This neighbourhood bar-cum-eaterie, with a sister bar at the Jockey Club, and an even newer sibling, the Mercearia Grill (Rua Jorge Coelho 162, Itaim Bibi), may be hidden away down a leafy residential street, but it’s by no means a secret, filling out most nights of the week with a smart professional crowd.

The conversation, which flits between fun and fund management, reaches its peak on warm evenings when gangs of well-groomed guys and gals vie for tables outside. A comprehensive menu includes everything from nibbles, salads and sandwiches to full hot meals.