I went for lunch at Mocotó, a famous country food restaurant in São Paulo, which has existed since 1973, in Vila Medeiros, North Zone of São Paulo. It is run by chef Rodrigo Oliveira, who continued his father’s work, bringing a lot of innovation and creativity to typical backlands food. Furthermore, the restaurant works closely with the local community, and distributes around 50 meals a day to residents. And the news is that a second house has just been opened at a new address. Read this post until the end and find out where! Take the opportunity to also see:
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Country food restaurant in São Paulo
Since taking charge of Mocotó, founded by his father, chef Rodrigo de Oliveira has dedicated himself to innovating in the country food restaurant. It is certainly possible to say that Mocotó has placed its regional cuisine at the forefront of global gastronomy, after decades of determination and winning several national and international awards.
Location
The first restaurant in the Mocotó chain is in Vila Medeiros, a neighborhood that was once a large farm and is 20 minutes from Guarulhos. It started as a northern house by the chef’s own father, Zé Almeida from Pernambuco. Since then, Rodrigo has sought to preserve traditional country cuisine, but with contemporary touches. Today, he runs three more establishments: Mocotó Café in Mercado de Pinheiros, Mocotó no D, inside Shopping D, and Balaio IMS, at Instituto Moreira Salles.
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The menu
Mocotó’s proposal is to have simple, affectionate and traditional dishes, but with innovative touches. In fact, the famous recipe for Dadinhos de Tapioca, the main starter on the menu and popular in bars and restaurants all over Brazil, is from chef Rodrigo himself. In other words, he was the precursor! In addition, cracklings, corned beef croquettes and other typical dishes make up the selection of appetizers. Among the main dishes, Baião-de-dois, Moqueca Sertaneja and Tapioca Pudding are classic options from northeastern Brazil.
In addition, for dessert, two new recipes: an original version of the Basque pie, called Romeo and Juliette, with northern cream cheese, house-made guava paste and wine, and the Mango and Clove Lemon Popsicle, with white chocolate, green mate, lemon gel and cachaça. Finally, to drink, fruity caipirinhas, natural juices and drinks that celebrate Brazilianness make up the menu.
And the big news is that Mocotó now has a new address in Vila Leopoldina, ideal for your next trip to São Paulo! And you, do you already know Mocotó?
Text and photos: Renata Araújo
