New Japanese restaurant in Itaim: Watanabe

When we are in São Paulo, we have the arduous mission of discovering new restaurants. On her last visit to the city, our editor-in-chief Renata Araújo went to see Watanabe, which opened its doors in September. Under the command of chef Denis Watanabe, the new Japanese restaurant in Itaim mixes traditional techniques with a contemporary touch. Furthermore, the atmosphere is cozy and the tip is to sit at the counter to watch the chefs’ meticulous work up close. Take the opportunity to also read our suggestions for Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners in SP and the new Italian in Jardins.

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New Japanese restaurant in Itaim

Inspired by renowned restaurants, such as Nobu and Zuma, a variety of sashimi, sushi and/or maki with tuna, snapper, salmon, squid, and centella, among others, leave the counter. Denis counts on Eduardo Takeshi as his right-hand man at the sushi bar. With more than 10 years of experience, he has worked in restaurants such as Yamaga, one of the most traditional in Liberdade.

Also worth mentioning is Watanabe’s hot kitchen. After all, the chef invited Luiz Vieira, who worked at Nobu, in Miami and São Paulo, to create a four-hand menu. Focus on grills and nori snacks made in a coal oven. The crispy Brussels sprouts with ponzu sauce, ikura roe and micro-leaf mix and the charcoal-grilled Japanese eggplant with a sumo sauce made from miso paste, rice vinegar and sugar are good options.

Meanwhile, Watanabe’s confectionery is made in partnership with Momonoki, specializing in desserts inspired by Japanese cuisine, but using French techniques. Highlight for the Little cake of matcha with ice cream. The bar, run by bartender Márcia Martins, has signature drinks. O sake Hakutsuru Tanrei Junmai, for example, it is another exclusive feature of the house. It is made with water from the Mount Rokko spring in Japan.

By Renata Araújo.

Photos: Mario Rodrigues and Renata Araújo