Minas Gerais Restaurants

Probably the most popular cuisine in the country, mineiran food is hearty and mixes Portuguese, Indian, and African flavors. Famous foods include tutu de feijão, mashed-up beans mixed with bacon, sausage, and cassava flour; frango ao molho pardo, a surprisingly tasty chicken dish with a sauce that is made with its own blood; and angu, a vegetarian dish made with polenta. For dessert, you can't go wrong with goiabada (guava paste, usually combined with queijo minas, a fresh white cheese that has a similar consistency to fresh ricotta). Pão de queijo, chewy cheese bread in roll form, is the state's culinary hallmark—mineiran bakeries get the consistency just right. The cachaça (sugarcane rum) from the northern region of Salinas is considered the best in the country. Mineiros tend to eat dinner after 8. Many restaurants close on Monday. Reservations may be required, especially on weekends.

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  • 1. Vecchio Sogno

    $$$$ | Santo Agostinho

    What is widely considered Belo Horizonte's best Italian restaurant attracts a well-heeled clientele. Tuxedo-clad waiters serve selections from the extensive wine list as well as steak, seafood, and pasta dishes. Consider the grilled fillet of lamb with saffron risotto in a mushroom-and-garlic sauce; the gnocchi di mare, with spinach and potatoes, topped with a white clam and scallop sauce; or the badejo, a local white fish baked and dressed in a seafood sauce. The restaurant allows its diners into its kitchen to see the preparation of food. With its beautiful wood paneling and an extensive bar, Vecchio Sogno has the feel of a 1940s jazz club.

    Rua Martim de Carvalho 75, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30190–090, Brazil
    031-3292–5251

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sat. No dinner Sun., Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 2. Casa dos Contos

    $$$$ | Funcionários

    A popular gathering place for local journalists, artists, and intellectuals, the old-school House of Tales has an unpretentious and varied menu that includes fish, pasta, and typical mineiro dishes. The filet surprise, a large steak coated in bread crumbs with a cheese and ham filling, is a popular choice. In tune with its bohemian clientele, Casa serves well past midnight.

    Rua Rio Grande do Norte 1065, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31130–131, Brazil
    031-3261–5853

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 3. Dona Lucinha

    $$$ | São Pedro

    Roughly 32 traditional Minas dishes, like feijão tropeiro, frango com quiabo, and frango ao molho pardo, are available at this reasonably priced buffet restaurant. The food is the only reason to go, as the place—in an old house devoid of taste—lacks charm. Children get significant discounts.

    Rua Padre Odorico 38, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30330–040, Brazil
    031-3227–0562

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner on weekends, Credit cards accepted
  • 4. Memmo Pasta & Pizza

    $$$$ | Funcionários

    This casual Italian eatery is popular with Brazilians celebrating the end of the workday with appetizers like the champignon Recheado (mushroom stuffed with shrimp and prosciutto), and entrées like tournedo Amici Miei (filet mignon wrapped in bacon and marinated in garlic and olive oil). The pizza is arguably the best in town. The restaurant is often packed both inside and on the large outdoor patio; you may need to wait for the staff to find you a table.

    Rua Tome de Souza 1331, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30140–130, Brazil
    031-3282–4992

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun., Credit cards accepted
  • 5. Namaste

    $$$

    Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Avenida Amazonas, Namaste serves excellent Indian dishes. The decor is simple but the food more than makes up for it. Start with the meat and vegetable samosas and then move onto such classics as lamb biryani or chicken tikka masala. The English-speaking staff offers fast and attentive service.

    Av. Francisco Sá 355, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
    031-3567-5200
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  • 6. Restaurante Varandão

    $$$$ | Centro

    On the 25th floor of the Othon Palace hotel, this romantic restaurant has spectacular urban vistas. Start off with a cocktail at one of the outdoor candlelighted tables by the pool before coming inside for dinner. Although à la carte options are available, the feijoada on Saturday, a special meal that centers mainly on pork and beans accompanied by rice and collard greens, is the thing to come here for. On Saturday night, there is often live music.

    Av. Afonso Pena 1050, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130–003, Brazil
    031-2126–0000

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 7. Xodó

    $ | Funcionários

    A snack bar located right next to the Cultural Circuit Praça da Liberdade with more than 50 years of tradition, Xodó holds a place in many locals' hearts. The elaborate sandwiches and hamburgers are the main draws here. Try the x-gourmet, a mighty sandwich with prime steak, bacon, cheese, salad, mustard, and caramelized onion. You can order from a selection of delicious milk shakes. For dessert, go for the Italian-style ice cream, served with a variety of toppings with typically Brazilian flavors such as açaí berry.

    Rua Gonçalves Dias 1364, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
    031-3213–2697

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