Fame Osteria
São Paulo, Brazil
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This modest and discreetly located restaurant has a fascinating history as it started out as an illegal bar before quickly becoming a place of pilgrimage for food-lovers. The small iron door nestled between a gym and ice-cream shop leads to a steep staircase and then a simple space with pure lines and an open kitchen that takes centre stage. If you manage to book one of the four seats at the counter, you can watch chef Marco Renzetti at close quarters as he demonstrates his culinary skill without the need to resort to too much technology. The focus of his single tasting menu is on classic Italian cuisine, albeit with the grill as the mainstay, although vegetarian options are also available. The pasta (cappeletti, cannelloni, tonnarelli etc) is made in-house and the risotto is an ever-popular choice with his customers.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Hidden Entrance and Intimate Setting: Fame Osteria is uniquely accessed through a metal door with no sign, located at number 216, and reached by a dimly lit flight of stairs. This discreet entry contributes to an exclusive atmosphere, as the restaurant serves only 16 diners each night, making reservations highly coveted.
Modern Interpretation of Classic Italian Cuisine: The restaurant offers a 10-course tasting menu that dazzles guests with classic Italian flavors reimagined through a rigorously modern lens. Signature dishes blend traditional recipes like Tonnarelli pasta amatriciana with innovative creations such as grilled squid with panzanella sauce, showcasing a creative yet authentic culinary approach.
Sophisticated yet Unfussy Service Led by a Family Team: The front of house is managed by Erika Renzetti, the chef’s wife, who brings a smooth and sophisticated but relaxed service style. This combination of elegance and casual comfort enhances the special occasion dining experience without pretension.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Fame Osteria in São Paulo are:
Squid: Served whole with a charcoal smoky aroma and a thick ham dashi sauce, the squid is cooked to perfection with a tender but firm texture. It exemplifies the restaurant's mastery of balancing texture and umami flavors.
Bone marrow: Used in the rice course instead of butter or oil, bone marrow imparts a rich, collagenous quality to the dish, enhancing its depth and mouthfeel. This rice is topped with fresh seafood like octopus or grouper depending on availability.
Homemade pasta: Various types such as cavatelli, lamb agnolotti, tonnarelli, and cannelloni are made in-house and form the backbone of many signature dishes, showcasing classic Italian techniques with a contemporary twist.
Shellfish and eggplant: Featured in pasta dishes like cavatelli with eggplant and shellfish, these ingredients highlight the restaurant’s creative use of Italian flavors combined with local produce.
Ham dashi sauce: A thick, umami-rich sauce accompanying the squid, it reflects the fusion of Italian and Japanese influences, enhancing the smoky seafood dish.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Fame Osteria’s philosophy of classic Italian cuisine elevated by precise technique, local freshness, and innovative flavor combinations, particularly emphasizing grilled and seafood elements alongside refined pasta and risotto preparations.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
Tasting Menu
- Not specified in the provided text.
A La Carte
- Caldo: R$200+
- Ouriço-do-mar: R$200+
- Espaguete carbonara: R$200+
- Tiramisù: R$200+