In Hong Kong, you’d slurp down a bowl of noodles. In New York, it might be a falafel wrap or a slice of pizza. In London, more often than not it’s a sandwich at your desk, crumbs gathering in the keyboard. Lunch: each city has a favourite way of doing it.
For São Paulo's hordes of office workers, lunch is all about speed, and that’s where buffets come in. Scores of these lunch-only eateries vie for customers in the city’s business hubs, which means you can find excellent, impressively varied arrays of food.
Choose between two types of buffet: all-you-can-eat preço fixo, or pay-by-weight quilo spots, where you simply grab a plate and start loading it. A word of caution: browse what’s on offer first, strategise for a moment, then help yourself. Here’s our round-up of eight of the best buffet lunches.
Apfel | Bar des Arts | Beth Cozinha de Estar
Las Chicas Gourmet Garage | Nutrisom | Ráscal | Uni MASP | Varanda
Apfel
Rua Bela Cintra 1343, Jardim Paulista, 3062 3727, apfel.com.br
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Feast on pastas, gnocchi, salads and other seasonal treats at this veggie buffet, set in a delightful ivy-covered townhouse. Read more on Apfel
Buffet: R$24-$28.
Bar des Arts
Rua Pedro Humberto 9, Itaim Bibi, 3074 6363, bardesarts.com.br
The stunning setting in an old mansion, and the ample buffet, filled with Mediterranean-style dishes and salads, make this a perfect spot for a long lunch. Sit in the garden if the sun is out. Read more on Bar des Arts
Buffet R$66-$92.
Beth Cozinha de Estar
Rua Pedroso Alvarenga 1061, Itaim Bibi, 3073 0354
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This lunch-only buffet is something of a city institution, and popular for business lunchers. The choices may be limited, with only three or four hot mains, but each dish is hearty, served with comforting sides and game-changing salads, prepared by Beth and her team. The downside? Desserts aren't included. Read more on Beth Cozinha de Estar
Buffet R$48 (R$39 Sat).
Las Chicas Gourmet Garage
Rua Oscar Freire 1607, Pinheiros, 3063 0533, laschicas.net.br
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The duo behind the critically acclaimed restaurant Carlota have set up this diminutive, girly space. Go alone or in twos or threes to sample the buffet, with a daily changing choice of salads and four hot dishes like roast beef and tarts. Round off with a chocolate tart served in a teeny tin mug (R$9). Read more on Las Chicas Gourmet Garage
Buffet lunch R$45-$55.
Nutrisom
Viaduto Nove de Julho 160 (upstairs), República, 3255 4263, nutrisom.com.br
Dating back to 1980, this is one of the old guard of vegetarian buffets downtown. Go for the top-quality dishes, made with a creative twist. Nutrisom also have a newer location in Vila Olímpia (Rua Ramos Batista 443, Vila Olímpia, 2639 5799, buffet R$31)
Buffet R$19.90 ( R$27 Sundays)
Ráscal
Rua Leopoldo Couto de Magalhães 831, Itaim Bibi, 3078 3351, rascal.com.br
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Get your fill of quiches, marinated vegetables, cheeses galore, breads and salads before hitting the hot dishes, via the pizza and pasta counters, and the meat grill. Because you love a challenge. Read more on Ráscal
Buffet R$58.
Uni MASP
MASP, Avenida Paulista 1578, Bela Vista, 3253 2829
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A great discovery down in the basement of the Museu de Arte São Paulo, this ample buffet serves a solid selection of savoury dishes. Be sure to leave room for the delicious desserts. Read more on Uni MASP
Buffet R$35-$42.
Varanda
Avenida Ipiranga 200, República, 3120 4442
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Head for the ground floor of the iconic Copan building for self-service pasta and grilled meats. Read more on Varanda
Buffet R$40.90 per kilo; fixed price R$29.90.
All prices are correct as of July 2012
- See all fixed-price lunch buffets and pay-by-weight per kilo buffets
