12

Nelita

São Paulo

Exquisite Italian cuisine with an all-women kitchen team

Why is it special? Behind a beautiful pistachio-green façade in São Paulo's Pinheiros neighbourhood is the stylish dining room with exposed brick walls and leather banquettes where Tássia Magalhães and her women-led team work their magic. At Nelita (named after Magalhães's mother), pasta is the star of the show, but there's equal attention to other dishes and a brilliant selection of cocktails and wines displayed in a stunning glass cabinet above the dining room.

On the menu: Nelita offers a five or 11-course tasting menu on the theme of the delicacy and strength of feminine cuisine, as well as an a la carte menu featuring delightful 'finger foods' including French toast with beef tongue and potatoes, starters such as burrata with mint and macadamia and mains based around risotto, fish and meat. Magalhães' handmade pasta has its own section, with delicate creations like goat agnolotti with lemon confit, black garlic and pappardelle with octopus, guanciale and spinach.

Best seat in the house: Ask for a spot at the marble counter to watch the chef and her team at work in the open kitchen.

Who's the chef? After graduating at 19, São Paulo native Magalhães began her career at Italian restaurant Pomodori before completing stages in European restaurants including Kadeau, Amass and The World's Best Restaurant 2022, Geranium. She is also the deserving winner of the Latin America's Best Female Chef Award as part of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025.

Contact