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Nelita

São Paulo

Exquisite Italian cuisine with an all-women kitchen team

On the Pass

Tássia Magalhães

Why is it special? Behind a beautiful pistachio-green façade in São Paulo’s Pinheiros neighbourhood is the stylish dining room with exposed brick walls and leather banquettes where Tássia Magalhães and her women-led team work their magic. At Nelita (named after Magalhães’s mother), pasta is the star of the show, but there’s equal attention to other dishes and a banging selection of cocktails and wines displayed in a stunning glass cabinet above the dining room.

On the menu: Nelita’s offering is divided into finger foods like the signature octopus beignets or tomato croquettes; appetisers like burrata with mint and macadamia; and mains of risotto, fish and meat. Magalhães’ handmade pasta has its own section, with delicate creations like goat agnolotti with lemon confit and honey, and clam linguine with courgette. Desserts focus on local fruits and produce.

Best seat in the house: Ask for a spot at the marble counter to watch the chef and her team at work in the open kitchen.

Who’s the chef? After graduating at 19, São Paulo native Magalhães began her career at Italian restaurant Pomodori before completing stages in European restaurants including Kadeau, Amass and The World’s Best Restaurant 2022, Geranium. She was named one of Forbes Brasil’s 30 under 30 in 2015 and in 2022 was named Chef of the Year by Prazeres da Mesa.

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