Michelin reveal first Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo guide

Michelin has announced the release of the very first Michelin Guide Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo, featuring a total of 188 establishments –including one two-star restaurants and 16 one-star restaurants; Alex Atala’s D.O.M being one of the restaurants being awarded two stars.

Michael Ellis, International Director, Michelin Guides said: "The first edition of this guide reveals the true potential of Brazil's gastronomic scene, focusing in particular on the cities of Rio and São Paolo.

"Our inspectors discovered an extensive and diverse selection of creative cuisine, featuring high-quality local produce with influences from around the world. After many months of exploratory work in these two cities, our inspectors have identified the very finest establishments, which will act as ambassadors for Brazilian cuisine in the years to come."

In the very first edition of the Michelin Guide dedicated to Brazil, São Paolo-based restaurant D.O.M was awarded two stars. Chef Alex Atala serves up truly unique and highly creative dishes, showcasing traditional and often underused Brazilian produce, some of which the chef discovered himself in the Amazon rainforest. His second restaurant, Dalva e Dito, also received one star.

In São Paolo, a total of 10 restaurants received their first star in the 2015 edition. These include Mani, where chef Helene Rizzo and her partner Daniel Redondo serve up innovative and creative dishes, as well as Jun Sakamoto, Kinoshita and Kosushi, each of which offers the very finest Japanese cuisine.

Six establishments in Rio de Janeiro were also awarded one star, including Roberta Sudbrack, a restaurant named after its head chef, which serves up modern and authentic Brazilian cuisine featuring local ingredients and combining a range of textures and flavours to deliver a truly unique sensory experience. Another restaurant awarded one star was Olympe, run by famous French chef Claude Troisgros and his son, Thomas, who have lived in Brazil since 1979. Their restaurant offers traditional French cuisine prepared from local produce.

A further 25 restaurants were also awarded a Bib Gourmand in this very first edition – 8 in Rio de Janeiro and 17 in São Paolo. Restaurants that have received the Bib Gourmand are designated with the X logo in the Michelin Guide. This rating is awarded to restaurants offering a starter, main course and dessert for 90 Reals or less.