You already know that São Paulo offers gastronomic options from all over the world. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for the best culinary selection from different countries. This time, we’ve put together a list of some Arab restaurants in São Paulo for you to enjoy.
This list includes places that promise to give you a taste of genuine Arab and Middle Eastern cuisine. So, check out the places that will take you away from Baghdad on a journey through a thousand and one colors, flavors and aromas. There’s no shortage of babaganuch, hummus, dry curd, tabbouleh, raw kibbeh, kafta, shawarmas and sfihas with different fillings!
To Beirut without leaving the city: Arab restaurants in São Paulo
Zain
Since 2020, Zain has been bringing the flavors of the Arab world to the East Zone in a relaxed and modern atmosphere. Open from Monday to Sunday, from 12pm to 11pm, the restaurant offers much more than esfihas. In addition, every Tuesday at dinner, the space hosts performances of typical Middle Eastern dances, making the experience even more incredible.
📍 Rua Demétrio Ribeiro, 594 – Tatuapé
Sainte Marie Gastronomy
How about visiting the Arab restaurant Sainte Marie and enjoying the service of the capital’s cutest chef, Stephan Kawijian? The creator of the restaurant invented the dialect which is a mixture of Lebanese (his homeland), Portuguese, French and Spanish. All this mixing results in “fofoñol”, which you can read on the menus in the small dining room.
📍 Rua Dom João Batista da Costa, 70 – Jardim Taboão
Almanara
Esfihas and quibes were still almost unknown in Brazil when Almanara established itself in São Paulo. In 1950, the restaurant introduced the public to the family’s original recipes, brought from Lebanon, which won over São Paulo’s palate. With 14 addresses in São Paulo, at the Praça da República unit you can enjoy the rodízio.
📍 Check out all the addresses here
Rose of Lebanon
This is one of those downtown finds that has everything it takes to make it onto your list of favorite Arab restaurants in São Paulo. After all, here, shawarmas, esfihas and other traditional dishes are served at a fair price.
📍 Avenida Rio Branco, 443 – Historic Center of São Paulo
Zingo & Ringo
The restaurant is run by Syrian chef Bassem Koussa and also has Syrian and Palestinian refugees on staff. The house values family cuisine and the generous rodízio features a selection of its best dishes in a single meal.
📍 Rua dos Pinheiros, 537 – Pinheiros
Baruk Arabic Cuisine
With a cozy and modern atmosphere, Baruk stands out for its intimate atmosphere and decoration that combines art on the walls, Arabic painted dishes and an exhibition of photos that refer to the culture. The menu includes options ranging from classics such as esfihas and quibes to grape leaf or cabbage cigars and beirutes, among others.
📍 Rua Bandeira Paulista, 399 – Itaim Bibi | Alameda Raja Gabaglia, 160 – Vila Olímpia
Halim Restaurant
Halim Sultan came from Lebanon in 1964, but it wasn’t until 1972 that he opened his first business in Brás. Today, in Paraíso, he remains present in the house, supervising and participating in the preparation of each dish served. The Arab restaurant offers a familiar and intuitive cuisine that mixes and recreates various Middle Eastern dishes.
📍 Rua Doutor Rafael de Barros, 56 – Paraíso
Kibe Kibe Restaurant
Here you can enjoy a tasting of traditional artisanal Arab cuisine. In other words, you can serve yourself and practice the “slow food” tasting method in one of the best Arab restaurants in São Paulo. The buffet includes a generous cold course with hummus, dry curd, babaganuge, raw kibbeh and various salads such as tabbouleh, fatouche and much more. The hot dishes are served at the table with esfihas, kibes, kafta, charutinhos, Moroccan rice and other delicacies of your choice.
📍 Rua Vieira de Morais, 289 – Campo Belo
Arabia
Founded in 1988 by the couple Leila Youssef and Sérgio Kuczynski, Arábia offers typical Arab cuisine with nuances of Lebanese gastronomy. With quibes, esfihas, humus and typical sweets, the restaurant has been voted the best Arab restaurant in São Paulo seven times by the Comer & Beber award.
📍 Rua Haddock Lobo, 1397 – Jardins
Saj Restaurant
With five units in SP and delivery available, Saj specializes in traditional Arab cuisine with a touch of modernity. Opened in 2008 by Paulo Abbud Filho, it offers Lebanese dishes in a charming and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a refined and special evening.
📍 Check out all the units here