Kazuo
São Paulo, Brazil
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This restaurant is easy to find in the Plaza Iguatemi, a luxury office building in the heart of the Avenida Faria Lima. Here, the chef Kazuo Harada pays a small homage to his roots by embarking on a culinary journey that takes us to Japan, of course, but also China, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea and even India. One of the features that sets it apart from other Asian restaurants in the city is its ability to create a common thread in dishes that aim to introduce us to the unique attributes of Pan-Asian cuisine, through the use of interesting techniques and elaborately prepared recipes. The à la carte, with its numerous sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki, temaki and main course options (Peking Duck, crispy prawns, yellow curry with seafood and salmon roe etc), is complemented by an Omakase menu that is only available at the sushi bar. An enclosed terracewith a bar and private spaces is located on the first floor.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique or unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Kazuo in São Paulo:
1. Pan-Asian Culinary Journey Beyond Japan
Kazuo is distinguished by its culinary exploration that goes beyond traditional Japanese cuisine to include influences from China, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, and India. Chef Kazuo Harada creates a cohesive experience that connects these diverse Asian culinary traditions through elaborately prepared dishes and interesting techniques, offering a unique pan-Asian dining journey in São Paulo.
2. Omakase Menu Exclusively at the Sushi Bar
Kazuo offers an exclusive Omakase menu that is only available at the sushi bar. This format allows diners to experience a personalized and carefully curated selection of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, maki, and temaki, showcasing the chef’s skill and creativity in an intimate setting.
3. Location and Ambiance with Private Spaces and Enclosed Terrace
The restaurant is located in the luxury Plaza Iguatemi building on Avenida Faria Lima, featuring an enclosed terrace with a bar and private spaces on the first floor. This setting provides a spacious, elegant atmosphere that is not crowded, enhancing the dining experience beyond just the food.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at Kazuo, the Michelin-starred restaurant in São Paulo, reflect its pan-Asian culinary approach with a strong emphasis on fresh, responsibly sourced elements:
Organic vegetables: Sourced locally, these vegetables provide freshness and vibrant flavors foundational to many dishes, supporting the restaurant's commitment to quality and sustainability.
Flowers from Holambra: These edible flowers add visual beauty and delicate floral notes, enhancing the presentation and complexity of dishes.
Wasabi from a small inland farm: This authentic wasabi is prized for its sharp, fresh heat, used to complement sushi and sashimi, elevating the traditional Japanese flavors.
Fresh fish caught locally: High-quality fish is central to Kazuo's sushi, sashimi, nigiri, and maki offerings, showcasing the chef's homage to Japanese culinary roots while integrating local ingredients.
Seafood and salmon roe: Featured in signature dishes like yellow curry with seafood and salmon roe, these ingredients highlight the fusion of Asian flavors and textures that define the restaurant's pan-Asian identity.
These ingredients are significant as they embody Kazuo's philosophy of blending traditional Asian techniques with local Brazilian produce, creating a unique and refined dining experience that earned the restaurant its Michelin star. The use of specialty items like farm-grown wasabi and Holambra flowers also distinguishes its dishes visually and flavor-wise, especially in the sushi and omakase menus offered at the sushi bar.