Found in the unlikely setting of Barra Garden shopping mall, Gabbiano houses two very separate spaces: an airy lounge decorated with paintings by the artists Peu Mello and Antonio Bokel and a large, tree-filled balcony in front of a quiet little street seemingly miles away from the shopping hoards' hustle and bustle.

Proud of their extensive wine list, dishes also range from the simple to the sophisticated. The executive lunch (R$42) is great day-time value offering a starter, main course and dessert; different options of the three courses are selected every day, and it saves significantly on the menu price.

For dinner, seafood fans won't be disappointed by the unglamorous but tasty grilled fish with shrimp sauce, vegetables and baked potatoes (R$72). For meat lovers, the filet mignon with a brie and mushroom sauce and herb butter (R$65) offers a similarly pleasing simplicity. The portions are big, but when desserts like the Tiramisu with champagne biscuits, coffee and mascarpone (R$16) lurk in the background there's always the option to share with a friend so as not to disappoint your sweet tooth when the forks go down.