Yelp Review 2025 #200:…read more
I had the pleasure of eating at Michelin-star restaurants and 50 World's Best Restaurants in São Paulo and Rio. I couldn't pass up on Lasai. They moved to a new location less than 5 years ago and it's now a more intimate dining experience with only 10 seats and 1-2 seatings for dinner only.
I booked my spot almost 2 months ahead on their website. There is a deposit that goes toward your final bill.
I got to the restaurant super early and they won't open the door until 10-15 minutes before first seating. Once I was let in, it was a warm welcome. They all work as a team regardless of each person's role. They evoke the true essence of "lasai" or calm with their zen-like approach working with ingredients, the diners, and with each other.
First, Executive Chef Marcelo Andrade made sure he asked everyone about their food allergies/ intolerances/ restrictions. He had a menu in his head which he quickly switched when somebody in our group of 10 can't have gluten. Then, the chefs went to work. It was fun watching them cook in front of me and plate every single item from the 14-15 course meal:
Salad bun, radishes
Green bean crepe, pecan nut
Pork, ricotta, carrot
Turmeric, beef tartar, arugula Quinoa, cheese, banana, kale
Savoury pumpkin custard, sea urchin
Eggplant, oxtail, maxixe
Slipper lobster, baroa, purslane
Pão de queijo, guava
Chayote, Prawn, melon, tahini
Fish, hearts of palm, cauliflower
Pork, brussels sprouts, mushrooms
Tangerine, native bee honey, yogurt
Sunchokes, cocoa, eashew nuts
Everything was delicious and beautifully plated. My on-the-spot dining companions and I were discussing which dish was our favorite - it's impossible to pick just one. They change their menu often using only the best and freshest ingredients from their farm.
And since I went for my birthday dinner, they gave me a birthday cheesecake. We all left with a nice box of petit fours.