Sao Paulo 🇧🇷 Japanese izakaya | Environment 8 / 10, taste 5 / 10

🏠 Hirá Ramen Izakaya 🗺️ R. Fradique Coutinho, 1240 - Pinheiros, São Paulo - SP, 05416-001 ✨ Had this Japanese spot on my bucket list for ages, finally checked it off—only to leave feeling meh. Doubt I'll be back, but let's break it down. 🍜 The Food Fiasco: Pics show what we ordered, but TL;DR: way too salty. Zero standout dishes. • Misso ramen + Korean bibimbap? Skip both. The saltiness was eye-watering—like they dumped a whole shaker in each dish. 🥵 • Small plates were forgettable: tempura was soggy, gyoza lacked flavor. Total letdown for a "premium" izakaya. 🍹 Saving Grace: The Drinks! • Nakameguro: Game-changer. Shiso-infused shochu mixed with gin, served over ice. The herbaceous aroma hits first, then the booze smooths out as the ice melts. 10/10 recommend for a unique sip. 🌿🍸 • Other cocktails were solid too—balanced and creative, unlike the food. 🌙 Ambiance & Vibes: Atmosphere's on point: dim lighting, wooden decor, and a buzzy energy. Perfect for a date or drinks with friends, but terrible for food pics (hence the dark photos). 📸💔 Pet peeve: tables are cramped, but the overall aesthetic is ~zen~. 💁 Service Highlights: • Waitstaff was chill: we asked to add a 5th piece to a 4-piece appetizer, and they happily obliged. 🥢 • Loved their staff tees: "If you're racist, sexist, homophobic, or just an asshole—stay out." Major props for the inclusive message. 👏 🅿️ Parking Situation: They have a private lot, but it's 40rs for the meal. Worth it to avoid street parking in Pinheiros, though. 🚗💨 💰 The Damage: • Per person: ~147rs • Drinks were pricy, food was overpriced for the quality. Ouch. 💸 ⭐ Final Take: Come for the vibes and cocktails, skip the food. Perfect for a casual drink, but not a satisfying meal. Save your yen for better ramen spots in SP. #JapaneseFoodie #IzakayaReview #OverseasEats #CocktailGoals #RestaurantRant