Sao Paulo 🇧🇷 Mediterranean cuisine

🏠 Marettimo Restaurante 🗺️ R. Curupá, 580 - Vila Formosa, São Paulo - SP, 03355-010 🌍 When Cantonese Roots Meet Mediterranean Flavors My first visit to Marettimo began with a surprise: Google Maps tagged it as Mediterranean, but the facade hinted at something more. Stepping inside, I was greeted by porcelain vases, intricate wood carvings, and calligraphy scrolls—an elegant Chinese aesthetic that felt worlds away from typical Mediterranean decor. 🇨🇳 The Man Behind the Fusion A Chinese expat explained the mystery: the owner, a Cantonese native, sources fresh seafood daily and runs a spotless kitchen (a nod to Chinese culinary rigor). The result? Mediterranean dishes reimagined for Chinese palates, with plating that rivals art gallery installations. 🦑 Culinary Highlights: Where East Meets West Pastel Starter: Crispy fried turnovers filled with cheese and herbs, served with a fiery Brazilian Tabasco dip. "Not greasy at all—just the right crunch," my chopstick-wielding friend noted. Signature Ox Bone Marrow: A Brazilian first for me! Served in the bone, the marrow was buttery and tender, best spread on warm bread. Pro tip: Pair with the side salad to cut through richness. Seafood Platter: Jumbo shrimp that popped in the mouth, octopus legs with perfect chew, and clams steamed in white wine—all impeccably fresh. Braised Beef & Oysters: Beef so tender it fell apart, laced with gelatinous collagen; oysters so fresh they quivered like jelly when lemon juice hit them. 🎨 An Ambiance for All Occasions The decor blends Ming dynasty elegance with Mediterranean blues: Red lacquer screens partition tables Ceramic fish sculptures hang above the bar Soft Chinese classical music plays in the background Both Chinese families celebrating Lunar New Year and Brazilian business teams seemed equally at home. 💰 Price & Perfect For Cost: ~200 BRL per person (worth it for the quality and setting) Best For: Business dinners, anniversary dates, or anyone craving refined fusion fare. "This beats most Mediterranean spots in SP—plus, the owner sends over complimentary osmanthus tea," a regular told me. ⭐ 4.5/5: Where Flavors Travel Marettimo proves that culinary borders are meant to be crossed. Whether you’re scooping marrow with a fork or using chopsticks to pick up octopus, the experience is a delicious dialogue between cultures. Just don’t be surprised if the waiter suggests pairing your steak with a side of congee—it works. #FusionCuisine #SeafoodLovers #ChineseMediterranean #BusinessDining