Mocotó

São Paulo, Brazil

• No.43 Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2019

Casual, family-run Mocotó has sated diners since 1973, though it's taken an innovative turn since Rodrigo Oliveira, the founder's son, has led the kitchen. Indeed, diners travel to São Paulo's Vila Medeiros neighbourhood from all over, so they can bag a seat at one of the sunshine yellow tables. It's bright and bustling, just as a neighbourhood watering-hole should be: the walls are covered in bright mosaics, festoon lights are strung across the ceiling and the bar is painted in primary colours. Savour the northeast Brazilian dishes, some of which are prepared as they were decades ago: baiao de dois (a regional spin on rice and beans); or oxtail cooked in black beer served with creamy corn grits, canasta cheese and watercress. Hearty mains include tasty sarapatel (pork offal) and bone marrow stew, and all dishes can be prepared to share. There's a special section on the menu devoted to Brazil's national cocktail – the caipirinha. The question is, will you have yours served with berries, black grapes and spice sugar or cashew, lemon cloves and honey?

Key Information

• Average price per person $32
• Lunch: Mon – Sun Dinner: Mon – Sat
• +55 11 2951 3056
• Visit Mocotó's Website

Location

Av. Nossa Sra. do Lorêto, 1100, Vila Medeiros, São Paulo, 02219-001