Gastronomy

Forno da Saudade

Forno da Saudade is a charming pizzeria in an old house with a privileged view of Belo Horizonte. Famous for its natural fermentation pizzas, baked on stone and prepared with house-made smoked sauce and cheeses from Minas Gerais, it also offers live music and forró, transforming the square in front into a lively meeting point on the weekends.

Rei do Pastel

A local favorite since the 1990s, Rei do Pastel serves crispy, freshly fried Brazilian pastries packed with generous fillings. Located in the heart of BH (Savassi and surrounding areas), it’s known for its casual, late-night vibe, perfect for a quick bite or post-party snack. Expect great value, fast service, and authentic flavor in every bite.

O Italiano

Combinando tradição familiar, produção artesanal e modernidade, o restaurante oferece uma autêntica experiência italiana em mais de 2 mil m² de área verde. O cardápio aposta na cozinha fatto a mano, com pratos leves preparados com ingredientes frescos da fazenda, do mar e importados da Itália, tendo como destaque a conexão brasa & mare. Assinado pela arquiteta Beth Nejm, o espaço reúne seis ambientes — do Giardino sob árvores frondosas ao Terrazzo com vista privilegiada, passando pelo lúdico Villa Bambini — todos embalados por clássicos italianos com toques de jazz e bossa nova.

Dona Lucinha Restaurante

Dona Lucinha Restaurant is a true guardian of Minas Gerais food culture, bringing to the table the flavors and traditions of Minas Gerais' colonial times. Its menu was created based on careful historical and cultural research, reflecting the gold and diamond cycle and the formation of Minas Gerais cuisine. Inspired by Afro-indigenous and Portuguese knowledge, the house's cuisine uses authentic techniques: meat softened with cachaça and lemon, annatto in abundance and subtle pinches of salt. Everything prepared with an indispensable ingredient, as the founder Dona Lucinha stated: “the first ingredient that is put in the pan is love”.

Est! Est!! Est!!!

Est Est Est is an authentic piece of Italy in Belo Horizonte. Under the command of chef Simone Biondi, originally from San Benedetto del Tronto, the restaurant rigorously preserves Italian traditions — from the dishes to the music, from the wines to the welcoming atmosphere. Here, the experience follows the original customs: the primo piatto (pasta or risotto) is always separated from the secondo piatto (meat), without adaptations to the Brazilian habit of combining everything in a single dish. This cultural loyalty is what makes each meal unique and special. With almost five years of history in the city, Est Est Est is proud to offer more than gastronomy: a true trip to Italy, without leaving Belo Horizonte.

Gennaro - Savassi

Gennaro offers an elegant yet cozy Italian dining experience, featuring authentic handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and refined Mediterranean dishes. The atmosphere is sophisticated with a warm ambiance, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Prices are moderate to slightly upscale, reflecting the quality of ingredients and service.

Xapuri Restaurante

Founded in 1987 by Dona Nelsa, Restaurante Xapuri was born from Sunday lunches that brought families together in her backyard and became one of the greatest symbols of Minas Gerais cuisine. Daughter of Italian immigrants, Dona Nelsa dedicated her life to preserving traditions such as the wood stove, copper pans and plenty at the table, leaving a legacy of affection and flavor in 2023. Today, his son Flávio Trombino is in charge, who keeps the essence of Xapuri alive and also takes Minas Gerais cuisine to Brazil and the world through the Minas de Cabo a Rabo project. Recognized with awards and loved by the public, Xapuri is more than a restaurant: it is memory, history and a hug from Minas Gerais in every dish.

Gennaro - Lourdes

Gennaro offers an elegant yet cozy Italian dining experience, featuring authentic handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and refined Mediterranean dishes. The atmosphere is sophisticated with a warm ambiance, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Prices are moderate to slightly upscale, reflecting the quality of ingredients and service.