There’s no shortage of Middle Eastern delights in São Paulo, from humble lanchonete kibes and esfihas to some very fine dining establishments. But with a menu of fresh, healthy Lebanese and other specialities, Itaim’s Gibran, more than most, serves the sort of thing you might find in a contemporary Beirut dining room – a million miles from the heavier, oilier dishes of much diaspora cookery. Soft pillowy esfihas with cheese and basturme – an Armenian form of pastrami – and the deeply savoury mohamara – a red-pepper-and-walnut dip, less spicy than the classic Turkish version, are some of the don’t-miss standouts at this bright, airy bistro.