Feirinha Gastronômica at Praça Benedito Calixto

An efficient way to prove as many Brazilian (and not so Brazilian) delicacies as possible is by visiting the Gastronomic Fair, or Feirinha Gastronômica, at Praça Benedito Calixto, taking place every Sunday afternoon.

Praça Benedito Calixto, famous for hosting a pleasant antiques / flea market on Saturdays, turns into a gastronomic pole on Sundays by bringing together many excellent chefs and food and beverage small businesses, working more as artisans.

You can find from hibiscus ice cream to an authentic acarajé, from blueberry macarons to gourmet hot dogs, from macaxeira to churros. But the trophy goes to the fresh sweets prepared by Chef Lucas Corazza, currently presenting, among others, an impeccable blue ribbon, Boston style, cheesecake.

Updated information can be found on the Feirinha's page on Facebook. Precious tips: (i) don't be impressed by the huge lines (they move fast), (ii) bring cash as most tents don't accept debit or credit cards and (iii) share the food, so that you are able to prove as much as possible. After that, you can walk around the Praça and the beautiful little shops surrounding the Pinheiros neighbourhood.

Feirinha Gastronômica
Praça Benedito Calixto, 85

Pinheiros São Paulo

http://feirinhagastronomica.com.br/

Tappo Tratoria

Tappo is in my opinion the best trattoria I have tried in town, and one could expect no less from the Italian house of Chef Benny Novak (among Ici Bistro, Ici Brasserie and 210 Diner), specially after Novak wisely decided to invite young and experienced Italian Chef Rodolfo de Santis to run the house.

Rodolfo is a formidable, complete chef. Instead of choosing anything from the menu (not that you would regret it), consider going for one of the day specials. If you are lucky enough to occupy one of the restaurant's 28 seats, trust him and de Santi will know how to delight and surprise you. 

The reduced size makes the bistro-style trattoria even cosier and more special. Reservations accepted.

Tappo Trattoria
Rua da Consolação, 2967
Jardins, São Paulo
www.tappo.com.br/

Trattoria Fasano

The new house of Grupo Fasano is defnitely worth the visit, but be prepared to spend US$ 80 on lunch - and that if you don't drink wine.

Yet, a Fasano meal is always worth it, specially in a little less pretentious environment facing the beautiful fountains of Pátio Malzoni, as well as the Bandeirante historic house below this grand business building.

Try the excellent Carbonara or the traditional Cacio Pepe, finalizing with the creamy Tiramisu - you can't go wrong with that.

Trattoria
Rua Iguatemi S/N (between Rua Joaquim Floriano and Av. Horácio Lafer, attached to Pátio Malzoni building)
Itaim, São Paulo
http://www.fasano.com.br/gastronomia/restaurante/38

Chez Burger

For those who were missing one of the best burgers in town, Chez Burger is back, and better than ever. Who needs an actual venue if you can sell on a street truck attached to Bar Secreto, who needs different types of burgers if the Secreto Burger is just perfect, and who needs to offer more than one dessert if your choice is brigadeiro de colher?

This is the recipe, take it or leave it. And you'd better take it, for your own pleasure - Wednesday to Saturday, from 7pm to 4am.

Chez Burger
Rua Gunha Gago, 620
Pinheiros, São Paulo
http://chezburger.com.br/

Arola Vintetres

The fact that Catalan starred chef Sergi Arola has a restaurant in São Paulo is a proof that the city is a gastronomy center to watch and experience. Arola selected the rooftop of the Tivoli Hotel in São Paulo, with breathtaking views of Avenida Paulista, to headquarter his culinary mecca around here.

Chef Fernando Coradazzi locally runs the house with mastery. An interesting way to experience as much delicacies and inventions as possible - including Arola's unmistakable patatas bravas - is ordering the Tapeo, which includes a fine selection of nine tapas and dessert. Seriously, the dessert we were offered - a cold Bolacha Maria mousse topped with citric ice cream - is one of the best and freshest desserts my wife and I have ever tasted. 

An attentive sommelier is there to pair your degustation of tapas in the best fashion, always with a smile on her face - even if you chose the most cost/benefit wines. Absolutely an excellent, complete restaurant to visit with friends, on business or for a special occasion with your beloved one.

Arola Vintetres
Alameda Santos, 1437
Jardins, São Paulo

http://www.arolavintetres.com.br/

Chez Oscar

Chez Oscar is a new restaurant very well located at Rua Oscar Freire, in the heart of Jardins. It belongs to Grupo Chez, which also owns Bar Secreto, Chez Burger and Chez MIS, known as hype places with good food and vibe.

Chez Oscar does not disappoint and actually impresses for a great, attentive service, as well as pleasant ambiance, impeccable decor and fresh, well prepared food. Dishes like the rustic gnocchi and the mushroom risotto, present in all restaurants of Grupo Chez, are consistently well executed, as well as salads and desserts.

On the left is the delicious frozen yogurt with nuts farofa and red fruits in front of the pleasant patio. Go after 7pm and you can also experience two bars.

Overall, a great experience. Definitely a place to visit many times.

Chez Oscar
Rua Oscar Freire, 1128
Jardins, São Paulo
http://chezoscar.com.br/