7 Best Restaurants in Side Trips from São Paulo, Brazil

Located by João Zelante Square in what was once a department store, Café Boteco incorporates elements of the traditional Brazilian boteco (dive bar) in some of its recipes and decor, but the comparisons end there: smartly dressed, friendly waiters serve excellent picanha (rump steak) and costelinha com polenta (pork ribs with polenta chips), as well as salad and pasta dishes with a local twist. The owners also run a small shop next door selling souvenirs, fine wines, and cold cuts.

In a 1905 house, this restaurant serves regional specialties like feijoada and picadinho (steak stew served with rice and beans, farofa, fried banana, and fried egg). Salmon and boar ribs are some additional choices.

Located at the heart of Serra Negra, Serrana is a bakery that serves breakfast, light snacks, and also meals, as well as sharing platters. Grab a pao na chapa (grilled bread) and coffee for breakfast here on a Sunday morning and sit at one of the tables outside to watch the hordes of motorcycling aficionados—they flock to Serra Negra on weekends from other cities on their amazing touring bikes.

Camarão (shrimp) is prepared in various ways at this traditional, petite restaurant with just a few tables. It's popular among locals, who come here to eat and enjoy the gorgeous view and sunsets.