The dishes on the menu at Shin Zushi (Rua Afonso de Freitas 269, Paraíso, tel. 11/3889-8700, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. and 6–10:30 p.m. Tues.–Sat., 6–10 p.m. Sun., R$25–35) are so tradition-bound that this is the only place outside of Japan you’re likely to find them. Could this be why most of the clientele are Japanese? Noteworthy are the sushi, sashimi, and melt-in-your-mouth shrimp and vegetable tempura.

Tenda do Nilo (Rua Coronel Porto 638, Paraíso, tel. 11/3885-0460, noon–3:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 12:30–4 p.m. Sat., R$16–25) is one of the tiniest and least expensive Middle Eastern restaurants in São Paulo. It is also one of the best. The simple yet mouthwatering Lebanese dishes are prepared according to recipes passed down by the cook’s mother. Try the fatte: toasted Syrian bread topped with beef, chickpeas, and creamy white cheese steeped in garlic. Then cleanse your palate with “1001 Nights,” a moist cake of semolina bathed in a pistachio cream.