Collage with photos from: Reproduction/Facebook/Cantina Roberto
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Editor
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March 26, 2026
Treze de Maio Street is the main hub for Italian food in São Paulo, but do you know who started this tradition? Founded in 1942, Cantina Roperto was the first to open on the street and soon became a symbol of Bixiga, a neighborhood that has grown to become the capital’s largest hub of Italian culture.
The restaurant has spanned decades while maintaining the unmistakable flavor of the Mediterranean. Learn its story!
Cantina Roperto in 1963. Photo: Courtesy of Cantina Roperto | Image resized with the help of AI
A journey through Calabrian flavors
The restaurant’s founder, Humberto Roperto, was the son of immigrants from the Calabria region and grew up watching his mother, Rosa Maria, recreate the flavors of her homeland using ingredients from São Paulo’s backyards. That’s why, when he founded his cantina, Roperto created a menu inspired by the dishes of his childhood.
The restaurant is still run by the founding family today, ensuring that every recipe retains the seasoning of the “great-grandmother.” Additionally, the dining room with closely spaced tables and decor featuring wine bottles evokes typical Italian establishments, taking us on a gastronomic and cultural journey.
Cantina Roperto in 1963. Photo: Courtesy of Cantina Roperto | Image resized with the help of AI
Anyone who takes a look at Cantina Roperto’s menu will immediately understand why the restaurant is always packed. The star dish is the leg of kid with roasted potatoes and broccoli, a generously portioned, award-winning dish that has become a staple.
In addition, the menu offers classics such as Filé à Parmigiana and the “Ropertone, “ a polpettone stuffed with plenty of mozzarella. Since it is impossible to talk about Italian food without mentioning pasta, dishes such as fusilli with tomato sauce and lasagna Bolognese maintain the standard that has been pleasing customers for generations.
To round out your experience at this iconic Italian restaurant in São Paulo, you can choose from wines, juices, or traditional cocktails. Finally, to satisfy your sweet tooth, savor desserts like panna cotta or tiramisu!
Leg of kid. Photo: Mauro Holanda/Reproduction/Facebook
How to get there?
Cantina Roperto is located at Rua Treze de Maio, 634, in Bixiga. Check the hours of operation to plan your visit:
Monday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Tuesday through Thursday: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 11:30AM to midnight
Sunday: 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Make your reservation by phone at (11) 3288-2573 or via WhatsApp, and check out the full menu on the website!
Dining and Cooking