Old jazzbar (one floor up - be prepared to pay a cover fee for listening to music) turned into…read morehipster heaven. The service is bad (if they forget your order and/or you're not happy with the food, they won't compensate you for it in any way). BUT there is a way to enjoy this bar to the fullest: Take a seat at the big red bar at the bottom and order Pisco Passions and the Royal sandwich (a original recipe from Riviera's old days).

Sigh. I really, really wanted to like this place. The logo! The smart website! Alex Atala! We…read morearrived and were sort of taken aback by the hermetic look to the lobby bar. It's huge and showy, sure, but there was no music, the cocktails took quite a while to make (but I guess this is the side-effect of "mixology"), and I could never wrap my head around the stock ticker-like announcement of the upcoming music act on top of the wood accent wall. Where's the lovely green from the branding and website? Surely you can mine the retro logo a bit more with the decor as well, without being kitschy. Instead, Riviera is like a corporate office park's answer to high-end dining and drinking. Being a huge fan of Dalva e Dito for its gastronomy and for its ambiance, this was, then, a huge letdown. We sampled the oysters, which were delicious. We also had the fine steak tartare and the queijo na brasa, which approximated the delicious originals served at the beaches of Pernambuco. The fried chicken was not quite above boteco chicken, I'm sad to say. Drinks throughout dinner were consistently delicious, and everyone seemed to enjoy the live music. Although again, the recorded announcement preceding it further lays on that stiff, synthetic feeling to the place. I think this place aimed to be a heavyweight contender, with its all-star roster. But ultimately, it comes off as a profitable side project, with sub-par cuisine rubbed to a shiny and expensive veneer by the owners' fame.

One of my favorite things in Sao Paulo. Yes, it can be really hard for tourists to get to. But so…read morefun! I have been to almost 30 countries and Brazil is in the top 3 of flea markets around the world. The markets have original art like no other , great mid century modern items and a selection of fun jewelry mixed with bars serving up big boozy drinks and yummy food. Well- Embu is a WHOLE TOWN of that stuff. I went on a sunday, which I think is the big day for it. You walk the town center where the stores are with booths selling items are set up inbetween. In the park at the edge of the town center, there's the amazing artists selling their original work. The stores range from touristy knick knacks to stores selling furniture and housewares where locals actually shop. You can spend all afternoon here ( and should). Booths are set up selling ice cream and choculates also. I got there at noon and didn't leave till 5 pm. MIxed in with the shops are bars and resturants with outdoor seating and live music. I had drinks at several and was not disappointed. I had a great lunch outside at one with a huge tree sheltering the tables and a hoppin live band. Beware though, like most of Sao Paulo, the town center is VERY hilly. I walked it with a broken foot so trust me, it's steep. In the rain, I could see flooding and slippery walking. There's a famous 17th century Jesuit church there too. Its beautiful- white with blue trim - worth stopping in. It's right near the shopping so it's easy to find. I didn't see the indian museum but heard its interesting. And if you are really into war history and terrible things, Mengele is buried in Embu- although obviously not in the touristy town center. I went by car with friends from Centro and it was at least a 30-40 min drive. I think the best thing to do is talk to your hotel about what time it all starts and then get the hotel to talk to a cab about a flat rate to travel there. I think if you went when there was traffic- and believe me the traffic in Sao Paulo is horribel- it would be a very pricy cab ride there.

Embu is a village that is crawling with artisan shops and street food vendors. It is about 30 mins…read moreto an hour away from Sao Paulo, depending on traffic. Once you get to Embu, parking is a bit of a pain...there is street parking available in the hills above the market, or you can opt to park in one of the many paid lots in the area. Be prepared for a lot of walking, as there is so much to see and try! Vendors were selling a wide range of products, from Brazil souvenirs (think keychains, mugs, and shot glasses) to childrens toys, scarves and clothing, jewelry, figurines, ceramic goods, and paintings/photographs. There are also a number of street food vendors and stores selling local/regional food items and alcohol. My favorite street snack was the acai mixed with granola. The concentration of acai is much higher than the concentration of acai I've had in Hawaii, and the cold snack was very tasty and refreshing after walking around. I got acai two times while in Embu because it was so amazing! Vendors are more than happy to give you samples and let you try things on, so don't be afraid to ask! I bought several souvenirs for friends and family like magnets, small toys, soft fabric necklaces, and stone bracelets. Everything was reasonably priced, and there were many things I saw in Embu that I did not see while shopping around in Sao Paulo. If you are coming to Embu from Sao Paulo, I'd suggest planning to stay at least half a day. Walk around and explore, then go to one of the neighborhood restaurants for lunch (we chose O Garimpo), and then walk around some more to make your purchases before driving back to Sao Paulo. Have fun, buy lots, and try something new in this cute little village! TL;DR - lots of walking, parking may be difficult, and tons of products and food items to browse!

Great ambiance, service and customer experience. The location is perfect! Keep up the good work.read more

Came here on a Sunday afternoon looking for a place to have an outdoor cocktail. While Esch came…read morethrough on my search, it also meant having to withstand the relentless cigar smoke happening around me. Then again, this bar specializes in cigars. Whether you're looking to buy a stogie or smoke your own, they will happily take care of you. The 3 stars isn't for the cigar smoke though (you know what you're signing up for when you sit here), but rather my lackluster caipirinha. They serve food here too, but considering that there's no refuge from the smoke (you can also smoke indoors), I can't imagine eating here. If you're a smoker, Esch will make your day.

Guarita Bar - the new kid on the block with some solid names at the helm - Jean Ponce ex-bartender…read morefrom the only 2-Michelin star restaurant in Brazil, D.O.M. controls the bar and Gregor Caisley, from Twelve Bistro, manages the kitchen - these 2 names anywhere raise expectations ! I went to Guarita the first time while it was in soft opening, the kitchen was not in operation but the bar was fully operational. Jean Ponce, besides being the great bartender, is one of the most welcoming hosts - he really makes you feel at home and all of a sudden you are part of the family. The first time around I tried his signature 'Rabo de Galo' and the classic Negroni - both drinks are well prepared, with good ingredients and hand-crafted crystal clear huge ice cubes. One interesting thing that Jean told me is that he will used different types of glassware to serve the same drink - keeping it casual but at the same time the quality of the cocktail served should be consistent with their standards. The second time around, Guarita was fully operational and I decided to give the food menu a try. I orders the pork belly sandwich and trust me when I say this - it was one of the best sandwiches I have ever tasted - spiced pork belly with thin slices of cucumber and some coriander make it a gem in the menu. Since greed has no limits, I shared a pizza with my friend and once again the kitchen deserves full points - the food at Guarita is really spectacular. I tried a 3 lime lemon caipirinha with some good 'ol cachaça and Jean's caipirinha fame is well deserved. So if I had such a good time, why do I give Gurita 4 stars - the drinks are good but Boca de Ouro and Negroni (2 similar priced bars) are better..and there Guarita drops a star. I love the laid back ambience, the quick service and Jean Ponce is one of the best hosts - definitely a place to return !

Tasty drinks and food. Nice atmosphere. Packed. Hard to find a spot to seat down. Would return but…read moreprobably not on a Saturday evening.

Within walking distance from my hotel. We've stopped by here each time I've visited São Paulo…read more Coooolest little dive bar with a patio outside, live music each time (DJ was rocking it!). It's mostly a standing area with a few (like 6) spots to sit inside. Non-alcoholic options are available and a few selected appetizers to munch on if desired. There's plenty of spots and street vendors in the area to eat if you're hungry though. Fun spot for sure!

Love this place. The food, Caipirinhas and the live music are great. The dishes are also great…read more Staff is super friendly and love the outdoor type seating. Also during Covid because it is open air and everything is sanitized so well I feel safe eating here. What more could you ask for?

A wonder place to have an afternoon lunch or a wonder fun dinner. Live music and a great…read moreatmosphere. The food is amazing and the cocktails delicious. The Caipirinhas are some of the best!

In São Paulo for the week and thankfully this was recommended by an acquaintance. Very clean,…read moreservice is outstanding. A bit on the small side for seating as well as cigar selection but what they had was very nice. The hostess was great, spoke fluent English and elevated the experience.

I've been to Rio a few weeks ago doing business and had to also visit my company's headquarters in…read moreSão Paulo. Found this place on Google when looking for a place to chill in São Paulo and decided to give it a try. The environment is amazing, the place looks like it has been just built so everything is brand new, state of the art. Great bar with a huge selection of drinks and nice selection of Cubans. I tried the house suggestion of the hoyo epicure 2 with some double black jw, great combo I must say. They got valet parking so that's a place you go to have a good time with no worries. Very nice staff too, thanks Luciana for the talk!! Def going back there on my next time in Brazil.

Great jazz club inside Fasano Hotel São Paulo (Jardins). Excellent bands, comfortable seating and…read morelight menu with full cocktail bar and attentive service. Complimentary chips and nuts are provided. I have been as a hotel guest but it is open to the public and there is no admittance charge. Classy crowd. Definitely worth checking out.