Balaio IMS

October 11, 2025

Dining at this Michelin-starred gem was an absolute delight. The prices were surprisingly reasonable given the caliber of the experience—making it accessible without compromising on quality. The food? Spectacular. The fresh fish was the star of the evening—perfectly cooked, delicately seasoned, and so fresh it practically melted in my mouth. And the focaccia? Outrageously good. If you're looking for a refined culinary experience that doesn’t feel pretentious or overpriced, this place is a must-visit.

August 27, 2025

The food is really good, but the rest is not up to the quality. They are always looking at your table to tidy up as soon as you pick the last bite, still chewing! I like when they clean the table, but constantly emptying it and not waiting for every person on the table to finish makes it seem like they are rushing you. And the temperature was off too, not having a way to heat the place on a cold day.

March 22, 2025

I hit the jackpot when I discovered this incredible restaurant! While it may not have the glitz and glamour of a high-end place, its charm lies in its simple, welcoming atmosphere. What truly makes this spot shine is the exceptional food and service. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was in for a treat. Our server, Gabby, was phenomenal! She expertly guided us through the menu based on our preferences and left us utterly delighted. The Pastel was a revelation—crispy and light, overflowing with cheesy goodness and fragrant herbs. But wait, it only got better: the Cabrinha was a flavor explosion that I still can’t stop thinking about! For the main course, my friend opted for the fish and raved about its deliciousness (not that I’m a fish aficionado). As for me, I took a leap of faith with Gabby’s recommendation for the duck dish. Now normally, duck wouldn’t be my first choice, but this beauty was cooked to perfection for 16 hours, then deep-fried and served over a cozy bed of rice with mussels and pork. Let me tell you, it was one of the best meals I’ve ever experienced! And the grand finale? Gabby encouraged me to try their take on Quindin, the classic Portuguese dessert. I was skeptical at first—it’s a floating island-like treat—but oh my goodness, I was blown away! It was absolutely divine. While it might be on the pricier side for locals, our dinner for two, complete with drinks, totaled about $100. What a steal for such an unforgettable dining experience! I can’t recommend this place enough!

October 1, 2024

“Vegetarian Options”, “Delicious”, “Attentive Service” I’ve been to IMS many times but never saw this gem of a restaurant so well hidden. The vegetarian dishes were all very well made, with unique combinations of ingredients and delicious flavors. The “moqueca de caju” is now my top one vegetarian moqueca in São Paulo. The “cogumelos” was a great surprise. Although the eggplants were a bit too salty, the mushrooms flavors were divine. Even the drinks were well made and had a satisfying full body. The restaurant quickly filled up the minute it opened, but when my husband accidentally dropped his fork, a waitress immediately came holding a new one. It’s amazing how the staff here are so attentive. Would definitely recommend and revisit in the future.

August 23, 2025

Good food, but it's missing the proposed. The drip coffee is terrible, old, and burned. Service is okay, but if you are seated alone in the bar, you will have to call them all the time. The yellow fruit dessert is incredible.