Plate-by-plate of chef Rodrigo Oliveira’s Michelin-recognized (Bib Gourmand) contemporary northeastern Brazilian restaurant Mocotó in São Paulo, Brazil, on July 27, 2026.

Founded in 1973 by José de Almeida, Mocotó began as a shop selling goods from northeastern Brazil in the neighborhood of Vila Medeiros in São Paulo. Today, under the leadership of his son, chef Rodrigo Oliveira, it has grown into a globally recognized culinary destination.

Our lunch at Mocotó blew me away with its soulful cooking and dynamite flavors. The service was warm, and I never wanted to leave. Thank you to Bill Esparza for recommending this iconic spot.

CAIPIRINHA DA SEMANA (R$32.90).

COALHO CHEESE WITH MOLASSES (R$24.90).

TORRESMO (R$34.90).

The original DADINHOS DE TAPIOCA (R$28.90).

CALDO DE MOCOTÓ (R$29.90), exclusive recipe, which has been prepared the same way for over 50 years.

JOELHO DE PORCO (R$129,90), braised and served with buttery corn couscous and roasted pumpkin.

Roasted pumpkin.

Buttery corn couscous.

BAIÃO-DE-DOIS (R$39.90), our “rice and beans” incremented with coalho cheese, sausage, bacon, and jerked beef.

Forever in my heart. Oink.