Mocotó is a bar, restaurant and cachaçaria situated in hilly Villa Medeiros, a working class borough in the very North of Sao Paulo city . Mocotó is the term used in Brazil for cow’s feet and for the stew prepared from that meat. The restaurant serves food from northeastern part of Brazil. It was opened in the 70’s by José de Oliveira Almeida aka Seu Ze, a former migrant worker from Pernambuco. At that time, it was small space selling ingredients from North of Brazil. Only a few people knew about this place. Nowadays, young chef Rodrigo Oliveira, Seu Ze son’s, has carved himself a niche in Sao Paulo’s competitive culinary scene in this most unlikely area. Another gem completely off the beaten path. I’ve been to Mocoto before and met Seu Ze and I can say hand-on-heart it’s one of the best foodie experiences I had in ages. This notable and simple eatery draws many foodies to the area in search of a culinary adventure. Using fresh, local and all Brazilian ingredients the menu showcases the
best of the Northeastern cuisine and it’s products. The service is charming and friendly and attention to detail is key to this establishment.
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| Rodrigo and his lovely and very welcoming father Seu Ze |
Cachaçaria, a place to taste cachaça from all over the country. Cachaça is the Brazilian distilled alcoholic beverage, also know as pinga, branquinha, aguardente and many other names. Cachaca somellier is Leandro – he knows everything there’s to know about it.
What strikes me about this place is the service, the cleanliness and pleasant mannered staff. I had the feeling that they feel part of the family business.
What strikes me about this place is the service, the cleanliness and pleasant mannered staff. I had the feeling that they feel part of the family business.
Amazing caipirinhas
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| Caipirinha de seriguela |
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| This is mocotó – broth of cow’s feet and for the stew prepared from that meat. Ingredients include beans, onion, garlic, cumin, pepper, spring onion and coriander. |
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| tapioca dice served with sweet and sour dipping sauce, the tapioca is cooked with cheese and deep fried. |
below: catfish with tapioca deep fried served with lemon mayo and lime
Lots of cachaca was tasted! I think that makes more than five…. Rodrigo in the kitchen
Carne de sol with manteiga de garrafa, bico pepper (red round, sweet pepper) with roasted garlica and roasted pumpkin
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| Tapioca and burnt coconut pudding a feast of flavors and textures |
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| Rodrigo in his office and test kitchen above the restaurant |
The bill came to around R$ 150 for 2 people, sorry I lost the receipt! Anyway, worth every single penny! Fantastic experience.
Check the website for opening hours:
Avenida Nossa Senhora do Loreto 1100
Vila Medeiros, São Paulo – SP
Phone: 55-11-2951-3056
E-mail: contato@mocoto.com.br
Vila Medeiros, São Paulo – SP
Phone: 55-11-2951-3056
E-mail: contato@mocoto.com.br
Another great find! It looks like a bit of old bars in Lisbon, but with Brazilian flavor.
Hi Debs, This is a fab place indeed. Great for cachaca, OMG!
Espetacular!!!
Boa cachaça brasileira, boa comida, e o preço justo.
Vale a pena conhecer.
angel
Hi Angel, thanks for taking there for the second time. Fantastic!