Best restaurants in SP: good options in the center

The cuisine of São Paulo can undoubtedly delight even the most demanding palates. And anyone visiting the land of drizzle cannot miss out on the best restaurants in downtown São Paulo . After all, everyone should experience these incredible gastronomic experiences, and best of all, without spending a lot.

Downtown São Paulo is known for having a variety of restaurants , bars and places that allow you to eat and drink at a fair price . And don't be fooled by the place; no matter how simple it may be, believe me, the food is not disappointing. In addition to the special menu, many of these places tell countless stories, which also enchants visitors.

So, how about taking a tour of some of the best restaurants in São Paulo and trying a little bit of each dish? Notepad and pen in hand, write down all the tips and don't waste time. Enjoy reading!

A Casa do Porco: One of the best restaurants in SP and the world

Casa do Porco is one of the best restaurants in São Paulo . It is located at Rua Araújo, 124, in the city center, and many people know it for its various pork-based dishes. It calls itself a butcher shop-bar and was elected, in 2020, the best in Brazil and the 4th best restaurant in Latin America by the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants Awards.

In 2021, The World's 50 Best named A Casa do Porco the 17th best restaurant in the world. In 2020, the establishment was ranked 39th. This is the biggest award in world gastronomy.

The dishes are prepared by chef Jefferson Rueda, who seeks to rescue and make full use of pork as a way of respecting life, without generating waste. One of the most popular dishes is Porco Sanzé, which is prepared slowly and takes between six and nine hours to prepare.

Cora

Cora is a very intimate and cozy place. Located at Rua Amaral Gurgel, 344, the restaurant is on top of a building with views of Minhocão and Copan. The name was inspired by the poet Cora Coralina, who was also an excellent confectioner, and the cuisine is connected to the simplicity of the countryside.

The restaurant is owned by businessman Rafael Capobianco, together with chef Pablo Inca, who has lived in Brazil for 10 years and is responsible for the menu. Cora has an open kitchen and always works with fresh ingredients, as well as seasonings that give a special touch to the menu. The place also has a great wine list with excellent labels.

Vegetarians (or non-vegetarians) can also enjoy great dishes based on cauliflower, chickpeas and pumpkin cream. The dishes with squid and pork belly are mouth-watering, as are the desserts.

Spot Restaurant

The Spot Restaurant's menu follows a contemporary style and its dishes are a feast for the eyes. The atmosphere is very pleasant, with outdoor tables or benches, which make the place even more cozy, especially at night. Located at Alameda Ministro Rocha Azevedo, 72, it is less than a block from Avenida Paulista.

The place has been around since 1994 and its facilities are located in the middle of a square with a fountain, ideal for enjoying a good wine along with some of the classic dishes on the menu. It is no wonder that Spot is considered one of the best restaurants in SP .

Ita Dairy

Talking about São Paulo's gastronomy and not mentioning Leiteira Ita would be a huge mistake. If you're looking for a simple, home-cooked lunch at a fair price , then Leiteria Ita is the place to go. The restaurant is located at Rua do Boticário, 31, República, and has been in operation since 1953. The restaurant has the best PF in downtown São Paulo, made with rice, beans, steak and fries. However, the menu is full of options and snacks.

The decor is very much a bar, with menus hanging on the wall, Portuguese tiles and a traditional bar counter. Founded by Portuguese brothers João Pedro Luís and Luís Nunes Pedro in 1953, Leiteira Ita is quite democratic and its speciality is the cod. However, the restaurant's flagship dish is the famous condensed milk pudding. The dessert is so good that it's hard to find enough for everyone, so if you want to try it, it's best to get there early.

Bar da Dona Onça - Reference among the best restaurants in SP

Bar da Dona Onça is located in one of the most famous buildings in downtown São Paulo , Copan. For 10 years, the restaurant has been a great option for fun on São Paulo's nights. The place is famous for its numerous bar bites and popular cuisine dishes.

Located at Avenida Ipiranga , 200, in the historic center of São Paulo, the kitchen is run by chef Janaína Rueda, who has created a diverse menu with several dishes available throughout the week, including rice, pasta and desserts. The restaurant also has a wine list with over 800 labels.

Chic Point

One of the best restaurants in São Paulo that doesn't disappoint is Ponto Chic. Located at Largo do Paissandu, 27, in the Historic Center, it has been around for over 90 years and serves one of the greatest classics of popular cuisine: the Bauru sandwich, made with French bread, thin slices of roast beef, sliced ​​tomatoes, pickled cucumber and a mixture of four cheeses melted in a bain-marie (prato, estepe, gouda and swiss).

Bar e Lanches Estadão - One of the most historic restaurants in SP

And we couldn't leave out Bar e Lanches Estadão from the list of the best restaurants in downtown São Paulo . The establishment is located at Viaduto Nove de Julho, 193, that is, in the city center, and is the owner of the most famous pork sandwich in Brazil. Bar e Lanches Estadão has held this title for 51 years.

It was founded in 1968, but the current owners only took over in 1974. It is a very democratic place and has also hosted many celebrities. Its main distinguishing feature is that it is open 24 hours a day, 363 days a year. In addition, it has a wide variety of dishes made with pork leg , as well as snacks, drinks, juices and other snack options. Over 30 pieces of pork leg are consumed per day, each weighing approximately 8 kg.

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