Raful, Arabic restaurant in São Paulo, Brazil
Raful is an Arabic restaurant in São Paulo with a menu rooted in Levantine cooking. It serves dishes such as raw and baked kibbe, lamb skewers, and malabie as a dessert.
The restaurant grew out of the large wave of Arab immigration that brought Syrian and Lebanese families to São Paulo during the 20th century. Many of those families carried their cooking traditions with them and passed them on across generations.
The cooking draws from Levantine traditions brought by Syrian and Lebanese immigrants to São Paulo. Dishes like raw kibbe and malabie are rare in Brazil but central to what this place serves.
The restaurant is open on weekdays and Saturdays, though hours can vary by day so it is worth checking ahead. Booking a table in advance is a good idea, especially on busier evenings.
The interior was designed by architect Daniella Bulcao, who wove references to Arab dining customs into a contemporary Brazilian setting. The result is a space that does not look quite like a typical restaurant from either tradition.
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