Arabic cuisine options in the city

Almanara Restaurant. Photo: disclosure.

The capital of São Paulo has options of entertainment and cuisine for all tastes. And for lovers of Arabic cuisine, five new alternatives pack 2012 with flavor. The first half of the year featured the opening of five new specialized establishments in the Western and South regions of the city.

As traditional establishments open more successful branches and new restaurants emerge, the Middle East gains more space in São Paulo. Among the highlights, the new unit of Baruk in Itaim Bibi, which opened at the beginning of the year, offers three meal options. The à la carte menu, all you can eat specialties and tasting menu allow the customer to choose the best way of enjoying the available dishes.

Baruk Restaurant. Photo: disclosure.

The list of new branches also includes the new Almanara branch at the JK Iguatemi Shopping Mall. Considered by the Datafolha research as the best Arabic cuisine restaurant, the new unit opened in June 2012. Now with 10 addresses in its restaurants network, Almanara’s delights can also be found in the Bourbon, Paulista and Morumbi shopping malls, among others.

Saj Restaurant. Photo: disclosure.

With its main unit located in Vila Madalena, Saj has another establishment in Pinheiros. As novelties and part of the Arabic and Lebanese menu, the grilled lamb loin and beef kafta are a differential for the branch. Saj’s dishes have already been featured in the media, with articles in the Veja São Paulo magazine and in Folha de S. Paulo’s Guide.

Zaatar Restaurant. Photo: disclosure.

Paying tribute to the Lebanese cuisine, Zaatar, inaugurated in May 2012, offers traditional recipes with typical seasonings. The place is decorated with photos of Lebanon taken by Frenchman Jean-Pierre Taraby. The traditional breads Manoushe and Saj can be found on the menu.

Service:

Baruk Itaim Bibi
Opening hours: Lunch: From Monday to Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner: Tuesday to Saturday, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Mondays, Sundays and holidays 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: Bandeira Paulista Street, 399 – Itaim Bibi.
Phone: (11) 3895-9990.

Almanara Shopping JK Iguatemi
Opening hours: from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek Avenue, 2041 – Vila Olímpia.
Phone: (11) 3078-7553.

Saj Pinheiros
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Fridays, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturdays, from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Sundays, from 12:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Address: Joaquim Antunes Street, 260 – Pinheiros.
Phone: (11) 2574-3665.

Zaatar
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 9 de Julio Avenue, 5143 – store 2
Phone: (11) 3071-2398.