Find out what opened and what closed at Bexiga, in São Paulo, during the pandemic

A region of São Paulo that concentrates Italian canteens, large theater companies and samba circles, Bexiga, a traditional cultural and bohemian stronghold, is gradually regaining its vibrant normality in the center of São Paulo.

The region’s diverse gastronomic circuit, which mixes centuries-old bakeries with bars with tattoo parlors, managed to remain almost immune to the wave of bar and restaurant closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Classic addresses that have been operating in the region for decades —some of them centuries old— managed to survive the crisis and continue to have a loyal clientele. Names such as the Italianinha bakery, the Speranza pizzeria, the Conchetta cantina and the Amigo Giannotti bar remain standing, for example.

Among the new places that have landed there are the cool Ala! Garden and the Chaos Bar and Antiques. One of the main highlights is the official opening to the public of Vila Itororó, a former immigrant residence that was revitalized and transformed into a cultural space.

Among the addresses that said goodbye are the canteens Bixiga Amore Mio, Gran Roma and Montechiaro, the Italian bar Catzo and Casa Jardim Secreto, which moved to Santa Cecília.

Check, below, what opened and what closed at Bexiga during the pandemic months.