Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Casa Garabed has baked its lamb and pine nut esfiha in Sao Paulo's Santana district since 1951, one of the open-faced pastries Arab immigrants brought to the city.
Syrian and Lebanese immigration to Sao Paulo concentrated from 1880 around the old market square and Rua 25 de Março, an area known as the street of the Arabs that grew into Brazil's largest wholesale trading district. Arab immigrants opened the city's first esfiha counters in the early 20th century, in neighbourhoods like Bras and Mooca, selling the open, boat-shaped pastry topped with seasoned lamb or beef, and later a closed version folded shut. Casa Garabed, an Armenian family bakery since 1951, and Brasserie Victoria, founded on Rua 25 de Marco in 1947 and now on Avenida JK, are both part of the Levantine bakery wave that made esfiha a Sao Paulo staple.
3 editor picks for Esfiha in São Paulo, ranked by editorial score. All São Paulo signature dishes · Esfiha across every city.
Brasserie Victória has served Lebanese food since Dona Victoria opened it on Rua 25 de Marco in 1947; now on Avenida JK in Sao Paulo, it is still family-run.
OrderThe kaftas, open or folded sfihas, kibe, labneh with pitta, and the nut-filled atayef pancakes.
TipFor a quick bite, the take-away counter runs until 21:00 Tuesday to Sunday; the nut-filled atayef make the best finish in the dining room.
Casa Garabed has baked wood-fired Armenian esfihas in Sao Paulo's Santana district since 1951, the lamb and pine nut version its house signature.
OrderEsfiha de cordeiro com pignole (lamb and pine nut esfiha)
Almanara has served Lebanese staples near Praça da República since 1950, the chain's flagship for sfihas, falafel and kibe in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
OrderClosed sfihas (sfihas fechadas) of beef or vegetables
TipThe Basilio da Gama house is the original; Almanara now also runs branches inside several Sao Paulo shopping malls.
Esfiha makes more sense with someone from São Paulo explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Private tour · 3 hours
Discover the magic of São Paulo at night and indulge in a delectable dinner at a traditional Brazilian steakhouse.
Guided tour · 2 hours
Discover the only urban winery in São Paulo. Take an exclusive tour, learn about winemaking, and enjoy a 6-course dinner paired with award-winning house wines.
Private tour · 2.5 - 5 hours
How did São Paulo become Brazil’s food capital? Walk its historic heart while tasting local life: 1 meal, 1 cake, 1 soft drink, 1 coffee or tea at handpicked venues wi...
