Javier Mora

Takko

It was already one of the most beloved places in the center of Sao Paulo, but it seems to have gained more fans since they moved to a new location, more spacious and overlooking the wonderful Praça Rotary in the Vila Buarque neighborhood. This place offers one of the best coffees and ‘pão de queijo’ in the city, as well as cookies, toast, bagels (something difficult to find in the city) and other sweets that were recently added to the menu. Their misto sandwich (ham and cheese) with mustard is already a classic. In addition, they offer the option of buying coffee packages to make at home. The place is very nice to have a coffee alone or find friends, but the space is still a bit limited so be patient if it takes a bit of time to get a seat! 

Z Deli

With several units throughout the city, this restaurant is the closest thing to a New York restaurant you can find around here. Possibly the star dishes of the place are the pastrami fries and the ‘lox bagel’ with smoked salmon and avocado. However, there are many more options on the menu, mainly for meat lovers. Leave room for dessert, because you can not leave this place without trying the cheesecake!

My favorite, without a doubt, is the one in the República neighborhood, located in one of the busiest areas in the center. The atmosphere is very nice and friendly and it opens until late, making it a fantastic option for a late dinner.

Isla Café

This place is located in the always bustling Pinheiros (along with Vila Madalena, the neighborhoods with the highest concentration of restaurants and cafes). Isla Café has most of its tables on an outdoor space that serves as an ‘indoor-outdoor’ terrace in a quiet street. 

It is especially known for its weekend brunches, which have dishes with an inspiration in Middle Eastern cuisine, such as shakshuka, hummus or a vegetarian curry. However, they also have more traditional brunch options. Their espresso tonic is absolutely delicious. The prices follow the Pinheiros standard, which means that on average, is more expensive than elsewhere in the city. However, please note that the quality of the food is very good, and the options you have in the menu are not so easy to find in other cafes in the city.

Modernista Coffee

Plant lovers will be thrilled to visit this place! At a stone’s throw of Praça da República, and located in the now trendy Rua Major Sertório, the decoration of this place is fully inspired by the Modernist artistic movement, and is a tribute in its references to the well-known Brazilian landscape artist Burle Marx. 

The place is very cozy, and the menu includes options for breakfast (which are available until after noon), and some for the afternoon. For a coffee, the menu is extensive, and includes everything from pastries to the traditional ‘pão de queijo’, ‘pão na chapa’ or prawn empanadas. Shout out to their pancakes and cheese and banana toast! 

Modernista Coffee Stories is usually quite full, so arm yourself with patience (or try to go during the week or in the early afternoon during the weekend).