Discover 5 restaurants that closed but reopened in São Paulo

It is not news that the Covid-19 pandemic has created an unstable scenario for many businesses – especially for bars and restaurants, which have had to deal with various public and schedule restrictions as a measure to combat the coronavirus.

As a result, between March 2020 and August 2021, when the state government finally lifted the restrictions imposed on the sector, about 12,000 bars and restaurants ceased to exist in the capital of São Paulo, according to Abrasel, the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants.

But it is news that some of these houses are reopening to welcome the public after spending months completely stopped or even making definitive farewell announcements. Discover, below, five addresses that have already returned or will return to receive the public in the capital of São Paulo.

Azucar Club Cubano

In November last year, the Latin bar announced that it would hand over the spot because of the pandemic, after 20 years working at Itaim Bibi. But it also disclosed that it was looking for new investors. The call attracted a group of longing customers who got together, along with Juan Manuel Troccoli, a former partner, to bring the place back to São Paulo’s nightlife. The house reopened in December, at a new address, maintaining the Latin profile — with free dance classes, for example, which take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 pm.
R. Aspicuelta, 366, Vila Madalena. Instagram @azucarclubcubano

Corrupt it

It was in April of last year that the restaurant announced on social media that it would take an indefinite break due to the instability caused by the pandemic. He announced his return in November, just days before appearing at 90th in the Latin American 50 Best ranking and receiving the sustainability trophy at the same award. The chef of the house, César Costa, foresees the reopening for the end of January, after a small renovation. The place will maintain the footprint already known by the clientele, with a novelty: a cellar that highlights natural wines.
R. Medeiros de Albuquerque, 256, Vila Madalena. Instagram @corrutela

Firin Salon

Dedicated to Middle Eastern cuisine, chef Fred Caffarena’s first house made the break official in November 2020. “It’s not a model that works well in delivery”, he recently explained to leaf. During the hiatus, Caffarena dedicated himself to his newest business, Make Hommus Not War, which delivers versions of chickpea paste, and is now also at Shoshana Delishop, in Bom Retiro. But, with the most optimistic scenario, it predicts the return of Firin for the second half of this year.
R. Heitor Penteado, 699, Sumarézinho. Instagram @firin_sp

Alligator Grill

Opened in 1990 and closed since March 2020, the bar was rescued by the Fábrica de Bares group — the same as Bar Brahma and Riviera. It reopened renovated for the public of Vila Madalena a month ago. It maintains the combination of cold beer and grilled meats on the menu, with espetadas and grilled meats, but has expanded the menu with seafood and vegetable options and new drinks on the menu.
R. Harmonia, 305, Vila Madalena. Instagram @jacarevilamada

The Peruvian

Commanded by chef Marisabel Woodman, the house reopened in October, after just over a year of closed doors. At first, the farewell would be final. “When I announced that I would close, there was a client who stayed for months writing me. It was good to receive this affection, that’s what motivated me not to finish for good”, says the chef. The address, the proposal and even part of the local team remained the same.
Al. Campinas, 1357, Jardim Paulista. Instagram @laperuanabr