Sao Paulo

After being classically trained in kitchens across Europe, chef Alex Atala returned to Brazil to open his own restaurant, which re-imagines classical ingredients in a Brazilian context. — Gayot

With world-class chef-proprietor Helena Rizzo at the helm, Maní has made its way to the top of the restaurant charts in São Paulo. — Fodor's

This busy little cantina is well loved for both its cuisine and location. — Fodor's

Indian objects and books facing low-slung bar tiled pool absorbs the heat from hot deals impresarios make over lunch of fresh, made-to-order pasta, grilled seafood, or steak. — BlackBook

Chef Rodrigo Oliveira's full-on gastronomic party dishes up the hearty cuisine of Brazil's northeast—rich meat stews, pork knee, cashew-crusted river fish and other regional delights. — Afar Magazine

The sushi in São Paulo is top-notch. — Travel + Leisure

Contemporary Japanese plates with international influences are the draw at Kinoshita, where foie gras might accompany a Kobe beef hamburger or truffles might enliven salmon roe and shellfish. — Fodor's

Owner Roberto Loscalzo transformed a 1903 mansion into a remarkable dining space; expansive yet intimate, grandiose yet welcoming. — Fodor's

Amid this contrasting architecture is this trattoria which pays homage to southern Italy with traditional recipes such as aubergine parmigiana, polpetone with a tomato sauce. — Michelin Guide

TV host, author, and chef Carla Pernambuco introduces Brazilian elements to a multicultural array of recipes at her popular restaurant. — Fodor's

Opened in 1989 by couple Ana Maria and Tadeu Masano, Amadeus was born out of the pleasure the family had for entertaining in their dining room at home. — Michelin Guide

Although initially conceived as a more rudimentary descendant of the sophisticated Fasano, Gero soon developed into one of the city's most refined and talked-about restaurants. — Michelin Guide

Fresh batches of pão de queijo - irresistibly chewy, buttery bread made with cassava flour - are baked daily at the pocket-size bakery. — Travel + Leisure

A few blocks west of MASP, this quaint yet futuristic glass-encased diner occupies a lonely single-story building tucked between government skyscrapers. — Fodor's

The place to get a tableside serenade, accordion and all, from a group of oldies, goodies with your order of the polpettone and goat leg dishes. — BlackBook

From the north of Brazil, choose from a duck dish with Tucupi sauce, or several grilled Amazonian fish dishes. On Saturdays, Tordesilhas serves traditional feijoada, black bean stew. — Frommer's

Benedito Calixto fair-worn shoppers on the weekends amplify the noise in this restaurant that serves specialties from neighboring Minas Gerais state. — BlackBook