KANOE DEFINES THE PERFECT INTIMATE OMAKASE SETTING

words by ANOUK WOUDT

Hidden in São Paulo’s Jardins district, you’ll find Kanoe—an intimate, 8-person setting that offers a highly curated omakase experience, more akin to a private dining club than a traditional restaurant. Led by Chef Tadashi Shiraishi, the restaurant showcases his expertly prepared sushi rice, paired with a selection of dry-aged fish, making it stand out as one of the best Asian restaurants in Brazil.

Inspired by the Japanese philosophy of ‘ichigo ichie’— the idea that every encounter is unique and should thus, be lived to its fullest— you can rest assured that each experience at Kanoe is crafted to be special in its own way.

Grounded in values passed on from his grandmother, Chef Shiraishi hails a menu that sticks to the simplicity of tradition all while elevating it into an immersive affair. The night feels almost ceremonial, as you are guided through each phase of the omakase, starting with a freshly-prepared ‘shari’ or vinegar rice on its own, before it is incorporated with a myriad of deliciously fresh seafood. You can expect all kinds of seasonal fish such as sea bream, horse macherel, bluefin tuna, and bigeye— served alongside variations of sea urchin, roe, seaweed and eggs.

With a minimalist but modern interior, the setting feels highly sophisticated, while allowing the dishes to truly pop. Paired with its meticulous service and high-quality cuisine, a dining experience at Kanoe is definitely hard to beat!