São Paulo’s culinary delights:

By: J. Pastore
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Manioca por Helena Rizzo:
Besides her notorious restaurant “Mani”, another of the chef’s gems is Manioca. The restaurant promises an enticing journey through Brazil’s rich flavors and culinary artistry. Located on the top level of shopping Iguatemi, the restaurants inviting ambience and service complements to the enchanting experience of the restaurant itself, and with each dish comes an elusive blend of locally sourced ingredients with the intention of embracing Rizzo’s Brazilian roots. Whether you are looking for a spot to eat after/during work or for a Sunday family lunch, I’d always recommend Manioca as a first option for every occasion. Make sure you try the fries while you’re at it, they will not disappoint!
 
 
Tasca do Zé e da Maria:
This restaurant is truly a culinary revelation. It’s a small restaurant with a large variety of amazing dishes. Don’t let its location fool you. From an enriching ‘bacalhau’ to a diverse display of ‘salgadinhos fritos’(a must have for all Brazilians), ‘Tasca do Zé e Maria’ captures the essence of Brazilian and Portuguese culinary and culture within the São Paulo dining scene. The restaurant’s warm atmosphere is unmatched, and it's definitely the best recommendation for all your late family Sunday lunches – speaking from experience.
 
 
Caracolla:
For all vegetarian readers, this place is for you (and for everyone!). Hidden within the hub of Vila Nova Conceição, ‘Caracolla’ dominates the cozy elegant aesthetic tucked away from the São Paulo hustle. It’s a recent finding of mine, but from all the visits since then, I consider it one of my go to. A dish that already keeps its place in my heart is the divine carrot hummus. Think of a staple piece that pairs with everything, and then reduce this thought to that of a carrot hummus. Besides the hummus, take a chance with the vegetarian pesto spaghetti. You won’t regret it. Truly a gastronomic adventure with all the flavors that each dish offers, Patricia Helu really knotted the dining experience in an innovative approach.
 
 
Ella Fitz:
With the rising restaurant scene in pinheiros, Ella fitz is no exception from this growth. The restaurant encompasses the world of jazz – Ella Fitzgerald being the restaurant’s inspiration - with the world of culinary, nurturing a blend of art and flavor. Each dish is an experience you delve in, flawlessly presented and constructed. The restaurant takes on an kind of industrialized look and approach, very much New York inspired, which adds on to its creativeness and modern ambience. The Lasanheta de Vitelo, the house’s most sold item on the menu, does not disappoint. If you are looking for a restaurant that embraces a vintage charm, which also takes into account a modern and sophisticated look, this is definitely the place for you.
 
 
Miado:
Her sixth restaurant and counting, Miado, is Renata Vanzetto’s most recent addition to her list of illustrious establishments. With an appeal to Asian food, Miado embraces both an oriental and Brazilian culinary style. I’d say its best to go with a partner or a group of friends since it encompasses a more youthful crowd. There’s a lot of favorites on the menu to choose from, but best to stay close to the bao buns and the crispy rice. Consider going to Miado on a brisk Friday night to immerse yourself in a world of modernity and gastronomic delight, always paired with impeccable service.