Discover seven new addresses that marked SP’s gastronomic scene in 2023

The year 2023 was marked by great news in the São Paulo gastronomic scene. After difficult times during the pandemic, the last twelve months have been full of new ideas and formats in the capital of São Paulo.

The opening of the Ping Yang restaurant, a Thai restaurant opened in March in Jardins, is one of these examples. Its chef, Mauricio Santi, seems to have finally consolidated the presence of this vibrant Asian cuisine in the city, in a room and counter that remain in dispute. The restaurant was chosen as the best novelty and the best Asian in the 2023 The Best of São Paulo Gastronomy – Restaurants, Bars and Kitchen awards.

At the address, among portions to share of skewers, grilled dishes, salads and curries, the tradition of a cuisine in which pepper plays a central role is maintained — but which is used as a resource to enhance other flavors.

Another place that brought new life to São Paulo’s gastronomy was the Domo bar, opened in July in Vila Buarque, in the central region, by the same owners of the Takkø coffee shop, which has been operating in the same neighborhood for almost a decade.

In addition to the food and drink menu that won over a modern audience, the space also helped boost the wave of listening bars in São Paulo, which has been spreading throughout the world’s capitals for years. Other addresses, such as Elevado Conselheiro and Matiz, reinforced the trend.

In Brazil, listening bars translate into the sharp curation of DJs and record collectors who showcase rare titles, with careful acoustic treatment and an environment that prioritizes music — but is not limited to it.

But 2023 also had space to rescue classics from the capital of São Paulo. This is the case of the Caracol bar, which, after closing the doors of the property it occupied in the center of São Paulo and having existed in a temporary version in Conjunto Nacional, debuted a two-storey space in Barra Funda.

The restaurant promises to attract people with its combination of creative gastronomy and good nightclubs for which it is known — in a neighborhood that ends the year as one of the hottest in the city.
Check out, below, the restaurants and bars opening in 2023 that were highlighted as the highlights of the year by journalists and columnists from Sheet.

On the list, there is room for different tastes, with places like Gero Fasano Itaim and casual addresses, like Sororoca, opened by chefs Marcelo Corrêa Bastos (Lobozó and Jiquitaia), Gustavo Rodrigues (Lobozó) and Thiago Castanho from Pará (ex-Remanso do Bosque and Remanso do Peixe).

Marília Miragaiadeputy editor of Food, Tourism and Guide
snail
R. Boracéa, 160, Barra Funda, western region, Instagram @caracolbar

The house, known for its good music, shows potential to also attract guests due to its gastronomy. Under the command of executive chef Thiago Andrade, there are recipes such as fried pickles, alheira bolovo and cavaquinha sandwich with orange vinaigrette on brioche bread.

Sandro Macedojournalist and author of the blog Copo Cheio
Dome
R. Major Sertório, 452, Vila Buarque, central region, Instagram @domobarsp

The Asian-inspired menu is an excellent companion for creative drinks. Alongside the drinks, it offers a lean menu with great options, such as cold pasta.

Roberto de Oliveiraeditor of Special Projects & Partnerships
Gero Fasano Itaim
R. Pedroso Alvarenga, 706, Itaim Bibi, western region

Relaxed and with more natural lighting, the space is already on the list of São Paulo classics

Nathalia Durvalrestaurant and bar reporter for Guia
Kuromoon
R. Teixeira da Silva, 596, Paraíso, southern region, Instagram @kuromoon.br

Fernando Kuroda and Fábio Moon prepare well-made Japanese and Korean snacks that justify the house’s hype.

Igor Gielow, special reporter
Ping Yang
R. Melo Alves, 767, Jardins, western region, Instagram @pingyangsp

The great Thai in São Paulo suffers from queues, prices and a non-specific room, but the experience is unique.

Luciana Coelho, Assistant Editorial Secretary of Sheet and series columnist
Mauricio Santi’s Thai goes beyond the sense of novelty with a cuisine little explored in Brazil injected with creativity and care with flavors, textures and harmony. It’s a surprise with every spoonful.

Mariana Agunzi, deputy editor of Home
The clientele that fills the counter is a well-deserved reflection of modern, vibrant Thai cuisine, served in portions that bring striking and spicy flavors. Sweet, salty, spicy and bitter mix and complete each other in layers and textures.

Magê Flowers, podcast editor
Sororoca Bar
R. Simão Álvares, 785, Pinheiros, western region, Instagram @sororoca.bar

Solar house with a great trio in the kitchen, restless menu and dishes full of freshness. A place to toast Saturday.

Marcos Nogueira, journalist and author of the blog Cozinha Bruta
Cattail
R. Medeiros de Albuquerque, 313, Jardim das Bandeiras, west region, Instagram @taboaoficial

In the Baixa do Beco do Batman, chef Carla Camargo Costa serves Brazilian food without folklore and technically impeccable.