Taste Brazil – An Insider’s Guide to Food and Drink In São Paulo

Follow travel expert and São Paulo resident, Isadora Mucilo, on a food and drink tour for One Planet Journey that gives you the insider’s guide to São Paulo’s diverse culinary heritage, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and dessert, with authentic Brazilian cuisine sprinkled throughout.

I’m born and raised in São Paulo, the largest city in the southern hemisphere, and the fourth most populous in the world, almost 22 million, by metro population. Statistics, however, say little about the place and less about the culture. 

São Paulo, or Sampa as it’s also known, is for everyone and for whatever one likes or wants to be. There is too much to cover in one article, so here I will focus on an aspect which the city has mastered: gastronomy for all tastes. 

In São Paulo, cultures fuse and flavours explode. Known as the culinary capital of Brazil, it offers diverse and mouth watering food. What makes it special? 

As a city with a large immigrant population, São Paulo boasts a rich variation of cuisines. You’ll find everything from Italian and Japanese to Lebanese and African influences. It also has a vibrant street food scene where you can indulge in Brazilian snacks like coxinha and pastel.

Do you want upscale fine dining? You got it, São Paulo is home to world-class restaurants mixing innovation and sophistication on a dish. The proximity to agricultural regions ensures a constant supply of fresh produce and high-quality ingredients, meaning foodies of all kinds will feel astonishing joy when eating in São Paulo.

São Paulo Food Tour: Breakfast/Brunch 

Urban Kitchen 

On the hunt for the perfect place to have breakfast or brunch? A place that has a good light and atmosphere so you can start your day well? Urban Kitchen is the answer!

Here they focus on healthy food, and I recommend coming for brunch. Top picks include pancakes with Yellow Juice – mango, passion fruit, pineapple and green tea. 

The place offers a big and diverse menu of pancakes, but for me the classic always wins. They are quite light, yet satisfying. The right amount of honey and butter is a delicious plus. Not only is the food good, but you will also enjoy the local vibe, with residents having their breakfast with friends, dogs or by themselves! 

São Paulo Food Tour: Lunch

Lassù

Lassù is a true metropolitan experience. Located on the 28th floor of the K1 building, it offers its visitors dining with a rotating platform. Eat while appreciating a 360 degree view of São Paulo from a different perspective.

During times when people only considered places “cool” if situated around São Paulo’s centre, Lassù challenged the status quo and opened their restaurant in the North Zone of the city – where the skyline differs from what everyone is used to. You see the subway line, Campo de Marte Airport, and the centre from afar.

The food is as spectacular as the view, as they fuse São Paulo’s strong Italian heritage with Brazilian touches and ingredients.

Iulia

Inside São Paulo’s Jockey Club, Iúlia restaurant serves another amazing culinary fusion – from Brazilian traditional dishes to Japanese food. 

Top choice? The fettuccine paillard with Alfredo sauce – it wins as the best in the kitchen. Basic but gold, not a lot of secrets, well-seasoned and brimming with taste.

The Club is on a calm avenue and the peacefulness of the area represents a sea of tranquillity from the city’s otherwise loud profile.

Spazio Italia

Outstanding quality, price, and vibe. Three of the many ways Spazio Italia impresses. The establishment is cosy, and the food is marvellous.

For antipasti, there is no other choice than a bruschetta or the Burrata. Both are fresh, and could function as the main dish. Nevertheless, I recommend the fabulous mains. The top pick is Shrimp Risotto, but any pasta is a blast. For dessert, you must order the Tiramisu. Personally, I am not a huge Tiramisu enthusiast, but theirs makes me want more!

The Italian heritage of the city shines through in places like Spazio Itália, a familiar restaurant in the residential neighbourhood, Campo Belo.

Jota Burger

In the middle of one of the most chaotic avenues in the city, you find Jota Burger hiding in a tree-lined square. A perfect escape from the agitation of São Paulo life.

Inspired by the classic hamburger restaurant, Five Guys, Jota has a small menu with choices of chicken or meat, and how many patties you want. Do not forget to order fries and the special milkshakes.

Whatever your choice, you’ll get a flaming hot smash burger along with old-fashioned fries – the perfect mix to enjoy lunch while vibing city life on Paulista Avenue. 

O Gato Que Ri

O Gato Que Ri, translated to The Cat that Laughs, opened in 1951 and is one of the most traditional restaurants in town.

The best way to enjoy a delicious meal is to order an appetiser, main dish and dessert. Kick off with a Parma Ham bruschetta, even though it is not the classic one, it is worth the try. Cheese, ham and tomato get together to create a wonderful blend of flavours. 

For mains, there are two options for recommendation. The specialty is the gnocchi. On the other hand, if you feel for a bold choice, order the Shrimp Risotto.

Quintal deBetti 

If you long for high quality dry-aged meat, the place you want is deBetti. 

Set in an industry like environment with big communal tables, it’s a great place to celebrate with your friends. Live music adds to the already incredible atmosphere.

Order cocktails and have a blast with their mix of fruits and flavours, a good match with their hamburger. The flat iron steak with fries is otherwise sensational. Do not forget brownies for dessert. Scrumptious and pleasing to look at.

Abaru

Located in Light Mall, an iconic building built in 1929, Abaru restaurant is in the Michelin Guide. 

Abaru is an elegant experience from beginning to end. To get there, you have to take one of those old yet classic and beautiful elevators. Well-trained staff greet and accompany you to your seat.

The menu is short, but has the right composition for the curious to try magnificent Brazilian cuisine. For a sophisticated choice, I recommend the Feijoada (Brazilian black bean stew) – only served on Saturdays -, and do not forget to appreciate every exquisite bite of their cassava croquette (a traditional appetiser).

Have your meal inside (with air-conditioning) or on the terrace with a skyline view of important buildings such as the Municipal Theatre and the City Hall.

São Paulo Food Tour: Dessert

Sorveteria do Centro

This ice cream shop is a must when you’re around São Paulo’s centre. Find it in front of the grey iconic architectural building designed by Oscar Niemeyer. It’s a five-minute walk from Edifício Itália, one of São Paulo’s tallest buildings, and fifteen minutes from Theatro Municipal, Republica Square, Rock Gallery, and other main sights in São Paulo.

Founded by Janaína Rueda and her husband, Jefferson Rueda, the perfect combo is to eat at Hot Pork, a gourmet hot dog restaurant also created by them, and to have a dessert next door at Sorveteria do Centro.

They have a flavour you won’t find anywhere else, and for each bite you dream of the next. Choose between “basic” flavours, such as chocolate or strawberry, or more “complex” alcohol-infused varieties. The best one is the Brigdeiro one, but all of are handmade and fresh.

São Paulo Food Tour: Afternoon Drink

Blue Note 

On famous Paulista Avenue the myriad of cultures that make up São Paulo, meet and celebrate.

Find the Blue Note bar at the heart of the avenue, on the terrace of the Conjunto Nacional building, where you can find everything from fitness to residences.

Blue Note rose to fame because of its jazz club with trendy bands playing now and then, but even if you don’t enjoy jazz, visit to appreciate the view with a sunset drink. 

São Paulo Food Tour: Dinner

Spoiler Bar

Spoiler Bar is a trendy and unmissable spot in the city. This thematic bar is for TV enthusiasts, with food and drinks that resemble well-known shows or characters. The numerous sticky notes you see on the walls contain spoilers on them. 

It went viral in 2021 for its amazing drinks. São Paulo has an unbelievable geek culture and to be around this crowd in such a spontaneous place is a genuine delight. 

Spoiler Bar in São Paulo

Stranger Things Cocktail

Riviera Bar

Riviera Bar opened in 1949, the go-to place for intellectuals. It closed twice until reopening in 2022. The architecture, good mood, and diverse crowd makes this 24-hour bar a perfect choice, whether you come alone or with friends.

Enjoy a delicious drink downstairs, watching city life flash by where two busy avenues meet. Or have a blast upstairs eating a fabulous burger, which is a must try.

Riviera is more than a bar. It is a place to celebrate São Paulo. Here tradition meets modernity, and that makes Riviera such an important mark in the city.  

Frutaria SP

Frutaria SP, known for healthy eating, operates at malls and on the streets. The venue matches the theme with green features and wood decoration. Friends and family gather here to hang out or catch up, often over delicious guacamole.

Made from high-quality avocados, it is well-seasoned with a splendid amount of purple onion and fresh tomatoes, with a side of crunchy plantain chips – a delightful combo. 

If you don’t fancy avocado, try the burger made of fillet steak. The flavour activates all of your senses and the french fries won’t disappoint. To enjoy your meal even more, order a bowl of Frutaria’s açaí which will make you feel alive.

Ken Sushi

São Paulo people can agree on one thing: they love good Japanese food. The best and most hidden spot for this cuisine in São Paulo is Ken Sushi. Placed in a small house near Congonhas airport, Kenzo is well worth the detour. The fish is fresh, of high quality, and delicious. Even their Gohan tastes better. 

The Yakissoba is a sensation, but I recommend ordering combinations. As a Japanese food freak, I find it impossible to choose between fishes and cuts, but some of the best are: Urumaki, Sashimi and shrimp Nigiri.

The service is excellent, and the place is intimate, making the dining experience exclusive. 

São Paulo – A Melting Pot of Food Cultures

São Paulo’s culinary scene is a direct reflection of its cultural heritage and diverse population. The influences of Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines merge with traditional Brazilian fare to create a food lover’s paradise. As a resident, it’s a highlight of the city, and widely recognised throughout the country.

I appreciate you can go from bustling street markets for local favourites like pastel and coxinha to high-end restaurants serving innovative takes on classic dishes. São Paulo caters to every palate and budget. And while you’ve come to experience Brazil, perhaps wanting to try the iconic feijoada, you have the world at your feet. Or should I say mouth? São Paulo’s food culture offers both an authentic and international gastronomic journey and I hope you find this article as ample inspiration to visit and eat your way through my city.

Have you been to São Paulo? How did you find the food scene? Let us know in the comment section! Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.