São Paulo is a city that never stands still. Loud, layered, and endlessly creative, Brazil’s megacity is one of the most exciting places in the world to experience electronic music, nightlife, and food culture side by side.
For this guide, we hand things over to Melon Blush — born and raised in São Paulo as Pedro Passoni. As a DJ and producer, Melon Blush is known for multidirectional sounds that blend harmony with futuristic timbres, recounting vibrant stories through time and space.
Here, he takes us deep into the city that shaped him — from underground dance events to refined listening bars, from global cuisines to local classics. This is São Paulo through the eyes of an artist who truly lives its rhythm, taste, and after-dark energy.
Melon Blush’s Guide for São Paulo: The Brazilian Concrete Jungle
São Paulo, also known as the “concrete jungle,” is one of the most complete cities worldwide when it comes to culture, gastronomy, and nightlife. As someone who was born and raised in town, it still surprises me every weekend with its diversity and the fact that there is always something new to discover: a new party, bar, restaurant, or cultural event.
One thing I can promise: you will be able to find top-tier bars for every taste and restaurants from every cuisine you can think of, and you will experience some of the best service and dining experiences of your life. From more traditional to innovative places, there is definitely a lot to explore in São Paulo.
Talking about São Paulo’s nightlife, it is important to note that the dance music scene has shifted from nightclubs to curated events that take place in different venues across the city. The club scene still exists, but it is significantly smaller than it used to be in past decades. However, there is no reason for any clubber to worry: every weekend there is a wide range of options to dance, ranging from local underground parties to major electronic music festivals.
Brazil is buzzing with extremely talented national artists who play alongside international acts from all over the world.
Where to Dance in São Paulo
If you are looking for a dance, here is a list of my favourite spots to party in town. All of them have a refined lineup curation that usually ranges from house to techno:
Events
Carlos Capslock · BOMA · Time Warp · LØVE · Mixordia · Gop Tun · Perpétua
Clubs
D-EDGE · Ephigenia · Jerome · Crema Club · OBLIQO (Sorocaba) · Ame (Valinhos)
Music as a Soundtrack to the City
São Paulo is a cosmopolitan city that never really sleeps, embracing different cultures from all over the world. With that in mind, I chose my latest release, “Melon Blush – 1234,” to be this article’s soundtrack.
In this special track, released on Victor Ruiz’s label Volta Records, I count from one to four in five different languages: Portuguese, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Greek — a reflection of São Paulo’s multicultural energy.
With that in mind, I have chosen my #1 restaurant options in São Paulo, inspired by the cuisines represented by these languages.
Where to Eat in São Paulo
Brazilian — Balaio
Located in the building of IMS (Instituto Moreira Salles), Balaio has a delicious menu of traditional Brazilian cuisine. It sits on the ground floor of a cultural institute known for its carefully curated photography exhibitions. You can go there for lunch and then visit the current exhibition on the top floor — a perfect cultural afternoon in São Paulo.
Japanese — Michi Zushi
Located in the heart of Faria Lima, this boutique Japanese restaurant will impress any sushi lover. Every visit feels different, and the sushimen work with a level of attention and care that I have seen very few times in my life.
Be aware: they only receive 12 people per night at the counter, plus two tables for two. Reservations are essential, and the experience runs from 20:00 to 23:00.
Peruvian — Ama.zo
Peruvian cuisine is one of the tastiest in the world — and São Paulo executes it at the highest level. Ama.zo reinterprets Peruvian classics using Andean ingredients and local products, with a strong focus on Amazonian flavors. The restaurant has been listed multiple times in the Michelin Guide.
German — Braugarten
Braugarten serves some of the most typical German dishes and appetizers, alongside Brazilian classics as well (we love mixing cultures here — get used to it). The portions are generous, so go hungry — and thirsty — for a cold beer.
Greek — MYK & Kouzina
Both MYK and Kouzina are run by the same chef, Mariana Fonseca. Whenever I miss Greece, I go there for a Mediterranean menu featuring seafood, meat, and fresh salads. Even writing this is making me hungry.
Favourite Bars in São Paulo
Matiz
A listening bar with a custom made hi-fi sound system located on a downtown rooftop, where you can enjoy outstanding cocktails while DJs explore deeper musical selections than they usually play in a club context.
If you are reading this in January 2026, you can catch me playing there on 23/01/26 (Friday).
Starlane
Recently opened in Pinheiros, Starlane is a combination of restaurant and bar featuring a top-tier sound system and a striking interior design. A high-level food and drink menu makes it an excellent place to spend the evening with friends while enjoying both international and Brazilian DJs.
Tam Tam
Elected the #24 best bar in the world in 2025, Tam Tam is a truly out-of-the-box bar experience. Expect unusual and exquisite drinks like “Salty Burn” — a mix of tequila, Jerez cream, red vermouth, and guava. Yes, just like that. The menu also leans into Asian cuisine.
Final Tip
If you are thinking about visiting São Paulo, think no more — come and experience its wild, alive, and unique atmosphere.
One quick tip: make sure to include at least one weekend during your stay.
Have fun.