Know the bars and restaurants most remembered by public in the central region of São Paulo. According to Datafolha poll it were 7 restaurants and 12 bars.
Angélica Grill
A golden decor and a marble floor are the hallmark of this restaurant. The dining area looks more like a conference room. There, the highlight is the rodízio, that can be accompanied by the salad and pasta buffet. At the entrance, a bar welcomes the clientele.
Read more
Bar Brahma
Brazilian music is featured in the nightly shows in this historic venue, opened in 1948. Cauby Peixoto and Demônios da Garoa are some of the frequent attractions filling the bar's various lounges. To drink? Brahma chope (draught), of course.
Read more
Bar da Praça
In the buzz of Vilaboim square, in the surroundings of Faap university, the bar welcomes students from the happy hour on. It serves trivial appetizers, such as chicken and Catupiry processed cheese coxinha, pastel and meat balls. On weekends, the highlight is the feijoada buffet.
Read more
Biroska - A Casa dos Artistas
Opened in 1972, it is the first establishment belonging to Lilian Gonçalves, daughter of romantic singer Nelson Gonçalves. Nowadays she owns another four venues in the same street. This eclectic bar hosts shows ranging from reggae to sertanejo (Brazilian country). The top storey houses a dance floor.
Read more
Carlota
The elegant dining room shows off works collected from around the world by chef Carla Pernambuco. The menu is also multicultural, with recipes such as sea bass with mashed plantain and asparagus, and shrimp grilled with black garlic, served with "riso al salto" (grilled rice patties).
Read more
Coconut
Also belonging to Lilian Gonçalves, owner of Biroska. In this address, the highlight are the 20 shared and private karaoke rooms. Downstairs, the clientele sits at tables while drinking Brahma draught and nibbling on skewers –there are over 30 suggestions, among sweets and savouries.
Read more
El Tranvía
The meat is grilled in the same way as it is in Uruguay, where some of these cuts originate (others are from Argentina). Choose one of the eating areas to try the parrillada (barbecue), which includes prime cuts and giblets, serving up to 14 people. Alternatively, ask for the assado de tira (ribs) with potato soufflé.
Read more
Esquina Grill
The tables at this low-end bar –also known by the name of the deceased owner, Fuad– take over the sidewalk and are always packed. Customers share portions like picanha and garlic on a hot plate, served with bread, vinaigrette and farofa. As for drinks, bottled beers (600 ml).
Read more
Famiglia Mancini
Opened in 1981, this restaurant belonging to Walter Mancini is in Rua Avanhandava, downtown, alongside other restaurants with the same owner. Dishes in large portions, such as spaghetti carbonara and beef steak à parmigiana, are preceded by salads and appetizers at the self-serve buffet.
Read more
Iracema Pães e Doces
It's a 24/7 bakery, packed at all times with people looking for breakfast, lunch or diner. Among the grilled platters, which are served even at small hours, there is picanha –the side rice can come with French fries, vegetables, Catupiry processed cheese or bacon. As for drinks, there is long neck bottles of beer.
Read more
Jardim de Napoli
Inaugurated in 1949, the restaurant is practically synonymous with polpettone à parmigiana, the recipe for which is a secret. The minced meat, filled with mozzarella, is then fried and served with tomato sauce and parmesan cheese. Pizzas are also served, among other dishes.
Read more
La Villette
It was once a snack bar. The menu was renewed and has options like in a restaurant, but the venue looks like a bar at night, with tables taking over the sidewalk. To begin with, ask for the Avignon –open sandwich with filet mignon paillard, brie cheese, arugula and sun-dried tomato. For drinks, Brahma draught.
Read more
Matriz
The bar is located in a large area, with a veranda and a stage for live music shows, close to the Aclimação Park. Both the Brahma draught and the caipirinhas (with various fruit flavours) are a success. As for eats, there are sandwiches and, on Saturdays, bows of feijoada.
Read more
Olaria Bar Grill
The original venue, in the Paraíso district, is located in what used to be a pottery in the 1930s. Part of the bricks used in the rustic decor were produced in the old ovens from the cellar. The menu lists trivial options like hamburgers and fried polenta. As for drinks, bottled beer (600 ml).
Read more
Pobre Juan
In the elegant Argentinean-style restaurant the meat sizzles tantalizingly on the grill. The pupunha palm heart on the embers and manioc flour with pistachio are among the garnishes, and are charged separately. The restaurant is also renowned for its churros (fried dough filled with sugared milk paste).
Read more
Ráscal
This dining venue offers à la carte options and pizzas. However, the piece de resistance is the European-inspired buffet, with 40 options including hors d'oeuvres, hot and cold platters. Included in the list is seared tuna with a sesame crust and the vegetarian lasagna.
Read more
Rota do Acarajé
It started very small and, due to its success among clients, the venue expanded to the building next door. The ambience is that of a simple bar and the food is from Bahia State. To begin with, order the acarajé, served with caruru (okra stew), vatapá (made from bread, shrimp and coconut milk), shrimp and salad. The menu lists imported beers such Czech Pilsner Urquell.
Read more
Siga La Vaca
Also belonging to Lilian Gonçalves, who owns of Biroska. Like in the Coconut, from the same owner, the specialty is the kareoke rooms –but here there are only three. As for drinks, the star attractions are the draught beer "towers" –made of glass, they have a 3,5 litre capacity.
Read more
The Joy
It is located at the busy Maria Antônia street, close to the Mackenzie university, it is always packed with students. The menu lists imported beers and draughts, such as the English Ale Old Speckled Hen and the Dutch La Trappe. As for eats, there is mini hamburgers and sautéed dried-beef.
Read more
