DOM SAO PAULO: D.O.M. (or DOM) is Brazil’s pinnacle of Gastronomical achievement. The revered São Paulo restaurant is on the Michelin Guide & World’s 50 Best restaurant list.
D.O.M. was place on the world map when Anthony Bourdain visited it on the Layover. The chef behind D.O.M. is Alex Atala; Alex Atala and his beard has an intimating impression. However, the impression quickly goes away as he smiles and laughs in the kitchen. Brazil has become a hot spot for gastronomy in the past few years; it’s mainly due to inclusion of Brazilian restaurants in notable food guides like the Michelin Guide and the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Here are D.O.M.’s accolades: DOM Sao Paulo
- Two Michelin Stars in 2016
- Two Michelin Stars in 2017
- #9 on the 2015 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
- #11 on the 2016 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
- #16 on the 2017 World’s 50 Best Restaurants list
The restaurant is in São Paulo’s safer neighborhood — Jardins. The two-story structure is the second building until the cul-de-sac ends. The large door opens up to high ceilings and a waiting hostess ready to show me to my reserved table. The bar is right next to the door and it’s filled with liquor from around the world. The bar’s dark and the dimly lit restaurant gives D.O.M. an intimate atmosphere. DOM Sao Paulo
The service is where it should be with its accolades. The meal’s precision progression with dishes delivered a few moments after the current dish is finished. The attention to detail and anticipation of when to deliver drinks was good enough to get by. However, the wait staff seemed a little uncoordinated throughout the night. My table settings were brought out and taken back then brought out again. The incorrect utensils were given to me. I expected better coordination from a restaurant with D.O.M.’s stature. DOM Sao Paulo
D.O.M. offers a tasting menu only experience. There isn’t an à la carte option; there are only two tasting menus — Optimus and Maximus. Those menu focus on Brazilian ingredients. The Maximus is the full experience while the Optimus has lesser courses. I decided to go with the Maximus and here were my favorites: DOM Sao Paulo
- Brazilian Pasta – This was the best dish of the night. The pasta was made from a Brazilian vegetable and the texture was slightly crunchy. The pasta was showered with a creamy sauce, which gave it a rich flavor. The comforting dish was fantastic. DOM Sao Paulo
Brazilian Pasta - Fish skin – The dish’s presentation was the best out of all the dishes. The Fish Skin was place on top of a piney prop. The dish was excellent with its first crunch then its creamy topping filled my palate. It was a bit size snack worth remembering at D.O.M. DOM Sao Paulo
Fish skin - Sea Bass – The Sea Bass drew influences from the Japanese community in Liberdade. The sashimi dish laid in a pool of thick soy sauce then topped with shredded white radish. The mild yet butter flavor of the sea bass was fantastic; the thick soy sauce wasn’t salty and it didn’t overwhelm the tender sea bass. DOM Sao Paulo
Sea Bass
Overall, D.O.M. is a good restaurant. I can see why it has earned its accolades with its world-class cooking and creative presentation; the dishes were tasty and some felt like fillers in the menu. In addition, I felt the staff provided good service, but they appear to be going through the motions. I believe the restaurant is worth the experience; however, I didn’t find it exceptionally unforgettable. If I had to choose between a meal at Maní or D.O.M., I think I would go with Maní. DOM Sao Paulo
Check out our restaurant recommendations for Yoka and Mani. Lastly, the famous Beco do Batman and things to do in Sao Paulo here.
- Service - 7.5/107.5/10
- Presentation - 8/108/10
- Flavors - 7/107/10
- Decor - 7.5/107.5/10
- Ambiance - 7/107/10
Summary
D.O.M. (or DOM) is Brazil’s pinnacle of Gastronomical achievement. The revered São Paulo restaurant is on the Michelin Guide & World’s 50 Best restaurant list. In my opinion, I found D.O.M. to be a good restaurant. I can see why it has earned its accolades with its world-class cooking and creative presentation; the dishes were tasty and some felt like fillers in the menu. With that said, I didn’t find it to be better than Mani.
