Mila was born as an osteria, a laid-back, relaxed, but not unpretentious eatery. Created by restaurateur Tito Paolone, who worked on the implementation of Eataly SP, the newest restaurant in Itaim has a provocative and unusual proposal, but very refined. Whether for the unique recipes created by chef Pedro Pineda (ex-Beverino) or for the service masterfully conducted by sommelier and salon chef Camila Ciganda (ex-Baru and Cora).
The recipes are quite original, some classics appear with authorial touches, and are presented in versions to share, from bocaditos to pizzas, also served at lunch. Proving that vegan food can be very tasty, the grilled green vegetables (R$34) served with cashew nut sauce with miso and spicy beet ketchup put on a show. Even better in the company of a glass of Jerez, an unexpected and very accurate suggestion from Camila.
The wine selection includes labels handpicked by the sommelier, served in a bottle or in glasses of 187ml or 125ml. A rosé like the Spanish Sonrojo, from La Calandria winery, can cost R$152 or even R$39/R$27 a glass. This allows you to pair each dish with a distinct wine indicated by the service and enjoy a truly special moment. It’s so worth it.
Among the snacks, the fried chicken (R$35) with Chinkiang vinegar, sesame and nirá is a hit. The grilled prawns (R$88) with butter and harissa are also surprising for their richness of flavors. Another highlight is the Ribeye tonnato (R$49), served with a tuna-based sauce, anchovies, meat and capers.
The pizzas have slow fermentation dough and are baked in a wood-fired oven. They can have three bases: bianca, with cream, yogurt or fresh cheese; green, with herb-based sauce and pink, with tomato sauce. The potato one with sheep’s yogurt and rosemary (R$54) is a successful vegetarian option. But we shared the chicken one (R$58), which comes shredded in its sauce and topped with Atalaia-cut cheese and cilantro. A version of the trivial “chicken with catupiry” but with a new and stimulating approach.
Among the pastas, be sure to try the pappardelle with white pork and beef ragu (R$78), which comes with sheep curd and a small portion of kimchi, to be mixed with the pasta. An unusual combination that enhances the flavor of the dish.
To finish, we tried two desserts: pastel stuffed with dulce de leche, macadamia marzipan and spices with Bahia orange syrup (R$ 36) and Chocolatitos (R$ 32), a vegan option that features ganache and fudge prepared with milk from peanuts and 70% cocoa chocolate served with sorbet from Albero dei Gelati, fleur de sel, cupuaçu nibs and olive oil.
You can’t say that the osteria is a promise: Mila became a hotspot soon after it opened, filling its tables as soon as it opens. But it’s worth the wait, especially in the delightful outdoor space located upstairs. You won’t even want to go to your table.
mila – little map here
Rua Bandeira Paulista, 1096, Itaim Bibi – Tel: (11) 2925-8442
Opening hours: Wednesday to Friday, from 12:00 to 15:00 and from 19:00 to 23:00
Saturdays and Sundays, from 12:00 to 16:00 and from 19:00 to 23:00
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
