Ristorante La Fiducia should work just fine for anyone after a touch of refinement with their dining, but don't mistake the swank for snobbishness, for beneath the sharp, clean decor lies a relaxed formality, as evidenced by pianists Anselmo Mazzoni and Boris Marques who take it in turns to set the tone for the evening.

The entrees are worthy of attention. For fans of seafood, the grilled squid with shiitake and truffle oil is a must (R$38), but if overwhelmed by choice, ask for a helping hand from the head waiter and sommelier, Valmir Pereira. A partner in the restaurant, he willingly imparts the best combinations of dishes and wines for your pleasure.

The lamb with lemon risotto (R$68) was robustly satisfying, while the fish lover was indulged with the grilled cherne and mashed sweet potato (R$61). They also claim that the 'I would like this meat, but with that one's side order and this other one's sauce' among us can also rest easy, so why not take advantage of this rare lack of coda from the kitchen and start thinking laterally?

Despite its Italian roots, La Fiducia doesn't deny its Brazilianness, and on Saturdays and Sundays classic national dishes are served. The feijoada is excellent but outshone by the dried meat and pumpkin with clarified butter and cabbage.

After such a sizeable feast, saving room for dessert isn't be easy, but worth a try. The tiramisu (R$18) is excellent or if you are looking for something lighter, opt for the good old milk pudim (R$16), which is little but very tasty. Round off the meal with a coffee while listening to the delicate harmonies of the piano, and consider it a night well spent.