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São Paulo's dynamic social scene centers on dining out, and among the 12,500-plus restaurants, most of the world's cuisines are covered. The most popular options include Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, French, and Lebanese; contemporary fusions are popular and plentiful. The city also offers a massive selection of pizza and hamburger joints with some world-class offerings. Most places don't require jacket and tie, but paulistanos tend to dress to European standards, so if you're going to pricey establishments, looking elegant is key.
On the domestic front the Brazilian churrascarias are a carnivore's dream, with their all-you-can-eat skewers of barbecued meats and impressive salad buffets. For in-between times, just about every bar offers a selection of grilled meats, sandwiches, and deep-fried favorites for casual grazing. On Wednesday and Saturday, head to a Brazilian restaurant for feijoada—the national dish of black beans and pork. Ask about the other traditional and regional Brazilian dishes as well.
Part of a chain of Lebanese semifast-food outlets, Almanara is perfect for a quick lunch of hummus, tabbouleh, grilled chicken, and rice. A full-blown restaurant also on the premises offers up Lebanese specialties rodízio style, meaning you're served continuously until you can ingest no more.
Bar da Dona Onça, located in the iconic Copan Building in São Paulo, offers an authentic gastronomic experience with dishes that celebrate Brazilian cuisine. The cozy atmosphere, charming decor, and attentive service make this bar a must-visit spot in the city. You should definitely try the Arroz de Rabada, a rich and flavorful oxtail rice dish. Pair it with their signature Caipirinha de Jabuticaba.
A Casa do Porco reached the seventh position in the World's 50 Best Restaurants ranking in 2022, becoming the highest-ranked Brazilian restaurant on the list at the time. This achievement solidified its reputation as one of the top global dining destinations. The restaurant offers a relaxed and modern atmosphere. Its menu is a celebration of pork; the porco sanzé, a crispy and succulent pork belly crackling (called torresmo or pururuca) is a must-try dish that goes really well with a crisp, cold beer.
Quests for quick, cheap, and good food should start near São Paulo's origins at this greasy spoon that's open 24 hours a day. Estadão's recipe for staying in business for more than four decades is its succulent pernil (roast pork) sandwich, a staple of the local street food scene.
Paulistanos of all types and ages flock to this luncheonette on the stylish Rua Oscar Freire for its beirute sandwiches, filled with ham and cheese, tuna, or chicken, and for its draft beer and fruit juices in flavors such as acerola (Antilles cherry), passion fruit, and papaya.
This is a unique whimsical café in São Paulo. The 2D hand-drawn black-and-white decor makes you feel like you're stepping into a comic book. The menu offers playful themed dishes like the Hello Kitty Burger and adorable desserts such as the Kitty's Strawberry Cheesecake. It's a delightful spot for fans of the character and anyone looking for a fun and immersive dining experience. There's also sushi on the menu. The popcorn sweet pie is a must try.
At one of São Paulo's few pizzerias where you can order by the slice, the options for toppings range from pepperoni and other traditional favorites to shimeji mushrooms, kale, and other innovative ingredients.
