Chef-in-fashion Jun Sakamoto has been manning the sushi counter at his eponymous Jardins eatery since 2000. The small, stylish yet under-stated restaurant is well established as a favourite among the paulistano elite. Which means you’d be wise to book ahead, especially if you want to worship at the temple of Sakamoto with a seat at the counter, where the master himself prepares sushi. Sakamoto learned his trade in New York and refined it working in a number of São Paulo restaurants before opening up on his own.

One of Sakamoto’s best-known dishes is the tartar de atum com foie gras (tuna tartare with foie gras, R$27). Another unexpected combination is the vieiras com sal trufado (scallops with truffle salt, R$12 per piece). It’s all about the freshest sushi and sashimi here. Side step the almost imcomprehensible menu and ask the staff for their recommendations on what’s good that day. Round things up with the delicious tempura de figo com sorvete de matchá (fig tempura with green tea ice cream, R$18.50).

• Read more on São Paulo's best sushi spots