The self-proclaimed “Carioca” (the inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro) embassy in São Paulo, Pirajá is a Rio-style samba bar offering finger food and traditional Brazilian meals. The very relaxed ambience makes it the destination for prawn cakes, braised oxtail, pão de queijo (the traditional cheese bread made from manioc starch), plenty of ice-cold beer, and robust caipirinhas. Notorious samba bands play here frequently, so keep an eye on the performance schedule.