Kinoshita

The story

Kinoshita: Michelin-Starred Japanese Kappo Cuisine in São Paulo, Brazil

A Legacy of Japanese Cuisine in São Paulo

Kinoshita’s story begins in the 1970s in São Paulo’s Liberdade neighborhood, the heart of the city’s Japanese community, where it was founded by immigrant Toshio Kinoshita. In 2008, businessman Marcelo Fernandes reimagined the restaurant, moving it to its current home in Vila Nova Conceição. This repositioning preserved the memory of Japanese immigration in Brazil while embracing the most modern trends in Japanese gastronomy. The result is a restaurant that balances tradition with a refined, contemporary vision.

The Art of Kappo

The kitchen at Kinoshita is built around the philosophy of kappo, a Japanese culinary style defined by the harmony of simplicity and technique. At the counter—the heart of the house—chefs prepare, cut, and finish each dish with precision, turning fresh fish, rare seafood, and exceptional ingredients into creations of delicacy and accuracy. This intimate space transforms the meal into a direct dialogue between the chef and guest, a spectacle of technique and freshness.

A Space Designed for the Senses

The restaurant’s atmosphere is a deliberate union of gastronomy, environment, and art. Designed by architect Naoki Otake, the space interprets the room as an extension of the cuisine, where architecture, light, and materials silently elevate the experience. This minimalist, contemporary aesthetic complements the precision of the Japanese food. Within the restaurant, the Krug Room offers a private sanctuary where Japanese tradition meets French sophistication, pairing meticulously crafted menus with the champagnes of Maison Krug—a unique space in all of Latin America.

Recognition and Excellence

Kinoshita’s commitment to high-quality cooking has earned it a Michelin star, an honor it has held for over eight consecutive years. The restaurant is also recognized as the only Krug Ambassade in South America, a testament to its dedication to pairing and service. This recognition, along with numerous local awards for best Japanese restaurant and a Travellers’ Choice award, underscores its position as a symbol of high-end Japanese gastronomy in Brazil.