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Maní

Helena Rizzo and Catalan Daniel Redondo met while working at the famous El Celler de Can Roca, a Spanish temple for molecular gastronomy. Here in the Jardins neighborhood, they take inspiration from their mentors and deconstruct, reinterpret and create unusual dishes with typical Brazilian tastes with fresh natural organic ingredients. We tried Maní and we loved it so much we rank this restaurant one of the best in town. The ambiance is contemporary, simple and cosy. Starters such as marrow with heart-of-palm, açaí fruit (from the Amazon), and spinach and mustard vinaigrette are delightful, as are dishes such as bull cheeks with taioba (lefy green) puree, or noodles in a parmesan, olive oil and white truffle sauce. Do try the Serra da Canastra pudding with raw dulce de leche, herb biscuits and the guava sorbet for dessert. After this veritable Babette’s Feast, you will likely understand why Helena Rizzo earned many accolades as best newcomer chef a few years back. And, her talents seem to be a little sharper every time we visit.

Rua Joaquim Antunes 210, São Paulo.