On April 13, the culinary elite of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo gathered at the iconic Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel to celebrate the launch of the MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo 2026. This edition marks a genuine milestone in the history of both Brazilian and all Latin American gastronomy, with the Guide awarding the coveted Three MICHELIN Stars in the region for the first time.
The two extraordinary restaurants to receive the distinction are Evvai and Tuju, both in São Paulo. This groundbreaking achievement firmly establishes Brazil as a premier destination for culinary enthusiasts worldwide.
During their recent visits to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors noted that while the total number of selected establishments remains at 149, Brazil’s culinary landscape continues to evolve with remarkable dynamism, featuring 12 noteworthy new additions this year.
Authentic flavors remain at the forefront, and are particularly celebrated within the Bib Gourmand category, which recognizes restaurants offering exceptional dining experiences at great value. Many standout establishments honor traditional Brazilian cuisine by showcasing local ingredients, while others embrace international influences — most notably Italian and Japanese — that are captivating an ever-expanding audience in both cities.
On the service front, restaurants are increasingly led by well-trained and attentive teams, who put a focus on technique, timing and genuine hospitality that have elevated the overall guest experience, leaving a lasting positive impression.
Landmark Achievement: Evvai and Tuju Earn Three MICHELIN Stars
Two São Paulo restaurants, Evvai and Tuju, have made history as the first in Latin America to receive Three MICHELIN Stars. This monumental recognition not only redefines the region’s gastronomic identity but also positions these establishments as global culinary destinations, offering experiences that are worth the journey in themselves.Evvai, São Paulo
Chef Luiz Filipe Souza brings an unparalleled passion to his craft, seamlessly blending Brazilian and Italian influences with extraordinary precision. His innovative approach treats temperature as an integral element of texture, creating dishes that are as thoughtful as they are flavorful.The Oriundi tasting menu is a masterful cultural dialogue between Brazil and Italy. The journey begins with delicate amuse bouches and evolves into ever-changing creations, such as the white moqueca with squid and hearts of palm and the scallop bomba. Each course is accompanied by original illustrations, hand-drawn by the chef himself, that narrate the story behind each dish.
Tuju, São Paulo
Housed in a meticulously designed three-story building, Tuju offers an immersive dining experience. Guests are welcomed on the ground floor with refined appetizers, a well-stocked wine cellar and a tranquil internal garden. The second floor features an open kitchen surrounded by tables, allowing diners to witness the culinary artistry firsthand. The third floor boasts a spacious bar, perfect for unwinding in a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views.At the helm is Chef Ivan Ralston, supported by a predominantly female team, who leads with precision and creativity. The seasonal tasting menu is a harmonious blend of local Brazilian ingredients and innovative techniques, resulting in dishes that are both bold and imaginative.
The menu reflects Brazil’s changing seasons and climate — capturing the essence of humidity, rain, wind and drought in every dish. The chef’s minimalist philosophy highlights a select few, impeccably sourced ingredients, allowing their natural brilliance to shine.
Three Restaurants Retain Their Two MICHELIN Stars
This year's establishments awarded Two MICHELIN Stars — recognizing restaurants offering exceptional cuisine — are D.O.M. (São Paulo), Lasai (Rio de Janeiro) and Oro (Rio de Janeiro), all of which have retained their distinction from 2025. Showcasing remarkable skill and consistency, the work of these three restaurants continues to serve as an inspiring benchmark for the Brazilian culinary scene.
A Newcomer Joins the MICHELIN-Star Ranks
The MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo 2026 also celebrates an exciting debut at the One-MICHELIN-Star level: Madame Olympe, located in Rio de Janeiro. With this addition, the total number of One-MICHELIN-Starred establishments in the Guide rises to 19.Madame Olympe, Rio de Janeiro
In the sophisticated, sunlit neighborhood of Leblon, Chefs Claude Troisgros and Jéssica Trindade collaborate to bring their vision to life in this restaurant where French culinary traditions harmoniously intertwine with Brazilian ingredients and delicate touches of Japanese gastronomy.The sleek, contemporary space provides the backdrop for an eight-course tasting menu or a more concise four-course option. Highlights include the magret de canard, artfully paired with heart of palm, tucupi and cauliflower. After over 45 years of exploring Brazil’s culinary landscape, Troisgros remains captivated by the country’s rich diversity of local ingredients — a passion that shines through in an experience that seamlessly blends technical mastery, cultural identity and a spirit of discovery.
Six New Bib Gourmands and the Future of Gastronomy
For food lovers worldwide, few accolades are as treasured as the Bib Gourmand. Represented by the iconic Bibendum joyfully licking his lips, this distinction honors restaurants that deliver exceptional quality at an accessible price point, regardless of their culinary style.In this edition, the Guide proudly welcomes six new Bib Gourmand establishments — one in Rio de Janeiro (Koral) and five in São Paulo (Jiquitaia, Manioca JK, Ping Yang Thai, Tabōa Cozinha Artesanal and Tanit). This brings the total number of Bib Gourmand restaurants in the region to 44, offering diners even more opportunities to enjoy remarkable dining experiences without breaking the bank.
As for restaurants showing a more mindful approach to gastronomy, the same three restaurants from last year — A Casa do Porco, Corrutela and Tuju, all in São Paulo — have once again been identified for their commitment.
Seven New Recommended Restaurants
The dynamic culinary landscapes of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo continue to evolve, with fresh concepts emerging, innovative ideas taking shape and new establishments consistently earning their place in the spotlight.Being featured in the MICHELIN Guide selection is a significant accolade in itself — a mark of excellence that guarantees high-quality ingredients and culinary expertise from chefs who excel in their craft. With the addition of seven new entries to the Guide's Recommended selection — two in Rio de Janeiro (Sushi Vaz and Yayá Comidaria Pop Brasileira) and five in São Paulo (Bar da Dona Onça, Grotta Cucina, Kureiji, Makoto San and SIMONE) — the two cities now collectively boast a total of 81 establishments in this classification.
The Four Special Awards of 2026
Gastronomy is, at its core, a collaborative art form — there’s no question about it. Through its distinctions, the MICHELIN Guide not only celebrates the skill and creativity behind each culinary endeavor but also highlights the dedication of the professionals who elevate the dining experience with their passion and precision.The MICHELIN Special Awards were created to honor the diverse talents and crafts that make a lasting impact on the world of gastronomy. For 2026, these prestigious accolades are awarded to four individuals whose exceptional contributions and unwavering commitment stand out:
The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award
This year’s award goes to 29-year-old Chef Pedro Coronha, the creative force behind the culinary offerings at restaurant Koral in Rio de Janeiro. With a modern approach rooted in solid fundamentals, this rising star honed his skills at the Alain Ducasse culinary school and gained invaluable experience at renowned international establishments. His expertise shines through in his meticulous handling of seafood, employing techniques like smoking and open-fire cooking to craft dishes that reflect both precision and passion.The MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award
Robério de Sousa Queiroz, manager and sommelier at Maní — a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in São Paulo — earns this distinction for his unwavering dedication to curating an exceptional dining experience. Discovering his passion for hospitality at just 16 years old, he has since devoted himself to mastering his craft. A graduate of the Brazilian Association of Sommeliers (ABS), he has turned his dreams into reality, creating impeccable wine pairings that bring diners closer to their own culinary aspirations.The MICHELIN Guide Service Award
This year's winner is Raphael Zanon, who oversees the dining room at Casa 201, a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. A true virtuoso of classical service, he seamlessly balances the roles of maître d' and sommelier, complete with using the iconic tastevin for wine tasting. His refined professionalism and meticulous attention to detail enhance the dining experience, ensuring every element aligns harmoniously with Chef João Paulo Frankenfeld’s culinary vision while delivering wine pairings that perfectly complement the menu.The MICHELIN Guide Exceptional Cocktails Award
For the first time in Brazil, the MICHELIN Guide recognizes excellence in mixology, awarding Anderson Oliveira for his innovative work at the bar of D.O.M., a Two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in São Paulo. His creative approach results in approximately four new seasonal cocktails each quarter, alongside a repertoire of timeless classics — all thoughtfully designed to pair seamlessly with Chef Alex Atala’s celebrated cuisine.
The MICHELIN Guide Rio de Janeiro & São Paulo 2026 at a Glance
- Three Stars: 2 restaurants (2 new)
- Two Stars: 3 restaurants
- One Star: 19 restaurants (1 new)
- Bib Gourmand: 44 restaurants (6 new)
- Recommended: 81 restaurants (7 new)
- Green Star: 3 restaurants
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Hero Image: Oyster, pistachio and jambú — a vibrant and refreshing starter that captures the essence of the sea, crafted with exceptional technique at Evvai, now a Three-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant. © Tadeu Brunnelli/Evvai