The story
Marena Cucina, a Michelin Recommended restaurant in São Paulo, draws its soul from the sun-drenched region of Puglia in southern Italy. Housed in the former residence of legendary Brazilian actress Cacilda Becker, the restaurant captures the rustic, welcoming atmosphere of that Adriatic corner, blending it with understated comfort and elegance.
The dining room, seating up to 140 guests, features stone walls and large windows that open onto the Piazza Garibaldi – a garden connected to the kitchen. Upstairs, the intimate Sala Pietra offers a more exclusive experience for up to sixteen diners.
The menu honors the Pugliese tradition of fresh, seasonal ingredients from land and sea. A star of the house is the burrata, made in-house and served in five variations. Antipasti are thoughtfully divided into "dal campo" (from the field) and "dell’adriatico" (from the Adriatic). The pastificio turns out regional pasta shapes: Orecchiette Cima di Rapa, Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe, and Tagliolini Marena with shrimp, octopus, squid, and cherry tomatoes.
At the center of the main hall, a salumeria showcases hand-cut Italian cured meats like 24-month Prosciutto di Parma alongside local producers' Salami Spianata and Coppa di Maiale Nero. A curated cheese selection includes aged Parmigiano Reggiano and Gorgonzola Dolci.
Desserts range from classics like Tiramisù and Panna Cotta to the Meringatta, a combination of red berries and chocolate cream.
The wine cellar holds 700 bottles across 140 labels that complement every dish. The arched bar features Negroni and Spritz sections, plus seven signature cocktails. This Italian restaurant in São Paulo delivers the "arte de comer e viver bem" – the art of eating and living well – through every detail, from the stone walls to the handmade pasta.
Recognition
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