When a two-Michelin-starred restaurant quietly debuts a new tasting menu, very few people get to witness the evolution from the inside out. Back in November 2024, I had the rare opportunity to be one of the very first diners to experience the now-celebrated OR242 menu at Evvai, São Paulo’s culinary temple helmed by Chef Luiz Filipe Souza. As of Saturday, July 27, 2025, the menu officially concluded its run, making way for the next chapter in Evvai’s continuous reinvention.
This blog isn’t just a review — it’s a time capsule. A reflection of one of the city’s most important gastronomic eras, and how it felt to be there at the beginning.
Born and raised in São Paulo, Chef Luiz Filipe Souza is the creative force behind Evvai. He worked in renowned kitchens including Fasano, Piselli, and Italy’s Reale Casadonna before launching Evvai in 2017.
He coined the term Oriundi cuisine to define his signature style — a fusion of Italian culinary tradition and Brazilian native ingredients. His philosophy is rooted in migration, identity, and emotional storytelling.
Souza represented Brazil in the 2019 Bocuse d’Or finals and led Evvai to earn its first Michelin star in 2019 and second in 2024. His tasting menus are accompanied by hand-illustrated cards, featuring ingredient stories and original artwork, reinforcing his belief that dining should engage both intellect and emotion.
👉 Learn more at evvai.com.br
👉 See Chef Souza’s Michelin profile here
The OR242 menu, which ran from November 2024 to July 2025, was built around the idea of migration, legacy, and transformation — a fitting metaphor for São Paulo itself. From start to finish, it was more than a meal; it was a curated experience delivered with intention, beauty, and soul.
Each course arrived with a card featuring a short story, visual artwork, or philosophical note, offering background into the cultural or personal inspiration behind the dish. These cards, designed in part by Chef Souza himself, added another dimension to the experience — you weren’t just eating; you were reading, discovering, and emotionally connecting.
For instance, the Xinxin Chicken with Marsala moved my friend to tears. The flavor reminded her of a dish her mother used to make, prompting her to book a trip back home the very next day. That's the power of memory — and that's what OR242 managed to stir in us all.
The plating was immaculate — minimalist without being cold, expressive without being forced. From delicate edible flowers to the precise alignment of garnishes, it was clear that the kitchen staff treated every plate as a canvas.
The service team was equally impressive. Attentive, bilingual, and deeply knowledgeable, they guided us through each chapter of the meal with warmth and insight.
The wine pairing was equally memorable. From obscure Brazilian producers to classic European vintages, the sommelier’s selections enhanced every course — never overpowering, always complementary. We also sampled some incredible cocktails crafted on the spot to our personal preferences.
If you’re torn between cocktails and wine pairings, my advice is: get both. This is the kind of place where even the bar program tells a story. The mixologist behind Evvai's bar will also craft you a customer cocktail based on your preferred flavor and taste profiles.
At the time of writing, the OR242 menu was priced at 995 BRL — a fair value for what many consider one of São Paulo’s most meaningful dining experiences. The level of detail, the emotional impact, and the artistry involved easily justify the investment.
Evvai doesn’t just feed you. It moves you.
While Evvai is his flagship, Chef Souza’s culinary reach extends into several other exciting venues — all of which reflect his unique Oriundi perspective.
Launched in 2019, Fat Cow is a retro-style burger concept with big flavor and bold identity. Think Wagyu patties, Korean sauces, and nostalgic Americana design — all executed with the same care Souza gives to haute cuisine.
Located inside the iconic Hotel das Cataratas by Belmond, Restaurant Y (pronounced “ee”) explores the Indigenous and Amazonian roots of Brazilian cuisine with dishes like tucupi-braised fish and cupuaçu desserts, set against one of Brazil’s most breathtaking natural backdrops.
Adjacent to the main restaurant, Evvai Trattoria offers comforting Italian-Brazilian plates in a more relaxed atmosphere. Handmade pastas, grilled meats, and vibrant vegetables bring Souza’s Oriundi concept to everyday dining. It’s approachable yet refined — perfect for regulars and first-timers alike.
Chef Souza has also taken his cuisine on the road — most notably in the “The Stars Align” dinner series with Chef Antonio Park, where he fused Oriundi with Pan-Asian influences during a standout collaboration in Toronto.
With the conclusion of the OR242 menu on July 27, 2025, Evvai now launches a brand-new tasting menu this week. Given Chef Luiz Filipe Souza’s history of pairing high-concept storytelling with deeply personal and ingredient-driven cuisine, expectations are sky-high.
While details of the new menu remain closely guarded — as they should be — one thing is certain: Chef Souza’s creations are never superficial. They carry intention, emotional weight, and cultural resonance. Based on what I experienced with OR242, this next evolution will likely explore fresh narratives grounded in Brazilian identity, migration, and transformation.
And yes, the signature cards — each one illustrated by Chef Souza — are expected to return, perhaps with even more depth. These storytelling artifacts aren’t gimmicks; they’re artistic extensions of the food. They guide you emotionally through the meal and often leave a lasting impression long after the final bite.
I’ve already secured my reservation for November 6, 2025, at 8:00 PM — my return to Evvai, exactly one year after I first tasted OR242. This isn’t just another dinner reservation. It’s a personal pilgrimage.
Few restaurants in the world can blend technical excellence, emotional narrative, and cultural homage with this much clarity. Evvai isn’t just about what’s on the plate — it’s about the feeling it leaves behind.
Evvai is one of my favorite restaurants in the world — not just for the food, but for how it makes me feel. It will always have a place in my heart.
If you’re traveling to São Paulo and consider yourself a serious culinary explorer, Evvai belongs at the very top of your list. Whether you're going for the food, the storytelling, or the soul behind it all — you're in for an experience that transcends fine dining.
