Tuju

São Paulo

With precision and personalisation, Tuju is redefining fine dining in Brazil

Set within a sleek, three-storey building in one of São Paulo’s most affluent neighbourhoods, Tuju reflects the restaurant’s ambition to stand out in the city’s bustling food scene. After a three-year hiatus, Tuju 2.0 reopened in its new location in September 2023 and has already drawn plaudits and admiration from diners and critics alike.

At the helm, chef Ivan Ralston crafts a culinary journey focused on creative techniques and seasonal ingredients, all sourced locally. His menu pays homage to southern Brazil’s unique climate, where shifts in rainfall shape the produce more than traditional seasonal markers like spring or autumn. 

In a city renowned for its gastronomic innovation, Tuju distinguishes itself not only through its cuisine but also through its meticulous attention to detail and highly personalised approach to hospitality. The move to a new space has enabled hospitality and research director Katherina Cordás and her front-of-house team, led by maître d’ Rodrigo Cavalcante, to craft an experience where precision and attention to detail are central to ensuring each guest enjoys a truly memorable visit. 

With less than 10 tables, the service remains focused and attentive, offering a bespoke experience without feeling intrusive. Behind every choreographed movement at the tables, there’s a warm smile that serves as a reminder of the human touches at the heart of the slick operation.

The extensive wine selection features over 5,000 bottles, offering three distinct pairings curated by sommelier Thiago Frencl to complement the 10-course menu. While one pairing highlights the emerging Brazilian terroir, the others feature selected labels from across the globe. The same seasonal focus that defines the kitchen extends to the bar and dessert offerings, with locally sourced ingredients at the core.

Guests also get to explore various areas of the restaurant, enjoying an aperitif at the airy ground-floor bar before dinner, and later taking in the illuminated São Paulo skyline from the roof terrace while sampling tea infusions and a selection of local cheese after dessert. The overall combination adds up to a compelling dining experience, earning Tuju the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award as part of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024.

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