16

Tuju

São Paulo

• Accolades
• Art of Hospitality Award 2026
• Highest New Entry Award 2026, sponsored by Gloria

A hyperpersonal reimagining of Brazilian fine dining

On the Pass

Ivan Ralston

Location, location, location: Housed in an imposing three-storey building in the heart of São Paulo in the upscale Jardim Paulistano neighbourhood, Tuju stands out with its seamless blend of inventive cuisine and exceptional service. The airy, modern space – with decor blending natural materials and a lush vertical garden – enhances the service, elevating hospitality across three distinct areas: a bar-patio on the ground floor with a mighty jabuticaba tree at its centre; the main dining room on the second floor; and a terrace for post-dinner moments. In each space, meticulous attention to detail makes all the difference in making guests feel welcomed and cared for.

The vibe: Led by chef Ivan Ralston, the restaurant's 12-course menu is strictly seasonal, changing every three months so that every ingredient is used at its peak. After two years of research, the team realised that seasonality in São Paulo is manifested through rainfall, and harvesting ingredients for each season is determined by the rainfall index. The seasons of the menu are therefore named accordingly: Humidity, Rain, Wind and Drought. Ethical concerns are paramount: the team works closely with local fruit and vegetable producers and uses only Brazilian meat raised on farms with strong social and environmental credentials.

Great plates: Dishes reflect the many cultures that cohabit in São Paulo, with combinations such as crab with cod and carrot, aubergine with peanut and coffee, and fig with tarragon and sobrasada (a cured pork sausage) allowing the ingredients to truly shine. Each plate at Tuju reflects the city's rich and varied local produce, executed with precision and flair. Following a three-year closure after its time in Vila Madalena, the restaurant has been earning awards left, right and centre, with three Michelin stars and the Highest New Entry Award, as part of The 50 Best Restaurants 2026, making its debut at No.16.

Award-winning hospitality: Serving a third as many guests as the former venue, Tuju focuses on outstanding service as its secret ingredient. This meticulous effort also earned Tuju the prestigious Art of Hospitality Award 2026 for dining excellence and reinforced its goal to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for its guests.

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