Source: CENTURIONS TEAM
For many years travelers have considered Belo Horizonte a convenient pit stop on their way to the picturesque, colonial towns of places like Ouro Preto and Tiradentes. However, Belo Horizonte is becoming a culinary destination in its own right. Don’t miss this hidden jewel of foodie treasure on your next Brazilian vacation.
1. Anella
This modern yet cozy and romantic Italian restaurant just outside of downtown is cooking up some of the best Italian this side of the Atlantic! The homemade, fresh pasta and sauces are a must, as is the Tre Leche for dessert. The wine list is appropriate and approachable. The servings are quite large so if you’re doing appetizers and desserts you many want to consider sharing an entree.
Information
- Name: Anella
- Address: 325 Rue Min Guilhermino De Oliveira
- Cuisine: Italian
- Meals: Lunch Saturday and Sunday, Dinner Tuesday – Sunday
- Open: Tuesday to Thursday 6 pm – 12 am, Friday 6 pm – 1 am, Saturday 12 pm – 1 am, and Sunday 12 pm – 11 pm
- Price: 50-75 Real
- Website: http://www.anella.com.br
2. Sushinoto
This is THE place to get fresh, innovative, reasonably priced sushi in Belo Horizonte. This place is casual, friendly, and reasonably. Bring a date or a group, Eat a la carte or buffet, lunch or dinner, this place does it all, and they do it all well. They also know their way around a great steak, just in case you’re traveling with a less adventurous eater.
Information
- Name: Sushinoto
- Address: 240 Avenida Miguel Perrela
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Open: 11 am – 12 am
- Website: http://www.sushinoto.site.com.br
3. Taste Vin
What many locals consider the best restaurant in Belo Horizonte, Taste Vin is a modern take on a French Bistro. It has a more formal indoor seating and a casual outside patio that is an idyllic spot to spend a long, summer afternoon, sipping on chilled Chablis and nibbling on their foie gras and carpaccio de boef.
Information
- Name: Taste Vin
- Address: 2105 Rua Curitiba
- Cuisine: French
- Meals: Dinner
- Open: 6:30 pm – 12 am
- Website: http://www.tastevin-hb.com.br
4. Santa Truta
Source: Deni Williams
The English translation of Santa Truta is “Holy Trout” and this restaurant, located near the city entrance, does justice to that name. They have grilled, fried stewed, whole fish, and even sausage trout. The fondues, only served at night, should not be missed. This is a perfect restaurant for that fun group outing with everyone sharing fondue and reveling in all the delicious things that can be made from trout.
Information
- Name: Santa Truta
- Address: 647 Avenue Antonio Joaquim de Oliverira
- Cuisine: Seafood and Fondue
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Open: 11 am – 12 am
- Price: 50-75 Real
5. Domenico Pizzeria Trattoria
No trip is complete without trying the best local pizza and Domenico’s is exactly where you need to go when you’re in Belo Horizonte. Their thin, crispy crust is topped with top quality ingredients, including prosciutto cotto, French champignons, and fresh, homemade tomato sauce. Before you get too full, make sure to try the local favorite, focaccia served as an appetizer. Parking can be tough during the day but is easy to find in the evenings.
Information
- Name: Domenico Pizzeria Trattoria
- Address: 583 Rua Claudio Manoel
- Cuisine: Italian
- Meals: Dinner
- Open: Monday – Friday 6:30 pm – 12 am, Saturday and Sunday 6:30 pm – 1 am
- Website: http://www.domenicopizzeria.com.br
6. Glouton
This is the place for fine dining in Belo Horizonte. This is true fusion, in the best sense of the word, of French and South American cuisine. The french influence is really seen and appreciated in the sauces and classic choices of meats and proteins while the South American influence is really felt in the spices and seasoning. This relatively new gem, open less than a year, has already earned several awards for the restaurant and the young chef, Leonardo Passion.
Information
- Name: Glouton
- Address: 59 Rua Barbara Heliodora
- Cuisine: French Fusion
- Meals: Lunch Friday – Sunday, Dinner Tuesday – Sunday
- Open: Tuesday to Thursday 7:30 – 12 am, Friday 12 pm – 3 pm and 7:30 pm to 1 am, Saturday 1 pm to 5 pm and 7:30 pm to 1 am, and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm
- Website: http://www.glouton.com.br
7. Xapuri
Source: whitiebrass
Female chef Nelsa Trombino affectionately refers to Xapuri as “my house” and that’s exactly the warmth and familiarity you’ll feel upon entering this Belo Horizonte staple. This is the best example of “Comida Mineira” with a wonderful focus on local produce and local cuisine. This is the place to learn about and taste the food of this part of Brazil. This rustic restaurant is the perfect fit for the traveler looking to truly experience the culinary legacy of Belo Horizonte.
Information
- Name: Xapuri
- Address: 260 Rua Mandacaru
- Cuisine: Brazilian
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Open: Tuesday to Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm, Sunday and holidays 12 pm – 6pm
- Website: http://www.restaurantexapuri.com.br
As you can see, Belo Horizonte is developing into a culinary destination in Brazil that is building on its flavorful past and at the same time in tune with the most recent trends. It should not be overlooked when planning a South American itinerary.
Have a good trip and travel!
