off as Japan. So it comes as no surprise that there are a number of French restaurants worth seeking out.
Here’s where to satiate your French fare hankering on your next visit to São Paulo.
A selection of desserts at Bistrot de Paris. (Photo: Bistrot de Paris.)
1. Bistrot de Paris
JardinsMichelin Distinction: Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 2018
What Our Inspectors Say: “Sitting out on the front terrace of this restaurant, set in a charming little alleyway, you could be forgiven for thinking that you're in a romantic, secretive part of Paris. It has both the atmosphere and the cuisine of a Parisian bistro; the honest cooking adheres to French techniques but with a nod to Brazilian produce. In 1990, its renowned French chef, Alain Poletto, won the 'best technique' prize at the Académie Nationale de Cuisine as a result of his research into sous-vide cooking.”
2. Bistrot Parigi
MorumbiMichelin Distinction: Plate, MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 2018
What Our Inspectors Say: “Located on top of an elegant shopping center, this restaurant—part of the Fasano Group—boasts a bright bistro-style dining room and a dazzling terrace with superb views of the surrounding skyscrapers. The menu is based around French flavors and features well-executed classic dishes alongside an appealing selection of egg-based recipes. To end your meal, we highly recommend one of their most famous desserts, the millefeuille with crème patissière.”
Filet de beuf rossinil, batata rosti, champignons sauté and sauce foie gras. (Photo: Chef Rouge Facebook page.)
3. Chef Rouge
JardinsMichelin Distinction: Plate, MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 2018
What Our Inspectors Say: “On the French flag, the blue stripe signifies liberty, the white, equality and the red, fraternity. If we adopt this symbolism, it could be said that the raison d'être of this bistro is fraternization; something it achieves by offering great food and a charming atmosphere. Signature dishes here include grilled foie gras with figs and toasted brioche and, to round off your meal, the marvelous classic, Tarte Tatin.”
4. Marcel
JardinsMichelin Distinction: Plate, MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 2018
What Our Inspectors Say: “This French restaurant has been in existence for over half a century and has written its name in the history of São Paulo gastronomy thanks to its soufflés, which for many years have been considered the best in the city. The current chef, the grandson of the founder, continues the family tradition by offering cuisine whose roots are steeped in French culinary tradition. Signature dishes include the octopus with pesto, potato cake and garden herbs, and the legendary Gruyère cheese soufflé.”
5. Ici Bistrô
ConsolaçãoMichelin Distinction: Plate, MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo 2018
What Our Inspectors Say: “In the past, a bistro was just a popular local bar. During the twentieth century, however, tourism in France transformed it into its present form—a style icon of local life that is both charming and informal and a haven for traditional French cuisine. Here, it is almost as if Ici Bistrô has been moved lock, stock and barrel from Paris to Higienópolis, with its classic, well-prepared dishes using top-quality ingredients, such as steak tartare, duck confit and Tarte Tatin without unnecessary frills.”
Hero image courtesy of Bistrot de Paris.
