São Paulo has just gained a new address that promises to become part of the city’s gastronomic itinerary! That’s because, a few weeks ago, Mata Città opened its doors to the public as a tribute to the Italian heritage that has shaped the flavors, habits and very identity of São Paulo.
Conceived by Alex Allard, creator of Cidade Matarazzo, the restaurant occupies a building just a few steps from Avenida Paulista. From breakfast to the last drink of the night, the space offers an experience that combines rich gastronomy and cinematic aesthetics.
Mata Città: a scenic Italy in the heart of São Paulo
With 1,600 m² spread over seven interconnected environments, Mata Città was conceived like a movie in motion.
Designed by Malu Barretto’s TOCA office, the architectural project focuses on a rich sensory aesthetic. For this reason, it features hand-painted art, handmade ceramics, light fittings, deep velvets, mirrors and saturated colors, creating a setting that is in direct dialogue with the Italian cinema of the 1960s and 1970s. In addition, the landscaping reinforces the feeling of urban refuge, with climbing plants, hanging vegetation and sculptural vases that create a veritable oasis in the city center.
Each of Mata Città’s seven spaces functions as a chapter in this Mediterranean narrative:
- Dolce Vita: café, all-day brunch, sweets and gelato in a nostalgic atmosphere.
- Capo: a half-lit bar inspired by the theatricality of Roman bars.
- Conde: homage to Francesco Matarazzo, with the atmosphere of a living museum of Italian immigration.
- Cucina: vibrant emporium with cheeses, sausages and artisanal Italian products.
- Terrazza: Mediterranean terrace with light fabrics and colorful ceramics.
- Positano: exuberance of the Amalfi Coast in amber tones and walls of bottles.
- Tivoli: tropical winter garden with bamboos, green trellises and a mirrored ceiling.
Where to eat pasta in São Paulo: generous, popular Italian cuisine made for sharing
The menu, designed by Felipe Rodrigues, the complex’s executive chef, and Thiago Saldiva, the house’s executive chef, celebrates Italy with authenticity. The options value Italian cuisine in its most popular form and at affordable prices. Among the highlights:
🍕 Pizzas
- Margherita (R$38): tomato, fior di latte and basil
- Calabrese (R$45): smoked calabrese, caramelized onions and chili oil
- Pizzetta Burrata (R$49): tomato confit, burrata, Sicilian lemon and pesto rim
🍝 Pasta
- Aglio e Olio (R$40): spaghetti with garlic, pepper and parsley
- Agnolotti dal Plin (R$70): butter, parmesan and demi-glace
- Pasta all’Assassina (R$40): exclusive to Capo, with spicy tomato sauce
🥩 Dishes to share
- Ossobuco al Vino Rosso (R$160), braised for 12 hours
- Lasagna della Mata (R$68), with bolognese and parmesan cream
- Bistecca (R$ 489), 900 g cut served in the Conde lounge
Cocktails and wines: an Italian-Paulist accent in the glass
The experience is rounded off with a signature cocktail by Gabriel Bressane and Carlos Franco. The drinks shape the rhythm of the evening, with creative recipes such as:
- Negroni Del Conde (R$ 75): gin, amaro, vermouth rosso, banana, açaí and cocoa
- Sgroppino (R$ 60): strawberry sorbet, rosé with blackberry and basil
- Volare (R$ 75): elderflower, fino sherry, rosé with blackberry and club soda
Finally, the wine list brings together 300 labels, designed to accompany the generosity of the menu and stimulate discoveries.
