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A Casa do Porco

São Paulo

A field-to-table funhouse from a powerhouse Brazilian chef

Homage to the hog: Meaning 'House of the Pig' in Portuguese, A Casa do Porco is named for its focus on pork in all its forms, with a tasting menu and a la carte offering that uses every part of the pig. In recent years, it has adapted to changing dietary requirements, introducing a vegetarian menu that tastes as good as the original. The quirkily decorated restaurant in the heart of downtown São Paulo is owned by chef Jefferson Rueda.

From farm to city: The tasting menu, Porco D.O.C., features pork and vegetables from Sítio Rueda, the farm Rueda bought in his countryside hometown of São José do Rio Pardo in 2020. Diners begin with small bites including raw pork soufflé with curd, radish and horseradish. There's a fun take on burger, fries and milkshake – yes, all made with pork, before the main course, Porco San Zé, a house classic, which comes with pork sausage, beans, banana tartare, farofa and 'whatever came from our garden'. Dessert arrives to refresh, with soursop, vanilla, cupuaçu and sapodilla (Amazonian fruits).

A democratic approach: A Casa do Porco is committed to offering something for everyone, with a democratic and inclusive approach sparked by Rueda's own humble upbringings.

Country-inspired cocktails: As well-thought-out as the food, the drinks programme includes alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails and wines. Try a Cachaça juice box with lemon and jam, or Porco Veio, made with Cachaça, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Jack Daniel's Old No.7 corn infused with bacon, honey, orange bitters and sparkling water.

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