🍕 Pizza in São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is arguably the world's pizza capital outside Italy. The city has over 6,000 pizzerias and consumes more pizza than almost any city on Earth. Brazilian pizza has its own distinct identity: thicker, fluffier dough, generous toppings, and uniquely Brazilian flavours like catupiry cream cheese, frango com catupiry (chicken with creamy cheese), and the iconic palmito (heart of palm) pizza. Sunday evening is São Paulo's sacred pizza time — family pizzerias fill up for the weekly ritual.
🍔 Also see: Fast Food Guide for São Paulo
🍕 Popular Pizza Styles in São Paulo
🏆 Best Pizza Restaurants in São Paulo
- Leggero (Jardins)
- Veridiana
- Bráz Pizzaria
- Speranza
- Camelo Pizzaria
❓ Pizza in São Paulo — FAQ
What is Brazilian pizza?
Brazilian pizza uses a slightly thicker, fluffier dough and features uniquely local toppings: catupiry (a creamy spreadable cheese), calabresa (spiced sausage), frango com catupiry (chicken with cream cheese), and palmito (heart of palm).
Why is São Paulo famous for pizza?
Italian immigrants, especially from Calabria and Sicily, settled heavily in São Paulo from the late 19th century. They brought pizza-making traditions that evolved into Brazil's own style. São Paulo now has over 6,000 pizzerias.
What is catupiry cheese?
Catupiry is a beloved Brazilian soft cream cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It's used as a topping and often replaces or supplements mozzarella on Brazilian pizzas.
When do Brazilians eat pizza?
Sunday evening is the traditional pizza night in São Paulo. Families gather at neighbourhood pizzerias for the weekly pizza ritual — a cultural institution in the city.