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BrazilianBoteco, restaurantCentro
Bar da Dona Onça has poured drinks at the foot of Oscar Niemeyer's Copan building in central Sao Paulo since 2008, run by chef Janaina Torres.
DrinkCaipirinhas alongside a full bar
FoodPressure-cooker cozidos from across Brazil
TipGo for the stew of the day rather than the printed menu: the cozidos rotate by region and season.
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BrazilianBotecoRepublica
Bar do Léo has run its Republica boteco on Rua Aurora in Sao Paulo since 1940, pouring draft chope beside made-to-order sandwiches at the counter.
DrinkDraft chope
FoodMade-to-order sandwiches and quick plates
TipIt closes early by boteco standards: go for a late lunch chope rather than a nightcap.
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Cocktail barCocktail barPinheiros
Tan Tan is Thiago Banares' small Pinheiros cocktail bar in Sao Paulo, ranked No. 24 on The World's 50 Best Bars 2025, the only Brazilian bar in that top 50.
DrinkDirty Collins: white cachaca, tequila, olive and Tahiti lime
FoodAsian-leaning bar snacks
TipBook ahead for weekends; the room is small and splits between the bar counter and the open kitchen.
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Cocktail barCocktail barItaim Bibi
Exímia Bar reopened in Itaim Bibi, Sao Paulo, in 2026 with cocktails built on Brazilian ingredients like pau-brasil, amburana and jabuticaba.
DrinkAmerindio: rum, bourbon, Golden Massala liqueur, pau-brasil, amburana
FoodNone, drinks-only bar
TipSome cocktails need 48 to 60 hours of prep and the menu is updated often with the seasons, so ask staff which drinks are new.
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Cocktail barCocktail barPinheiros
Guilhotina Bar is an informal Pinheiros cocktail room in Sao Paulo that reopened in 2026 after a four-month refit with a new drinks and food menu.
DrinkChá do Naza: Johnnie Walker Black Label, Irish whiskey, spiced mate tea, lime and mango
FoodBar plates such as octopus carpaccio, tuna ponzu and glazed ox tongue
TipSit at the counter: the bar is built around service that puts drinkers face to face with the bartenders making their drinks.
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Cocktail barWhisky barPinheiros
Caledonia Whisky & Co. in Pinheiros holds over 250 whisky labels in Sao Paulo, pouring curated three-whisky flights alongside spirit-led cocktails.
DrinkCurated flights of three whiskies from a shelf of 260-plus labels
FoodBar plates to share
TipAsk for a flight instead of a single pour: the house builds three-whisky tastings around a style you want to explore.