Come on, come on to Ici Bistro! Come on, come on to Ici Bistro!
There are places that teach us.
That convey knowledge without this necessarily being their raison d'être.
If there is a lineage of “schools” of hospitality here in São Paulo, ICI BISTRO, owned by Renato Ades and Benny Novak, is my Grande École de Hospitalité.
What you’ll find at 396 Mato Grosso Street is not just a restaurant; it is the embodiment of the French philosophy of savoir-faire (expertise) and l’art de vivre (the art of living).
This is arguably one of the greatest achievements a restaurateur (someone who plans, designs, and conceptualizes restaurants) can attain—an establishment that conveys a sense of lifestyle without compromising on the quality of the ingredients or the cuisine. Congratulations to everyone involved!
Want to experience high-quality classic cuisine? Head to Ici Bistro!
Want to experience all the essentials of a restaurant—cuisine, service, ambiance, drinks, and a cohesive concept? Head to Ici Bistro!
Want to learn how to design a space that doesn’t have to scream out what it’s trying to be (cry, mattacitta!)? Head over to Ici Bistro!
Want to be happy? Head to Ici Bistro!
[Personal rituals]
With a menu that features more main courses (Les Plats) than appetizers (Les Entrées), and a spacious dining room with tables large enough for a hearty meal, I personally enjoy starting the evening at the beautiful, elegant bar on the right side of the room—preferably accompanied by my sweetheart @.
The evening includes a glass of Cave Geisse sparkling wine and a menu featuring: frog croquettes with house-made tomato sauce, escargots with garlic butter and parsley, classic steak tartare, and a green salad with goat cheese. If you prefer, the bar also serves well-crafted cocktails featuring premium spirits, such as the Dry Martini and the Adonis.
It’s worth mentioning the bread basket, especially the phenomenal bread from @—with just the right amount of acidity, a soft interior, and a nice crust—which is served before and alongside the selection above.
Next, after being shown to our table, I prefer to share one of the main course options on the menu, such as the Filet Au Poivre Vert with gratin potatoes, the duck (confit or magret), and the small portion of risotto del bosco (perhaps the only risotto I like to eat in São Paulo).
I usually skip dessert and coffee for personal reasons. But if I had to recommend something, I’d suggest the Tarte Tatin for groups of four or more.
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