Looking for the best cocktail bar in São Paulo? If you appreciate high-quality mixology, Japanese-inspired cuisine, and a lively atmosphere with 90s hip-hop, Tan Tan Bar & Izakaya should be at the top of your list.
Ranked No. 31 on The World’s 50 Best Bars in 2024, Tan Tan is one of the best bars in São Paulo, blending craft cocktails with bold, umami-packed dishes. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a foodie, or a traveler exploring São Paulo’s nightlife, Tan Tan offers an unforgettable experience.
## Why Tan Tan is One of São Paulo’s Best Bars
Tan Tan is the brainchild of Thiago Bañares, a leading chef in São Paulo’s culinary scene. His expertise in Japanese cuisine and cocktail culture has resulted in three standout establishments in São Paulo:
– Tan Tan Bar & Izakaya – A cocktail-forward izakaya with inventive small plates. – Kotori – A yakitori-focused restaurant specializing in grilled skewers. – The Liquor Store – A speakeasy-style bar with a refined selection of spirits and classic cocktails.
By visiting Tan Tan, Kotori, and The Liquor Store, I’ve experienced firsthand the quality, innovation, and attention to detail that defines Bañares’ restaurants. If you’re a cocktail and food lover in São Paulo, Tan Tan is a must-visit.
## Cocktail Menu: A Fusion of Japanese and Brazilian Flavors
One of the main reasons Tan Tan is among the best cocktail bars in São Paulo is its expert mixology. Their signature cocktails combine premium spirits with local Brazilian ingredients, resulting in unique, well-balanced drinks.
### Best Cocktails to Try at Tan Tan
1. **Tsukemono (Citrus)** – Don Julio Blanco – Wasabi – Cucumber – Orange bitters
For dessert, try the Chocolate Pie or the Sorbet of the Day.
## The Atmosphere: Hip-Hop Vibes & Trendy São Paulo Nightlife
Beyond the food and drinks, what sets Tan Tan apart from other São Paulo cocktail bars is its atmosphere.
– **90s Hip-Hop Soundtrack** – Expect Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, and more. – **Modern Izakaya Aesthetic** – Industrial-chic decor with warm wood, granite, and metal accents. – **Lively, Yet Intimate** – A perfect balance of upscale cocktail bar and laid-back izakaya.
## Why Tan Tan is One of the Best Bars in São Paulo
✔️ Ranked No. 31 on The World’s 50 Best Bars ✔️ Craft cocktails with premium ingredients ✔️ Authentic Japanese comfort food with a Brazilian twist ✔️ A top nightlife destination in São Paulo ✔️ A unique blend of mixology, fine dining, and hip-hop culture
If you’re exploring São Paulo’s best cocktail bars, Tan Tan is an essential stop.
## Location
📍 **Tan Tan Bar & Izakaya** 📍 **Rua Fradique Coutinho, 153 – Pinheiros, São Paulo – SP**
## Final Thoughts: Is Tan Tan Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Whether you’re visiting São Paulo for the first time or you’re a local looking for a world-class cocktail experience, Tan Tan delivers.
Between its expertly crafted drinks, inventive Japanese-Brazilian dishes, and nostalgic hip-hop playlist, this is one of the best bars in São Paulo for an unforgettable night out.
Would I return? Without a doubt.
If you’re a cocktail lover or foodie, Tan Tan is a must-visit São Paulo destination. Make a reservation and experience it for yourself!
The 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix was my second trip to Interlagos, and I went back with a much better idea of what I wanted from the weekend. I wanted a good view, some protection from the weather, and enough time left over to enjoy São Paulo. Especially dinner.
In 2024, I sat in Grandstand G. In 2025, I moved to N. That change made a real difference to my comfort, and it gave me a useful comparison for anyone trying to decide where to sit.
I like a great hotel, a good restaurant and a comfortable ride back from the track. But my race weekend was spent in a grandstand. That is the experience I can actually tell you about: what worked, what I brought, and what I would pay attention to before going again.
A note on this article: This is a look back at my 2025 visit, not a current ticket offer. For planning a future trip, use my São Paulo Grand Prix travel guide and check the current event details before booking.
1. Returning for the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix
My first visit gave me plenty of reasons to come back, along with a few lessons I did not need to learn twice. The weather was one of them. Grandstand G was uncovered, and the rain in 2024 made that a very noticeable part of the experience.
I still enjoyed being at Interlagos. There is something very different about watching a race at the circuit instead of on television. You get the crowd, the sound and the view in front of you. You also have to think about where you will sit for hours, how you will follow the rest of the race, and what happens if the weather changes.
By the time I planned the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix trip, comfort had moved higher up my list. I was happy to spend more where I knew I would notice the difference.
Sector G, where I sat on my first trip in 2024. I chose Grandstand N when I returned in 2025.
For the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, I sat in Grandstand N. It had covered metal stadium seating, a view toward the Senna S, and a nearby screen to help follow what was happening elsewhere on the circuit.
After the uncovered concrete seating in G the previous year, I appreciated the change. The roof and seating were practical improvements I could enjoy throughout the day. A nearby screen mattered, too. The cars in front of you are only part of the race, and I wanted to keep track of the bigger picture.
N also had its own entrance and concessions. I liked having what I needed close to where I was sitting rather than treating every break as a separate outing.
That does not make N the right choice for everyone. Budget, preferred view and the kind of atmosphere you enjoy all matter. For me, it was a better fit for how I wanted to spend three days at the circuit. I would compare those details before paying more simply because a ticket sounds more exclusive.
My view from Grandstand N during the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix.
3. Getting into the circuit was straightforward for me
On Friday and Saturday in 2025, I arrived around 9:30 to 10 a.m. and had only about three to five people ahead of me at the entrance. Sunday was busier, but the lines moved quickly.
That is my experience from that year and that entrance, rather than a promise about the next race. Different arrival times and different grandstands can make for a very different morning.
I would still build some margin into the day. Getting through the gate is only one part of arriving. You need time to find your section, get settled, use the bathroom and pick up anything you want before a session begins.
I also pay much closer attention to schedule changes now. The disruption in 2024 was a reminder that the timetable you looked at earlier in the trip may not be the timetable you need on the morning of the race. For a future visit, I would keep the official event information handy and check it again before leaving the hotel.
4. A small bag made the day easier
For my first São Paulo race, I mostly relied on my pockets. In 2025, I used a string bag and then a small Adidas backpack. Having room for a few essentials made things simpler.
I carried my DJI camera, sunglasses, ponchos and earplugs. I did not end up using the earplugs, but they were there if I wanted them. The ponchos were an easy decision after the previous year.
I would rather carry a few useful things than spend the day managing a large bag. You still need to move through entrances, walk around the circuit and get yourself back out with everything you brought in.
After the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, my approach to packing is straightforward: pack for the time you will actually spend outside, keep the bag manageable, and check the current prohibited-items list before leaving. What I carried in 2025 should not be treated as a guarantee that every item is permitted at a future event.
The view from my earlier trip in 2024. Weather protection was one of the things I thought about differently when planning 2025.
5. Food at the track and a few things to bring home
I was happy with the skewers I ate at the circuit. Race-day food has a different job from the restaurant reservation later that evening: I want something enjoyable, convenient and easy to fit between sessions.
Having concessions in my section helped. I could get something to eat without turning lunch into a complicated part of the schedule.
I also looked at merchandise. Some shirts were roughly $30 more than I would have paid in the United States, so I did not assume everything at the circuit was a good deal. I came home with a Senna pin set and a Pirelli championship hat.
Those are personal souvenirs from the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, rather than a shopping list I think everyone needs. I would rather buy something I actually want to keep than spend money just because I am standing in a merchandise shop.
The Ayrton Senna pin set I brought home from the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix.
6. The exit deserves a plan of its own
In 2025, I tried to get onto the track after the race for the podium atmosphere. The access points were packed, and I eventually decided to leave.
I would have enjoyed getting closer, but I was not willing to spend the rest of the afternoon fighting the crowd to make it happen. That is a useful thing to decide for yourself before the race ends: how much time and effort do you want to put into the post-race experience?
Transport also matters. I used Rhino for my São Paulo trip and have written separately about my experience with Rhino transportation. A driver does not make the circuit exit or city traffic disappear, so I still think carefully about the pickup plan and how much time to leave before dinner.
When I look back at the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix, the small decisions around the race stand out alongside the time in the grandstand. Knowing how I would get home and allowing time to change made the rest of the evening easier to enjoy.
My Rhino ride outside W São Paulo during my 2025 trip. I pay full price for my transportation.
7. São Paulo was a big part of the reason to return
The race brought me to São Paulo. The restaurants and the people gave me more reasons to keep coming back.
I enjoy the research almost as much as the planning for the circuit: deciding where to eat, which bars I want to revisit and where I want to stay. I do not want to fly all that way and see only the route between a hotel and a grandstand.
Evvai is my favorite restaurant in the world, and Tan Tan has become part of every São Paulo trip. Those places matter to me as much as getting the race-day details right. The challenge is leaving enough time to enjoy them without spending the evening watching the clock.
If I am booking dinner after a day at Interlagos, I allow for the walk out, the pickup, traffic and time to shower and change. A reservation that looks fine on paper can feel very different when thousands of people are leaving the same place.
My São Paulo restaurant guide covers the food side of these trips. For me, a good race weekend should leave room for both.
8. Was the 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix worth it?
Yes. I went back with a clearer idea of what I wanted, and the changes I made improved the experience. Grandstand N suited me better, a small bag made the day easier, and I knew to think about the exit and the evening before I got to the circuit.
My version of a worthwhile weekend does not require every upgrade available. I want the seat to work for me, the hotel to be comfortable, the transport to be thought through and the dinners to be worth looking forward to.
The 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix helped me understand that balance better. It also gave me more reasons to return to a city I already liked.
When I think about Hotel Unique São Paulo, I think about the rooftop view, but I also remember the service. It was great, and one small moment at Skye sums up why.
I ordered a bottle of a mixed drink to bring home. The staff wouldn’t let me carry it myself. They immediately had it delivered to my room with glasses and ice. I could have carried a bottle, but they took care of it before I needed to think about anything else. That’s the kind of detail I remember after a stay.
They offered me Champagne at check-in, the room was nice and the service was great. Those details, along with the rooftop, are what make this more than an interesting building to me.
São Paulo has plenty of hotels I want to spend time in. I’ve stayed at several, and I don’t choose them only because I need a bed. The hotel is part of the trip for me, along with the restaurants, the cocktails and, when the timing works, Formula 1.
Unique has a personality you can see from the street. The shape of the building, the round windows and the red rooftop pool are hard to confuse with anywhere else. My photos from the stay bring those details back much more clearly than a list of room amenities would.
Would I go back? Yes. I’d also make sure I left enough time to enjoy being there. I can fill a São Paulo itinerary with restaurants very easily. Booking a hotel like this and then spending every available hour somewhere else would miss part of the point.
My take on Hotel Unique São Paulo
What stays with me: The rooftop view, distinctive design and great service.
The welcome: I was offered Champagne at check-in.
Breakfast: A buffet with both Brazilian and American breakfast options during my stay.
Why it fits my kind of trip: I enjoy a hotel that gives me somewhere worth spending time between meals, exploring and race days.
Would I return? Yes, with time set aside for the property itself.
Location: Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700, in the Jardins area.
One planning point: Choose it for the hotel and the city experience. Don’t assume that staying here makes Interlagos a quick drive.
1. A hotel I can recognize immediately
A quieter corner of the lobby at Hotel Unique.
I notice design. It’s part of what draws me to cars, clothes and hotels in the first place. I’m interested in how something looks and the quality behind it, not simply the name attached to it.
Hotel Unique gives you plenty to look at. The curved building and circular windows make a much stronger impression than another glass tower. Inside, my lobby photo shows a different side of it: bookshelves, warm light and a red chair rather than the rooftop scene everyone expects.
The architecture is by Ruy Ohtake, with interiors by João Armentano. The hotel opened in 2002, and its official architecture and history page explains the thinking behind the building.
I like knowing that background, but the appeal doesn’t require a lecture. This is a place that looks like itself. That’s a good start.
2. The room is part of the experience
The city through one of Hotel Unique’s circular windows.A guest room from my stay at Hotel Unique. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
Those round windows are part of the experience inside, too. I took the photo above looking out at São Paulo through one of them. It’s a small detail, but it gives a room a sense of place that a standard window doesn’t.
I thought the room was nice. The photographs here are from my stay, so you can see it for yourself rather than rely on a room description that could belong to almost any expensive hotel. The circular window is one of the details that makes it feel distinctly like Unique.
If I were booking Hotel Unique São Paulo again, I’d still compare the exact room categories. The hotel currently lists Deluxe rooms at 30 square meters, Premium rooms at 35 and Paulista rooms at 58, with other suite options. The official accommodation page makes those differences easier to compare.
For the way I travel, space has a practical side. There’s luggage, clothes for dinner and whatever I’ve brought back during the trip. I’d look at the layout and the upgrade price together, rather than assume a more expensive category is automatically the right choice.
3. Skye is where I’d leave room in the schedule
The rooftop is a big part of why Hotel Unique São Paulo remains on my list. When I’m home thinking about another trip, the view is one of the things I remember.
The service at Skye added to that impression. The bottle being delivered to my room, complete with glasses and ice, was a small thing handled properly. It showed me the attention I want from a hotel at this level.
I enjoy finding restaurants and bars around the city, sometimes to the point that there are more reservations than open evenings. But I also like being able to come back to the hotel and still have somewhere interesting to spend time.
That’s where Skye fits. The rooftop, the red pool and the city beyond it make the setting part of the evening. I’d leave room for it instead of treating it as something to squeeze in before rushing somewhere else.
The hotel identifies Emmanuel Bassoleil as the chef behind Skye. For the current menu and visiting arrangements, I’d use the official Skye page. Menus change, and I don’t want to send someone there expecting a particular dish because it appeared in an old description.
If you’re visiting without staying, check the seating policy before you go. A rooftop worth visiting can also be a busy rooftop. I’d give the evening some flexibility rather than promise myself a table at an exact time.
4. Breakfast gave me Brazilian and American options
The breakfast buffet covered both Brazilian and American breakfast options. I liked having that choice. When I travel, I want the opportunity to try local food, but I also appreciate being able to have something familiar.
It’s worth mentioning because breakfast is part of the stay, especially when you’re heading out for a full day. My opinion of a hotel isn’t formed only by the room and the view. The service and the way the morning starts matter, too.
That describes the breakfast offered during my visit. Check whether it’s included in the rate you book rather than assuming every room package comes with it.
5. Make time to enjoy the hotel
The rooftop pool on an overcast day in São Paulo.
Not every hotel photograph needs perfect sunshine. This one shows the rooftop on an overcast day, which is a useful reminder when planning São Paulo: leave yourself options.
The red pool is the best-known feature, but the hotel also lists indoor pools, a waterslide, saunas, a fitness center and massage treatments on its wellness page. I’m including those as facilities to consider, not as a list of things I personally tried.
There’s also a difference between visiting Skye and using the pool. The hotel reserves swimming in the rooftop pool for staying guests. Check the current arrangements if that’s an important part of your plans.
For me, this comes back to time. I can spend all day out and still have a dinner reservation that night. Sometimes the better plan is to leave an afternoon open and actually enjoy the hotel I chose.
6. I plan the hotel around the rest of São Paulo
A nice hotel doesn’t make the rest of the city smaller. Before booking, I look at where my dinners and other plans are, then think about how the days will actually work.
Hotel Unique São Paulo is in the Jardins area, near Ibirapuera Park. That gives me a starting point for a quieter part of the trip, but I’d still check the route to each place I want to visit.
I don’t want to cross the city for an afternoon stop, come back to change and then travel back toward the same area for dinner. I also want enough time to get ready without turning a good reservation into a stressful evening.
My São Paulo restaurant guide is where I’d start with the food. Then I’d put the rest of the day around the reservations that matter most.
7. Things to do at Hotel Unique São Paulo and nearby
If I were putting together a stay here now, these are the options I’d consider. The park and museum ideas below are suggestions for planning, not claims that I visited them during my stay.
Give Skye an evening
Start with the hotel itself. I’d set aside time for the rooftop rather than trying to fit it into the last half hour of an already full day. If dinner elsewhere is the priority, a separate evening at Skye makes more sense than watching the clock.
Spend part of a day in Ibirapuera Park
Ibirapuera Park offers walking and running areas, green space and bicycle rentals. It’s a practical nearby option when you want time outside between restaurant reservations. Check the entrance and route that work best from the hotel rather than navigating to the park’s general map pin.
Add Museu Afro Brasil to the park visit
Museu Afro Brasil Emanoel Araujo is inside Ibirapuera Park, near Gate 10. It gives you a cultural stop to consider alongside the park. Check current opening days, exhibitions and admission before setting the rest of the day around it.
Build one evening around a meal you really want
Food is a major reason I keep returning to São Paulo. Evvai remains my favorite restaurant in the world, and Tan Tan is a place I return to for food, cocktails and the music. Those are city outings to plan separately, not places I’m presenting as next door to the hotel.
I’d choose the reservation first, check the journey from Unique and leave enough time to get ready. Trying to fit every restaurant into one visit is how I end up planning the next visit before I’ve left.
The 2026 Posh Grand Prix party at Hotel Unique
There’s another reason to have Hotel Unique on the list during this year’s race weekend. Posh Club is advertising its Interlagos GP Official Party 2026 at the hotel on November 6 and 7, 2026.
That is an event to consider if you want nightlife alongside the racing, not something I’m describing from personal attendance. Check tickets and current event details directly with the organizer. Don’t assume a standard hotel reservation includes party admission or that a party ticket includes access to the Grand Prix.
Leave an afternoon unbooked
This is the suggestion I need to remember myself. Between researching restaurants, exploring and following a race schedule, it’s easy to fill every gap. A hotel afternoon gives the stay room to be enjoyable instead of becoming another stop to rush through.
8. For the Grand Prix, I’d plan the return as carefully as the morning
I’d consider Hotel Unique São Paulo for an F1 trip that includes time in the city and dinners after the circuit. I wouldn’t choose it because someone described Interlagos as a short drive away.
After attending the São Paulo Grand Prix in 2024 and 2025, I pay much more attention to the whole journey. Leaving the grandstand, getting out of the circuit and reaching the pickup point all take time before the drive even begins.
Then there’s dinner. I want time to return, shower and change. I’d rather make a later reservation I can enjoy than spend the ride back wondering whether I’m going to lose the table.
9. Would I stay at Hotel Unique São Paulo again?
Yes. The view and design stayed with me, but the service gives me another reason to return. The breakfast offered a good range of Brazilian and American options, and the way the Skye staff handled the bottle for me is exactly the sort of thoughtful detail I appreciate.
I’d still compare the price for my actual dates, the room category and what the rate includes. A hotel can appeal to me without every available rate making sense. The amount of time I’ll have there matters, too.
If the entire trip is early departures and late returns, I’d think carefully about what I’m paying to enjoy. If there’s time for the rooftop, the city and a less rushed afternoon, Unique becomes a much more interesting part of the plan.
My São Paulo trips usually start with a race or a restaurant that I want to experience. The places I stay help turn that into a complete trip. Hotel Unique is one I still think about afterward.
Plan your São Paulo stay
Hotel: Hotel Unique, Avenida Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 4700, São Paulo.
Before booking: Check the exact room, rate inclusions, cancellation terms and rooftop arrangements for your dates.
São Paulo Luxury Travel Guide: Where I Stay, Eat and Keep Going Back
RJVIPGP · TRAVEL & DINING
Updated October 24, 2026
I first went to São Paulo for Formula 1. Now I look forward to the restaurants, hotels and nights out as much as the racing.
That is what keeps bringing me back. I can spend a day at Interlagos, come back to a hotel I genuinely enjoy, and have a dinner I will still be talking about months later. On another night, I can go to Tan Tan for food, cocktails and a soundtrack that is much more my speed than a formal dining room.
For me, a luxury trip to São Paulo starts with deciding what is worth making time for. The city is enormous, traffic changes the shape of a day, and booking the most expensive room does not automatically put you in the best location for your plans.
This guide brings together places I have stayed, meals I have eaten and the practical lessons I would use to plan another visit. It is a selection, not a claim that these are the only hotels or restaurants worth considering.
São Paulo Luxury Travel at a Glance
My biggest reason to return: The food. Evvai remains my favorite restaurant worldwide, but São Paulo also gives me reasons to come back for pork, pasta, sushi and less formal nights out.
Hotels to compare: Rosewood for a hotel-centered stay, Hotel Unique for design and Skye, W São Paulo for its rooftop, Fasano for a Jardins base, and Palácio Tangará for greenery and a slower pace.
A recurring night out: Tan Tan for food, inventive cocktails and 1990s hip-hop. It is a stop I look forward to on every visit.
More cocktail bars to consider: Kotori, SubAstor, Bar dos Arcos and Rabo di Galo offer different settings and menus. Choose by neighborhood and atmosphere, not just the name.
Cocktail value: São Paulo offers the creativity I look for in NYC, often at a lower dollar cost. Check the exchange rate and service charges before comparing the final bill.
Beyond the restaurants: Leave time for Ibirapuera Park, exhibitions at MASP or shopping around Jardins. Pick what interests you rather than filling every hour.
Planning tip: Group stops by area, allow for traffic and leave time to get ready before dinner. A good hotel is worth enjoying, not just sleeping in.
Choose the hotel around your actual trip
I have stayed at several São Paulo hotels across my visits, including Rosewood, Hotel Unique, W São Paulo, Fasano and Palácio Tangará. I would not choose between them from a list of amenities alone. Put the hotel on the same map as your restaurants, daytime plans and, if relevant, the circuit.
Rosewood São Paulo for a hotel-centered stay
Rosewood São Paulo is in Bela Vista, near Avenida Paulista. It is one of the places I would consider when I want the hotel itself to be a substantial part of the trip rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Art-filled interiors at Rosewood São Paulo. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
Its restaurants and bars give you reasons to stay on the property, including Le Jardin, Blaise and Rabo di Galo. That can be useful on an arrival day or an evening when another journey across the city is not appealing. Check the current dining arrangements separately from the room booking; a hotel reservation does not reserve a restaurant table.
Hotel Unique for design and Skye
Hotel Unique is the distinctive Ruy Ohtake-designed hotel near Ibirapuera Park. The architecture is part of its identity, and Skye adds a rooftop restaurant and bar with city views.
A guest room from Richard’s stay at Hotel Unique. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
It is a hotel I have stayed at and written about, not just an attractive building I have seen in photographs. If the rooftop is a major reason for choosing it, check current restaurant access, reservations and pool rules. Going for dinner and having access as a hotel guest are different arrangements.
W São Paulo is in Vila Olímpia, on Rua Funchal. I chose it for my 2026 return because the rooftop and overall hotel experience appeal to me.
The WET Deck and L40 rooftop restaurant are on the 40th floor; Yōso is a separate cocktail bar and café on the 24th. Its location needs to work with your plans. Do not assume that staying at the W puts you next to every restaurant in Pinheiros or Jardins. Compare the journeys you will actually make, then decide how much the hotel itself matters to you.
Inside W São Paulo, with city views beyond the seating and dining areas. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
Fasano São Paulo for a Jardins base
For the original Fasano São Paulo, think Jardins and Rua Vittorio Fasano. It is a different property from Fasano São Paulo Itaim, so check the full hotel name and address before reserving.
The original Fasano makes sense to compare when Jardins is central to the trip. I would still work out the route to each important dinner rather than treating a neighborhood name as a guarantee that everything is a short walk away.
Palácio Tangará for time at the hotel
Palácio Tangará overlooks the greenery of Burle Marx Park, with a setting that feels different from the denser parts of the city. It belongs on the shortlist when the hotel, its grounds and a slower pace are priorities.
The trade-off is distance from some of the restaurants and neighborhoods you may want to explore. I would choose it with time to enjoy the property, rather than book it and then spend the entire stay crossing São Paulo.
Build the trip around meals you really want
São Paulo has given me some of my most memorable dining experiences. I like the stories behind the dishes and the chance to understand why a chef chose a particular ingredient. I also want enough variety that every evening does not feel like another version of the same tasting menu.
One important update to the earlier version of this guide: Evvai and Tuju received three Michelin stars in 2026. D.O.M. retained two. Ratings are useful context, but my own reasons to return are the meals and experiences below.
Evvai
Evvai is my favorite restaurant worldwide. The precision of the service is a major part of that opinion. I have described it as military precision, and that is how the meal felt: a team paying attention to the details without losing the enjoyment of dinner.
A course from Richard’s meal at Evvai, with illustrated cards on the table. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
Duck tortellini with eel and tucupi, and a green-corn ice-cream cone with caviar, are among the dishes I remember from my visits. Those are memories of meals I ate, not a promise that they will appear on your menu.
Chef Luiz Filipe Souza’s Oriundi menu brings Italian and Brazilian influences together. The current published menu lists R$1,650 per person as checked October 24, 2026; pairings are additional. Confirm the current menu, service charge and reservation conditions before booking rather than treating that figure as an all-inclusive bill.
Tuju gave me a different kind of experience. I remember the Rain Season menu and the care in its presentation. It is a restaurant I would consider when I want another ambitious dinner with a distinct identity, rather than simply trying to repeat Evvai.
A course from Richard’s meal at Tuju. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
Menus change. Check Tuju’s current offering before making plans, and give the meal enough time in your itinerary.
D.O.M.
At D.O.M., the appeal for me was discovery, including Amazonian ingredients and flavors outside my normal experience. It belongs in the conversation for travelers who want dinner to introduce them to something unfamiliar.
Look at the current restaurant information and discuss dietary requirements before reserving. A tasting menu built around unfamiliar ingredients is worth understanding before you sit down.
A course from Richard’s dinner at Nelita. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
I have visited Kazuo three times, including lunch, and the dessert was a particular highlight for me. Kazuo currently holds one Michelin star. It is another option for giving the trip variety rather than booking only long evening tasting menus.
A Casa do Porco and Metzi
A Casa do Porco deserves a place beyond a simple “luxury restaurant” label. I ate at the bar on my November 2024 visit, and the crispy roasted pork belly and pig-head presentation stayed with me. Read my A Casa do Porco review for the firsthand account.
At Metzi, the Mexican-Brazilian connection brings a different direction to dinner. Pork-belly tacos, seafood tostadas and agave cocktails are among the things I remember. These are places I would work into a varied stay rather than judge only by how formal the dining room feels.
Leave a night for Tan Tan
Tan Tan has become a stop on every São Paulo trip for me. The Spring Rolls Royce, Tsukemono cocktail and 1990s hip-hop are all part of why I return.
Oysters from a visit to Tan Tan, where the food is part of the draw. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
I like a serious dinner, but I also want nights like this: food I enjoy, good drinks and an atmosphere that suits me. Tan Tan is a reminder that a memorable evening does not have to follow the same format as a tasting-menu reservation.
Read my Tan Tan review. The dishes and cocktails mentioned there reflect my visits; check the current menu before arriving with your heart set on one item.
Cocktails worth making time for, with more value for your dollars
One of the things I enjoy about going out in São Paulo is finding the quality and creativity I look for in New York, often at a much more approachable price in dollars. Brazilian ingredients give the drinks their own identity, too. I want to try what a bartender does with cupuaçu, cambuci, cachaça or cajá, not simply order the same thing I would at home.
Tan Tan is my established favorite for this kind of evening, and I have also visited Kotori. SubAstor, Bar dos Arcos and Rabo di Galo are additional options to consider based on their current menus and settings.
SubAstor Vila Madalena gives its signature menu a Brazilian-biome theme. That is a more interesting starting point for me than another list of familiar classics. On the current official menu, Mata Atlântica combines cambuci cordial, bourbon, pear eau-de-vie and orange bitters for R$52, about US$10.32. Pantanal brings together pequi, tomato water, awamori, sake and chamomile for R$58, about US$11.51. Those are the kinds of combinations that make a dedicated cocktail stop worthwhile.
Bar dos Arcos for a different setting
Bar dos Arcos is beneath the Theatro Municipal, making it a different kind of evening from another hotel bar. Its signature menu has plenty to explore: Restaurante Leite combines caramelized cashew fruit, cachaça and aged rum in a milk-clarified drink for R$43, about US$8.54. La Guarida, with añejo tequila, tamarind, hibiscus and coconut-and-coffee bitters, is R$53, about US$10.52. The menu lists an optional 13% service charge, so those conversions are drink prices before service.
Rabo di Galo for a hotel-bar evening
Rabo di Galo at Rosewood adds live music and an old-world bar setting. It sits at the more expensive end of these examples, which is worth saying rather than pretending every São Paulo cocktail is a bargain.
The menu currently linked by the hotel lists Pari, with cachaça, cupuaçu, amaro, lime and cashew, at R$75, about US$14.89. Cidade Roxa, with rum, jabuticaba, lime and vanilla, is R$90, about US$17.87. A discretionary 10% service charge is listed. Rosewood currently describes the bar as walk-in only, with no reservations.
Kotori for another stop I have visited
I have been to Kotori once, and its current menu gives me a few reasons to consider another visit. Full Collins combines gin, vodka, olive, yuzu, cumaru and honey for R$55, about US$10.92. Coffee Boulevardier, with whisky, Campari, a red-vermouth blend and cold brew, is R$65, about US$12.90. Those are current menu examples, not claims that I ordered these exact drinks on my earlier visit.
Food and a cocktail from Richard’s visit to Kotori. Photo: Richard Jarocki.
I have also been to The Liquor Store twice. One practical update before planning a return: The Liquor Store’s official profile currently says it is moving and will return soon. Confirm the reopening and new address before making a trip there.
Compare the final bill: these are selected menu prices checked October 24, 2026, not a claim that every bar is cheaper than every New York bar. Check service charges and any cover or live-music charge, and remember that your card’s exchange rate and foreign-transaction fees may differ. For a fair New York comparison, include sales tax and tip there as well. My point is the opportunity to enjoy serious, inventive cocktails for the money, rather than choosing a bar only because the converted price is low.
Give the city some daylight
It is easy to let restaurant reservations take over a São Paulo itinerary. I would still leave room for an afternoon that is not built around another meal.
MASP is a useful anchor for time around Avenida Paulista. Check its current exhibitions, tickets and opening arrangements rather than trying to squeeze a museum into whatever hour happens to remain.
Ibirapuera Park offers a different pace. These are suggestions for building out the trip, not claims that I have personally completed every museum or park itinerary.
For shopping, compare JK Iguatemi, Shopping Cidade Jardim and the streets around Oscar Freire according to where you will already be. Check the actual store directory before making a special journey. I would not cross the city because an old guide promised a particular designer boutique on a particular street.
Transportation is part of the experience
I prefer arranging a car, especially around the Grand Prix. Having air-conditioning and a clear pickup plan matters to me after a long day. That is a personal preference, not a claim that everyone needs the same service.
The subway is another option; I have found São Paulo’s system well signed. Choose transport around the route, time of day, comfort you want and what you are carrying. For an arranged car, confirm the pickup location, waiting policy, included hours and how to reach the driver.
No car booking removes the traffic. Give airport arrivals room for immigration and baggage, and do not build dinner plans around the best possible journey time. After Interlagos, I want enough margin to get back, change and arrive at dinner properly.
For sightseeing, group stops by area. For evenings out, arrange the return journey before leaving and keep valuables discreet. Ask your hotel for current, route-specific advice rather than relying on a blanket claim that a whole neighborhood is either safe or unsafe.
How I would organize a few days
Arrival day: allow time for the journey from the airport, rest and a flexible first meal. Do not make an expensive prepaid lunch depend on everything running perfectly.
A food-focused day: one daytime neighborhood or cultural stop, then a dinner you have deliberately left time to enjoy.
A less formal day: shopping or the park, time at the hotel, then food and cocktails rather than another long tasting menu.
A spare day: return to a place you liked or leave space for a recommendation you pick up during the trip.
If you are visiting for Formula 1, give the race its own schedule. I have experienced Sector G in 2024 and Sector N in 2025, and those trips taught me to take weather, return transport and dinner timing seriously. My São Paulo Grand Prix travel guide covers that side in more detail.
Planning Your São Paulo Luxury Travel Budget
My approach to São Paulo luxury travel is to spend on the things I will remember: a hotel I enjoy, meals worth planning around and transportation that makes the trip easier.
For my kind of trip, the important spending is straightforward: a hotel I will actually enjoy, the meals I really want to experience and transport that makes the plan workable.
Compare the full room price for your dates, including taxes, breakfast and cancellation conditions. For restaurants, check what the menu includes, the cost of drinks and pairings, service and any deposit or cancellation policy. Grand Prix dates need their own quotes; an ordinary-weekend rate is not a reliable substitute.
I would also keep an excursion to the coast separate from a quick city afternoon. São Paulo is inland. A trip to Ilhabela needs its own travel time and planning, not a passing mention as an effortless yacht outing.
Why I keep coming back
São Paulo gives me plenty of reasons to return before I even look at the race schedule. Evvai, Tan Tan, the hotels and the meals I still want to try all contribute to that.
My advice is to choose the experiences you care about, leave enough time between them and resist filling every gap. The city is much more enjoyable when you can sit down to dinner thinking about the food instead of how late you are going to be.
São Paulo luxury travel does not have to mean choosing the most expensive option every time. For me, it means making room for memorable food, creative cocktails and places I genuinely want to return to.
Chef Robbie Felice Expands His Culinary Empire with Bar Mutz in Westwood, NJ
Chef Robbie Felice, a James Beard Rising Star Chef semifinalist, continues to make waves in the New Jersey dining scene with his latest venture, Bar Mutz. This modern Italian trattoria and mozzarella bar, located in downtown Westwood, brings a fresh and interactive take on classic Italian cuisine, further solidifying Felice’s reputation as an innovative culinary mastermind.
From Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne to Osteria Crescendo in Westwood and the Wafu-Italian fusion pastaRAMEN, Felice has continuously pushed the boundaries of Italian dining. With Bar Mutz, he blends traditional flavors with a creative edge, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers in New Jersey.
What Makes Bar Mutz Unique?
Opened in February 2025, Bar Mutz focuses on handcrafted mozzarella and traditional Southern European flavors, offering an elevated yet fun dining experience.
Signature Menu Highlights:
✔ Mozzarella Bar Experience – Fresh mozzarella, stracciatella, and burrata, crafted daily in front of guests. ✔ Creative Small Plates – Unique takes on classics like mozzarella sticks with hot honey and sour milk, handmade pastas, and house-made cured meats. ✔ Classic Italian Favorites – Meatballs, burrata with prosciutto, and gourmet panini, all prepared with top-tier ingredients. ✔ Craft Cocktails & Wine Selection – A menu designed to complement the rich flavors of authentic Italian cuisine.
A Fresh Take on Italian Dining
Felice describes Bar Mutz as “not your traditional stale Italian restaurant,” but rather a place where guests can enjoy high-quality ingredients in a lively, modern setting. Whether you’re indulging in freshly pulled mozzarella or sipping on a carefully curated cocktail, the experience is designed to be authentic yet innovative.
The Culinary Journey of Chef Robbie Felice
Before becoming one of New Jersey’s most celebrated chefs, Robbie Felice built an impressive résumé, working at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants.
Felice’s Career Highlights:
Babbo (NYC) – Worked under Mario Batali, perfecting classic Italian techniques.
B&B Ristorante (Las Vegas) – Advanced to sous chef, managing the restaurant’s salumi program.
Michelin-Starred Training in Europe – Worked at Pure-C in the Netherlands and The Jane in Belgium, refining his skills in Michelin-star kitchens.
The Modern (NYC) – Returned to the U.S. to work at one of New York’s top fine-dining destinations.
In 2016, Felice co-founded Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne, NJ, which quickly gained acclaim for its modern take on Italian cuisine. In 2019, he opened Osteria Crescendo in Westwood, further establishing his presence in the New Jersey dining scene.
However, Felice’s biggest breakthrough came with pastaRAMEN, a Wafu-Italian fusion omakase that blends Italian and Japanese flavors. Initially a secret pop-up, it evolved into a full-scale restaurant in Montclair, NJ, in 2023.
Now, with Bar Mutz, Felice is taking a more casual yet refined approach to authentic Italian dining, focusing on high-quality, simple ingredients done the Italian way.
Why Bar Mutz is a Must-Visit in New Jersey
With New Jersey’s culinary scene booming, Bar Mutz is a welcome addition for those who appreciate authentic Italian flavors with a modern twist.
Reasons to Visit Bar Mutz:
⭐ Innovative Italian Cuisine – Authentic flavors meet modern creativity in a fun, engaging setting. ⭐ Freshly Made Mozzarella – Interactive mozzarella bar, offering freshly crafted cheese daily. ⭐ Lively Atmosphere – A casual yet stylish space that brings a new energy to downtown Westwood. ⭐ Robbie Felice’s Culinary Expertise – With a Michelin-starred background, Felice ensures that every dish is executed to perfection.
Located next to Osteria Crescendo, Bar Mutz is the perfect spot for a memorable night out, whether you’re indulging in handmade pasta, premium Italian meats, or craft cocktails.
Final Thoughts: A Culinary Visionary at Work
With Bar Mutz, Robbie Felice continues to redefine Italian dining in New Jersey, offering a fresh perspective on classic dishes while staying true to his philosophy of “insanely simple food, the way it’s done in Italy.”
As his restaurant empire grows, Felice remains a driving force behind New Jersey’s culinary evolution, proving that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand.
📍 Visit Bar Mutz in Westwood, NJ, and experience one of the most exciting new restaurants in the state!
Luxury Formula 1 Travel: Some people choose a Grand Prix and then find somewhere to stay. I do it the other way around.
Where am I having dinner? Which hotel will I actually enjoy coming back to? Is there enough time around the race to make the trip feel like more than a weekend at a circuit?
That is how I think about luxury Formula 1 travel. I want a good seat and a great race, but I also want a trip I would be happy to take even if the cars were not there.
São Paulo taught me that. I first went for the Grand Prix in 2024, returned in 2025, and am heading back again in November 2026. The racing is the reason I book the trip. The restaurants, hotels and city are why I keep returning.
The view across Interlagos during my 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.
There are plenty of Grand Prix destinations I would build an entire trip around. For this article, I picked five that offer something beyond the circuit.
Luxury Formula 1 Travel: Five Destinations at a Glance
Monaco: For the setting, the racing history and a Riviera trip that extends beyond the circuit. Choose your race view carefully, then leave time for waterfront meals, a special hotel stay and exploring the coast.
Singapore: For night racing paired with restaurants, cocktail bars and time to explore the city. Mix a memorable dinner with hawker-center meals, choose a hotel around your circuit access and leave room for slower mornings after late nights.
São Paulo: My firsthand choice for combining Formula 1 with exceptional dining. Interlagos brings me there, but Evvai, Tan Tan and the hotels keep me coming back. Give the restaurants their own place in the itinerary, with realistic time for traffic and getting ready after the race.
Italy: For Monza, Milan and a longer journey through food and Ferrari country. Build the race weekend around Milan, then consider Lake Como for a slower pace or Bologna, Modena and Maranello for pasta, regional specialties and Ferrari history.
Japan: For Suzuka followed by a food journey worth allowing at least two weeks to enjoy. My plan would start in Tokyo, move to Nagoya for the race, then continue through Kyoto and Osaka. Think sushi, ramen, grilled eel, traditional Kyoto dining and Osaka street food, with time to enjoy each stop rather than rush between reservations.
2027 dates to plan around
Japan: April 9–11. Monaco: June 4–6. Italy (Monza): September 3–5. Singapore: October 8–10. São Paulo: November 5–7.
These are the published 2027 race weekends, also listed in McLaren’s calendar and the FIA’s 2027 schedule.
Still planning for this year? The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix takes place November 6–8.
Booking research: Prices and sales status below were checked October 23, 2026. Always confirm current availability and terms directly with the hotel, circuit or official ticket seller before booking.
Monaco’s harbour at dusk, paired with a stylized Circuit de Monaco outline. AI-generated editorial illustration.
Monaco is the obvious luxury Grand Prix choice, but I would look past the yacht photos and focus on what actually makes the trip work: a race view you understand, a hotel that fits your pace and enough time to enjoy the coast.
The attraction is the setting: Formula 1 running through Monte Carlo, with the harbor, hillsides and old town all within reach. It is a race weekend where the city itself is part of the experience.
A yacht, a terrace and a grandstand can offer three very different days. Before booking, I would look closely at sightlines, shade, access and what is actually included.
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is a hotel I would research for a stay centered on Casino Square. It is close to the action, but the bigger question is whether the room, terrace or package gives you the race experience you want.
Beyond the circuit, leave time for a proper dinner and a few days on the coast. Nice, Cap d’Antibes and the villages above the water are all easy additions if you do not try to do everything in one weekend.
Where I would spend: a viewing location I have researched carefully, followed by a hotel and meals that make the trip feel complete.
What I would check: exact race views, access routes during closures, minimum hotel stays and whether a terrace or hospitality package is worth the premium.
Hotels and tickets for June 3–7, 2027
The Fairmont Monte Carlo’s official Grand Prix package makes the cost of staying in Monaco clear: a five-night minimum, with 2027 packages beginning at €7,500 per room for two guests, including breakfast and a three-day grandstand ticket. The hotel also notes that rates vary by room category and availability.
For tickets, the Automobile Club de Monaco’s official 2027 price sheet lists three-day grandstand tickets from €780 to €1,360, depending on the stand. Hospitality and terrace options are separate products, so I would compare them against the actual view and access rather than assuming they are automatically better.
2. Singapore for a complete city break
Singapore’s Marina Bay skyline, paired with a stylized Marina Bay Street Circuit outline. AI-generated editorial illustration.
Singapore appeals to me because the race and the city can both be substantial parts of the trip. The night race gives you daylight hours for food, museums, walks and a slower hotel morning if you plan it well.
Resist the temptation to schedule every daytime hour because the racing happens at night. A long lunch, a swim, a nap and a good dinner can make the weekend better than trying to see every neighborhood between sessions.
Marina Bay Sands is an obvious hotel to research, particularly if the rooftop pool and circuit proximity matter to you. I would also look at hotels in the Civic District or along Orchard Road if I wanted a different rhythm away from the circuit.
For food, I would build in both a special dinner and time for hawker-center eating. Singapore works best when you let the formal and casual meals sit alongside each other.
Where I would spend: a hotel location that works with the circuit gates I will use, then meals that range from a serious reservation to a late-night hawker stop.
What I would check: ticket zones, gate access, road closures and the late-night transport plan back to the hotel.
Singapore’s rules are part of planning the trip
Singapore’s race-weekend nightlife comes with rules worth checking before you pack. The city is easy to enjoy, but it is not a place to assume that rules from home apply.
Do not bring recreational drugs, cannabis or CBD products, even if legal where you live. Singapore’s laws are strict, and the safest approach is to leave them at home.
Public drinking rules differ from licensed-bar hours: public consumption is generally restricted from 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m., with additional restrictions in designated zones. Check the current rules before the trip, especially if you are planning to drink outdoors after the race.
Hotels and tickets for October 7–11, 2027
Alongside Marina Bay Sands, price The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. Neither is a budget choice on race weekend, but both are worth comparing for location, views and how much time you expect to spend at the hotel.
The promoter says the early-bird allocation is sold out, with regular tickets due to go on sale later. That means the practical move is to join the official mailing list and decide in advance which ticket zone you want.
Read the room description carefully: Lounge @ Turn 3 pairs outdoor grandstand seating with an air-conditioned lounge, while some hospitality products include food and drinks. The right choice depends on whether you value a better view, a place to cool down or a more social setting.
3. São Paulo for the trip beyond Interlagos
São Paulo’s Octávio Frias de Oliveira bridge and skyline, paired with a stylized Interlagos outline. AI-generated editorial illustration.
This is the destination on the list I can talk about from repeated experience.
I sat in Sector G in 2024 and Sector N in 2025. For 2026, I have chosen Sector M. Each has a different balance of view, atmosphere and comfort, and I have learned that the best choice depends on what you want from the day.
The Senna S from Grandstand N during my 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix weekend.
That is an important part of how I spend on Formula 1. I am happy to choose a grandstand that is not the most expensive if it gives me the experience I want, then put more of the budget toward the restaurants and hotels that make the trip memorable.
A course at Evvai during my November 2025 São Paulo trip.
I have stayed at several São Paulo hotels across my visits, including Hotel Unique, Rosewood São Paulo and W São Paulo. Each works differently depending on where you want to spend time and how you plan to get to Interlagos.
That traffic is one of the biggest practical lessons I have brought home from Interlagos. The circuit is far from the main hotel districts, and race-day travel can take longer than you expect.
My Rhino ride at W São Paulo during my 2025 trip.
I would rather allow enough time to get back, change and arrive at a restaurant relaxed than try to squeeze in one more stop and spend the evening watching the clock.
Where I would spend: the restaurants I genuinely want to experience, a hotel I will enjoy returning to and a race ticket that fits how I like to watch.
What I would check: the exact grandstand, weather protection, pickup location and the route back to the hotel after the race.
Cocktails at Tan Tan during my November 2025 São Paulo trip.A look into Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari garage during my Thursday access at Interlagos in 2025.
Hotels and tickets for November 4–8, 2027
Rosewood São Paulo and Hotel Unique stay on my shortlist, alongside W São Paulo. I would compare them based on the restaurants and neighborhoods I want to use, not just the room rate.
The official F1 ticket store currently shows a 2027 waitlist, so there is no verified public price to quote yet. I would join the official waitlist and avoid treating resale listings as a reliable price signal until the promoter releases inventory.
4. Italy for Monza, Ferrari heritage and the meals afterward
Milan as a city base, paired with a stylized outline of the race circuit in Monza. AI-generated editorial illustration.
Italy is the trip I would choose for the combination of racing, food and everything around the circuit. Monza is the anchor, but Milan, Lake Como and Emilia-Romagna can turn the weekend into a much bigger journey.
Base the race weekend in Milan, then change pace with a Lake Como extension: lake walks, long lunches and a hotel stay that feels separate from the crowds around the circuit.
For a stronger food-and-motorsport trip, continue to Emilia-Romagna. The Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello and the region’s pasta, balsamic vinegar and cured meats make a good counterpoint to the race.
Hotels and tickets for September 2–6, 2027
Mandarin Oriental, Milan is the food-and-design choice I would research, with Seta by Antonio Guida in the hotel. I would also compare it with a Lake Como stay if I wanted the trip to feel less city-focused.
Monza’s 2027 tickets are on sale. The official three-day adult price list includes grandstands from €450 to €1,100, with general admission from €210. The higher-priced grandstands are not automatically the right choice, so I would compare the view, shade and access before paying more.
What I would check: the precise grandstand section, shade, station-to-gate route and whether I want to stay in Milan, near the circuit or split the trip with Lake Como.
5. Japan for Suzuka and a proper food journey
Suzuka’s Ferris wheel and grandstands at dusk, paired with a stylized Suzuka Circuit outline. AI-generated editorial illustration.
For Suzuka, I would want at least two weeks in Japan. That is my minimum for enjoying the race and the food without turning the whole trip into a checklist.
Start in Tokyo, travel west through Nagoya and Kyoto, and look at flying home from Osaka. The route is straightforward, but the value is in giving each stop enough time.
Tokyo: April 5–8, three nights
I would keep arrival day forgiving: a neighborhood meal, an early night and no pressure to see the whole city immediately.
Ginza Hachigou is one specific target for ramen, with duck, chicken, scallops and truffle in the broth. It is the kind of meal I would plan around, then leave the rest of the day open.
Nagoya and Suzuka: April 8–12, four nights
Arrive in Nagoya on Thursday, settle in and give the city a proper meal before the race weekend begins.
Across the weekend, look for Nagoya’s miso katsu, miso-nikomi udon and tebasaki chicken wings. The city has a strong food identity that is easy to miss if you treat it only as a base for Suzuka.
Nagoya Marriott Associa, directly connected to Nagoya Station, is a practical hotel to research for the race. It makes the train to Suzuka easier and gives you a comfortable base after a long day at the circuit.
Race-weekend hotel and ticket reality
For April 8–12, 2027, two adults and one room, Nagoya Marriott Associa’s official site showed a four-night total of ¥259,600 including taxes and fees when checked October 23, 2026. That is a useful benchmark, not a guarantee, because race-weekend inventory and rates move quickly.
Suzuka’s official sale is scheduled for November 15, 2026 at 11 a.m. local time, with ticket prices not yet published. I would decide on a grandstand before that date and buy only through the official circuit channel.
Kyoto: April 12–16, four nights
This is where I would slow down and make room for one ambitious meal. Kikunoi Honten is the kind of reservation I would build a Kyoto stay around, then balance it with markets, coffee and simpler neighborhood meals.
The other days can explore Kyoto’s yuba, tofu, pickles, seasonal vegetables and sweets. I would rather return to a few neighborhoods than spend every day crossing the city.
Osaka: April 16–20, four nights
Finish with a less rigid eating schedule: takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, plus one or two restaurants you have researched in advance.
I would resist adding three more cities just because the trains make it possible. The best version of this trip is still one where you have time to sit down and enjoy dinner.
Choosing a Luxury Formula 1 Travel Destination
The best Formula 1 trip is not necessarily the most expensive one. It is the one where the race, hotel, meals and pace all work together.
Monaco is the choice for spectacle and the Riviera. Singapore is for a city break with a night race at the center. São Paulo is for a trip where the restaurants can be as memorable as the circuit. Italy is for Monza, Milan and a longer food-and-Ferrari route. Japan is for the most complete journey, with Suzuka as one stop in a much bigger food trip.
My own approach is simple: choose the race that gives you the trip you want, then spend on the parts you will remember after the podium ceremony.
Completely Unnecessary. Absolutely Worth It.
Before booking, check official race dates, ticket terms, hotel cancellation policies and local rules. Prices, availability and schedules change quickly around Grand Prix weekends.
For more Formula 1 travel planning, explore my guides to São Paulo, Interlagos grandstands and the restaurants I would build a race weekend around.
Disclosure: This article contains no paid placements. If I add affiliate links in the future, I will disclose them clearly.
Sources: FIA Formula One World Championship 2027 calendar; McLaren 2027 F1 calendar; Automobile Club de Monaco 2027 ticket prices; Fairmont Monte Carlo Grand Prix package; Singapore GP official ticket information; Singapore Police Force public drinking rules; Singapore Central Narcotics Bureau guidance; Formula 1 ticket store; Autodromo Nazionale Monza ticket information; Suzuka Circuit ticket information; official hotel websites.
In this Tan Tan São Paulo review, I’m going back to one of the places in the city that made sense to me almost immediately. I originally went because of the cocktails, but what keeps me coming back is the combination of everything else: Japanese-influenced food, a serious bar program, 1990s hip-hop, and a room that feels energetic without trying too hard.
I have been to Tan Tan more than once, and at this point I make a point of visiting at least one of chef Thiago Bañares’s places whenever I am back in São Paulo.
Tan Tan is still the one I associate most with the side of São Paulo nightlife I enjoy: very good food, interesting drinks, music with some personality, and none of the stiffness that can come with highly regarded bars and restaurants.
I travel for restaurants and cocktails, but I do not need every night to be a tasting menu, white tablecloths, or a three-hour production. Sometimes I want a great drink, a few dishes I actually want to eat, good music, and a room that feels alive.
Tan Tan does that very well.
Four cocktails photographed during Richard Jarocki’s visit to Tan Tan in Pinheiros, São Paulo.
Tan Tan São Paulo — At a Glance
Neighborhood:
Pinheiros, São Paulo
Style:
Japanese-influenced bar food and cocktails
Best For:
Dinner, cocktails, bar snacks, late-night energy
Atmosphere:
Lively, casual, music-driven
Music:
1990s hip-hop
What I Had:
Yardbird Katsu Sando, Kaki Ponzu, Aka Teba, Ajillo, Wonton Shio Ramen, Chocolate Pie
What I’d Order Again:
Yardbird Katsu Sando, Aka Teba
Cocktail I Remember Most:
Tsukemono
What I Want to Try Next:
Ikura Fries
Current Recognition:
#24, The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025
Would I Return?:
Absolutely.
My Take: Tan Tan gets the food, cocktails, music, and atmosphere right without trying too hard.
Why Tan Tan São Paulo Keeps Me Coming Back
There are restaurants I remember because of one dish, and there are bars I remember because of one cocktail.
Tan Tan is different because I remember the whole night.
The bar matters. The kitchen matters. The music matters. The crowd matters.
It feels like a place where you can have a genuinely good meal without the night becoming formal. That balance is harder to pull off than it sounds.
A lot of restaurants try very hard to look cool. Tan Tan does not feel like it is constantly reminding you how cool it is.
It just works.
The room gets busy, the music is part of the experience, cocktails keep moving across the bar, and the food fits naturally into the night.
That is probably the biggest reason I like it.
A bartender preparing drinks at Tan Tan São Paulo, photographed from a seat at the bar.
The Cocktail I Remember Most: Tsukemono
One of the drinks I still associate with Tan Tan is the Tsukemono.
It combined tequila, wasabi, cucumber, and orange bitters.
That combination sounds like it could easily become one of those cocktails that is more interesting to read about than it is to drink.
It wasn’t.
The cucumber kept it fresh, the wasabi gave it enough edge to make it different, and the tequila kept the drink grounded.
It was one of those cocktails where the ingredient list makes much more sense once you actually taste it.
The cocktail menu has moved on since those earlier visits, which is one reason I wanted to update this review instead of leaving an old menu frozen online forever.
Tan Tan’s Current Cocktail Menu: Perspective
cocktail photographed during an earlier visit to Tan Tan São Paulo.
The current cocktail menu is called Perspective.
The idea is built around ingredients connected to Brazil’s five regions, translating climates, flavors, and cultural references into cocktails through taste, texture, and contrast. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
That interests me more than another menu full of complicated drinks with no real connection to where you are.
If I am drinking in Brazil, I like when the bar gives me something that could only really make sense there.
The current menu uses ingredients including black tucupi, cupuaçu, cashew, malagueta pepper, passion fruit, yerba mate, baru nut, cambuci, and cachaça.
Ramos Tucufizz
Amburana-aged cachaça, cupuaçu, black tucupi cordial, cashew-nut orgeat, and egg white. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
That is the kind of drink I would want at Tan Tan because it pushes beyond the familiar without sounding random.
Caipora
Cachaça, cupuaçu cordial, black tucupi soda, and cashew nut. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
This one sounds even more directly Brazilian and would probably be one of my first orders on another visit.
Amor & Café
Don Julio añejo, Ketel One, Cynar, passion-fruit cold-brew coffee, blue cheese, and honey. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
Blue cheese in a cocktail is exactly the kind of thing that makes me stop and read the menu twice.
I have eaten and drunk enough unusual things that I am not interested in ordering something strange just because it is strange.
It still has to taste good.
But I would absolutely try that once.
Mi Mi Mi
Ketel One, Don Julio añejo, dry vermouth, and pickled baby-corn brine. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
Again, very Tan Tan.
Tan Tan Still Keeps Some of Its Greatest Hits
The current menu also has a Hall of Fame section.
That tells you something about the bar.
Tan Tan is willing to change the menu, but it also understands when something has earned the right to stay.
The Hall of Fame currently includes Hello Suckers, Curupira, Dirty Dance, Libertine, and Cavagna Kakigori. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
I like that approach.
There is nothing wrong with creating a new menu, but there is also nothing wrong with admitting you made something worth keeping.
What I Ate at Tan Tan
The food is a major reason I would not describe Tan Tan simply as a cocktail bar.
Some of the dishes I had on earlier visits are still on the menu. Others have changed or disappeared.
I would rather tell you exactly what I ate and then separate that from what is available now.
Yardbird Katsu Sando
Yardbird Katsu Sando photographed during an earlier visit to Tan Tan São Paulo, featured in Richard Jarocki’s restaurant review.
The Yardbird Katsu Sando was one of the dishes I had, and it is still on the current menu.
It is a breaded ground-pork patty with chuno sauce on shokupan. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
This is exactly the kind of food I like with cocktails.
It is rich, crispy, easy to eat, and not remotely precious.
There is a time for tweezers and perfect plating.
There is also a time for a fried pork sandwich.
Tan Tan understands both sides of that equation.
Kaki Ponzu
Kaki Ponzu oysters photographed during Richard Jarocki’s visit to Tan Tan São Paulo.
I also had the Kaki Ponzu.
The current menu still serves fresh Santa Catarina oysters with ponzu and mignonette. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
Oysters make sense in a restaurant like this because they reset your palate after something fried or rich.
Aka Teba
Aka Teba chicken wings with sesame seeds and peanuts, photographed during Richard Jarocki’s visit to Tan Tan São Paulo.
The Aka Teba was another dish I tried.
It remains on the menu as crispy fried chicken wings with homemade sweet chili, sesame seeds, and peanuts. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
It is straightforward bar food, but that is not a criticism.
A great bar does not need to reinvent every single thing on the plate.
Sometimes wings should just be really good wings.
Octopus and Mushrooms Ajillo
Octopus and mushrooms ajillo in a black handled pan, photographed during a visit to Tan Tan São Paulo.
I remember this as the Ajillo: mushrooms, garlic confit, octopus, and olive oil.
The current menu calls it Octopus and Mushrooms Ajillo and serves it in an iron pan. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
This was one of the more savory dishes I had and exactly the kind of thing that stands up well next to a stronger cocktail.
Wonton Shio Ramen
On an earlier visit, I had the Wonton Shio Ramen with chicken broth, pork wonton, chicken chashu, and ajitama egg.
That exact ramen is no longer on the current menu.
The noodle section has changed, which is another reason this old review needed to be updated.
Chocolate Pie
I also had the Chocolate Pie.
The current menu still offers Chocolate Pie, now described as milk-chocolate custard with English cream, along with a Daily Sorbet. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
A bar like Tan Tan does not need a twelve-item dessert program.
Two options are plenty if they are good.
Tan Tan’s earlier Back to Basics menu, photographed before the Perspective menu discussed in the updated review.
What’s New on the Tan Tan Menu
The current menu gives me several reasons to go back.
Spring Rolls Royce
The Spring Rolls Royce is a cold harumaki with tuna tartare, sesame seeds, mayonnaise, and nori powder. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
The name alone tells you something about the personality of the place.
It sounds playful, but the ingredients still make sense.
This would probably be one of the first things I order on my next visit.
Pork Gyoza
The current Pork Gyoza is filled with pork and vegetables and served with soy sauce and vinegar. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
Simple, familiar, and probably very easy to order another plate of after the first one disappears.
Shrimp Wonton
The Shrimp Wonton comes with chili crunch, soy sauce, and sesame. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
I find this particularly interesting because the wonton has moved from the older ramen I ate into its own snack.
Ikura Fries
The Ikura Fries might be the new dish I am most curious about.
They are tempura-style fries with salmon roe, mayonnaise, and aonori. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
Fries and ikura sounds completely unnecessary.
Which obviously means I need to order them.
Squid Roll
The Squid Roll is fried squid with red onion, pickles, and nirá mayonnaise on a bun. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
Again, this is the kind of food that makes sense here.
You are not being asked to sit silently and analyze every bite.
You are supposed to eat, drink, talk, listen to the music, and enjoy yourself.
Unadon and Ikuradon
The larger dishes now include Unadon, with unagi, teriyaki eggs, and rice, and Ikuradon, with salmon roe, marinated soft egg yolk, green onion, wasabi, and roasted seaweed. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
Those make Tan Tan more viable as a full dinner rather than simply somewhere you stop for drinks and snacks.
The Noodle Menu Has Changed Too
The older Wonton Shio Ramen I had is gone, but noodles are definitely not gone from Tan Tan.
The current lineup includes:
Chashumen
Chicken broth seasoned with mushrooms and shoyu tare, pork-belly chashu, ajitama egg, scallions, and sesame.
Kinoko Men
Stir-fried noodles with mushroom sauce and Cantonese broccoli.
Dan Dan Mian
Noodles with ground pork, Asian peppers, oyster sauce, and vegetables. ce37d670-997c-4145-8e8b-54168fa…
That gives me another reason to revisit the kitchen instead of going back and simply ordering the same things I already know.
The 90s Hip-Hop Is Part of the Experience
One of the things I remember most about Tan Tan has nothing to do with food or cocktails.
It is the music.
The 1990s hip-hop gives the room personality.
It helps keep Tan Tan from feeling like one of those cocktail bars where everyone whispers because the drinks are too important.
The atmosphere is lively, but I would not describe it as chaotic.
I like serious food and serious drinks.
I just do not always want them served in a serious room.
Tan Tan gives you quality without draining the fun out of the night.
Why Tan Tan Feels Like São Paulo to Me
São Paulo has changed the way I think about food cities.
My relationship with the city originally grew out of Formula 1.
Now Formula 1 is only part of the reason I keep going back.
The restaurant and cocktail scene has become just as important to me, and places like Tan Tan are a big reason why.
It is not trying to feel like New York.
It is not trying to feel like London.
It is not trying to recreate Tokyo.
There are influences from all of those places and more, but the final result still feels connected to São Paulo.
That is what makes a city interesting to me.
I do not travel halfway around the world because I want exactly what I already have at home.
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