While staying at a hotel about .8 miles away (Ca'd'oro), I decided to bravely walk here through…read moresome questionable (and sometimes very stinky) streets for some lamb that I saw in Yelp. There were some scary people hanging around the destination but I continued my brave but perhaps Quixotic quest and FOUND IT: "PASV" in large letters reassured me to quit looking at the street and walk right in! I saw some entries on the menu that said "Lombo" so I assumed it was lamb but wanted to make sure. As a typical American (only speaking one language=English) I had trouble with the Portuguese menu and the server was trying to understand as he watched my arms flailing. The next table had exactly what I wanted, so I pointed to their dish and roughly said "que esta?" He said "Cordeiro." I was confused about the unfamiliar name so I pointed at my phone that was asking for a password for the PASV restaurant's wifi, and the kind server quickly entered the password. Ahhh, now I can translate their beautiful language into my one-and-only language of 66 years. The free wifi translated for me and nicely told me what I interpreted to be: "you idiot, "lombo" is "loin" not "lamb" and listen to the waiter: Cordeiro is what you want! Why don't you go to community college and learn something other than English?" The next problem was that there were two entries for Cordeiro. One had 1/2 next to it for 55 reals and the other had a name that translated to "red hot" for 90 reals. I wanted a half serving but it was confusing because it didn't say "red hot." I tried to tell the guy I wanted red hot (not fresh from the fridge) and he nodded. In the end I got the 55 real version. Well, it turns out that the entire section of the menu meant "red hot" so all I did was get a half order -- 3 strips of lamb in a beautifully unfamiliar cut as my photo shows. And I'm glad because it was plenty! And it was just-barbecued hot in spite of not having the moniker. It came with a big serving of big broccoli (not a typo--it was so big it was maybe a little overdone for the "leaves" but a little underdone for the large stalks), some mystery onion + whatever "salad" (which was excellent), a piece of flavorful yet soft bread (which I found on the bill to be about 1 dollar US extra), and a huge serving of rice and fat fries ("Steak fries" in the US). My total bill for the fabulous lamb was 68 reals = about $16 US at today's exchange rate. Maybe my 5 star rating has to do with the good price, but the lamb had both attributes: quality and quantity. I'm quite full now and ready for my harrowing and long taxi trip to the airport, thank you!

Amazing burger for under $8.00. Good atmosphere, does get busy and seems real popular with localsread more

Uma feijoada sensacional! A comida realmente excelente e bem…read moreservida, e o atendimento fantástico! Destaque aqui para o famoso Sorriso, nosso garçom, que nos atendeu muitíssimo bem! Certamente voltarei aqui quando voltar a São Paulo!

Come here to enjoy the best Arroz de camarão you've ever had…read more They have ice-cold chopps and quality red wine by the glass. They are also open for lunch when you can be served up a pretty prato do dia while you sip on a refreshing suco de abacaxi and gengibre (pineapple and ginger juice). The space is airy and open. How come I don't come here more often?! The servers are all tatted-up and friendly - very Vila Madalena.

Sabiá is a very good option in Vila Madalena if you're looking for a place to catch up with…read morefriends, enjoy a libation and/or have a nice bite to eat. It's a little bit away from the crowded bars you'll find two blocks down the road, so it doesn't get quite as crazy on the weekends. This is a restaurant bar, with good, simple appetizers and food. While the dishes are simple, they are executed and presented well, with a good attention to detail and a decidedly modern touch. The draft beers are always cold, and some are very good! The atmosphere is pleasant and conducive to conversation, and the wait staff is friendly and helpful.

Adega Santiago is a rooftop restaurant located inside of a mall. The view was beautiful but the…read morefood was just okay. I ordered a glass of wine and the homemade fettuccine. I think that I would have been more impressed with another menu item because those that I dined with really enjoyed their meals.

This rooftop restaurant is a romantic oasis on top of a luxurious high end mall. We had a choice of…read moreinside or outdoor seating. It was a little windy so we sat inside. The lighting makes everyone beautiful. The tables are not too close. The decor is warm and inviting. They had a menu in English. When we sat down, they brought three small bowls - one of almonds, one of olives, and an empty bowl for the olive pits. Nice touch! I was told the thing to get here is the Codfish and several dishes are prepared like in Portugal. Four cod main dishes looked good but I had had a late lunch was planning to eat lighter, two appetizers versus an appetizer and a main dish. It would have been hard to decide. For our appetizer, we spilt the grilled sardines which were four to an order and delicious. They were grilled whole with the heads on. They instantly transported me back to Portugal. They we're fresh and served whole with the heads on. So good!!! For my main I got another appetizer - the octopus My friend got the cod with olive oil and pepper. The octopus was like butter. OMG. I waould order this again and again. This was the best dish of the trip. And, by the way, that appetizer was enough for a dinner!! The cod was also delicious. It was flaky in olive oil with garlic and rosemary. They portion was enough for a dinner. Service was impeccable. We ate very leisurely while we talked and were left alone yet taken care of in terms of liquids (wine and water). OMG - they have dental floss in the bathroom. I was in heaven for that detail!!! We ordered an Aperol spritz to take outside and enjoy the view which extends past the restaurant. This restaurant is a must do!

Cafe Journal is located within the heart of Moema quarter in São Paulo on a corner. This restaurant…read moreoffers patio seating and plenty of indoor seat. During our visit we just had the opportunity to sample some of their refreshments! This restaurant offers some special refreshments but I decided to go with a classic espresso martini! The martini was solid with real coffee. The host was very welcoming when we arrived: the host introduced herself and shook our hand. We felt like family when we entered. Unfortunately we had dinner plans down the street so we didn't get to try their food. Next time.

A dark bar with a wine cellar and full bar, but not really a wine feeling place. More like an…read moreupscale Irish pub. They have the Enomatic wine dispenser machines up front with all red wines. It's not even close to being chilly outside. There are very limited white wine by the glass choices (Chardonnay from Chile or Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa), and a single rose (a VERY fruity rose from South Africa). Hmmmmmmm. Probably a better selection if you go for the entire bottle off their I-pad menu.