Do you want to get that taste of an authentic Rio bar, only in São Paulo? So read this post until the end to find out all the details about Braca, a tribute to one of the most traditional bars in Rio, Bracarense, which has just turned 63 years old, and is still considered Carioca Cultural Heritage by the Rio Heritage of Humanity Institute (Rio Heritage of Humanity Institute) ( IRPH). I had a delicious lunch at the classic Rio bar in Itaim, which recently turned one year old, and is a big hit among expatriates from São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. With a spacious and relaxed atmosphere, Braca is a true connection between cities, combining irresistible snacks, samba and cold draft beer.
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Rio bar in Itaim
The São Paulo version of Braca is charming, very spacious, divided into a nice balcony, an internal environment and a winter garden in the background. The decoration brings references from Portugal and Rio de Janeiro, with blue tiles with geometric designs, and blocks with hollow elements, the famous cobogós. Furthermore, right at the entrance there is also a reproduction of the Leblon promenade, the neighborhood where Bracarense in Rio is located. Therefore, Studio Urbano Arquitetura + Design’s proposal was to bring the Luso-Carioca atmosphere to São Paulo. In fact, they did it!
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At the head of the business are bohemian partners and friends, Kadu Tomé, who has been running his family’s veteran enterprise since he was 15, and Augusto Vianna, owner of the award-winning Esquina do Souza. In fact, the duo already has expansion plans in São Paulo and other states in Brazil.
Braca’s menu
Like a classic Rio bar in Itaim, artisanal snacks are essential on the menu. In the “Portions” section, highlights include the Octopus, Shrimp and Squid Vinaigrette (R$75) and the Acebolado Pernil with vinaigrette, farofa and bread (R$42). In fact, I also loved the Special Canapé (R$55), a blend of breaded pork with melted cheese and coleslaw, and the jaw-dropping Pork Crackling “Cereal Bar” (R$48).
As for “Bolinhos&Caldinhos”, Tati’s Meat Bolinho (R$45 – 6 units/R$26 – 3 units), which cannot be missed in bars in SP, and the Bacalhau Bolinho à la Dondon de Ramos (R$55 whole / R$ 32 – half) are great suggestions. In fact, to accompany it, that very light Brahma draft beer, very well made, as well as several caipiras, such as the tasty three lemons. It also has cashew.
For those with a bigger appetite, there are also the “Birosca Classics”, such as, for example, the Contra Filé à Oswaldo Aranha (R$65) with rice, beans, farofa, house fries and vinaigrette. Furthermore, during the week, at lunch time, from 11:45 am to 3:00 pm, the “Zécutivos” dishes come with salad and dessert of the day, and range from R$45 to R$55.
In other words, I can’t wait to go back to try other delicacies! I left enchanted by Braca, which has that undeniable affectionate and laid-back Carioca DNA, but certainly with a typical Itaim elegance.
End: Rua Dr. Renato Paes de Barros, 908 – Itaim Bibi/São Paulo. Telephone: (11) 3045-7913
Text and photos by Renata Araújo.
