Restaurant Leite Recife
The oldest continuously operating restaurant in Brazil
When the Portuguese immigrant Armando Manoel Leite de França first opened the doors of Restaurante Leite in 1882, Brazil was not yet a republic. Slavery was commonplace. Emperor Dom Pedro II was in power and Pope Leo XIII. A city as important as Belo Horizonte did not even exist. It is the oldest restaurant of its kind in the country, with imported silverware, dishes and crystals from Europe, napkins made of 100% cotton, impeccable waiters and a wine cellar with labels from the 19th century. The establishment conquered the high society of Pernambuco as early as the 19th century. The sugar barons, intellectuals and politicians were regular guests.
The oldest restaurant in Brazil that is still continuously operating in the same location
What about Café Lamas in Rio de Janeiro? It opened in 1874, making it the first restaurant in Brazil! Lamas moved in 1976 due to construction work. This made Restaurant Leite in Recife the oldest restaurant in Brazil, operating continuously in the same premises.
The famous Brazilian recipe ‘Filet à Chateaubriand’ was created at the Leite restaurant. Assis Chateaubriand, a regular guest, inspired the name. Many famous personalities such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Orson Welles, Carlos Pena Filho, the anthropologist Gilberto Freyre and Armênio Dias were regulars. Even presidents such as Juscelino Kubitschek, Jânio Quadros and Fernando Henrique Cardoso visited the Leite.
Waiters in white jackets and piano players with romantic Latin American melodies
The restaurant retains its aristocratic atmosphere. The chairs are made of palisander wood, the trays of silver and the napkins of pure cotton. The menu continues this style. Leite has become one
of the most famous top restaurants in Recife. The ambience of the service and the excellent food are its greatest secrets.
A traditional place with sophistication and live piano music that adds a touch of romance to the setting. The waiters are professionally trained, patient and happy to help with menu choices. The
dishes are of high quality and lovingly served. Valet parking is standard for a restaurant like Leite. This is a very helpful service in a city where traffic is incessant and parking is hard to
find.
Culinary delicacies and loving details inspire in a sparkling atmosphere
Here are some highlights of the menu that regularly delight our guests. Each dish tells its own culinary story and promises a taste experience that you won't forget in a hurry.
A very special dish is the ‘Filet à la Chateaubriand’. It is usually prepared for two people. This popular dish was named after Francisco de Assis Chateaubriand, a writer, lawyer, law professor and businessman. He also served as president of a Brazilian press and radio trust and was Brazil's ambassador to London. He was a regular at the Leite restaurant and gave his name to this dish.
The Chateaubriand piece is cooked in a Madeira sauce with onions, peas and mushrooms. It is served with Greek-style rice and Straw Potatoes.
The most famous dish of the house is called Cartola Pernambucana. This dessert is part of the cultural heritage of Pernambuco. It is made from banana, butter cheese, sugar and cinnamon. The
renowned anthropologist Gilberto Freyre demanded that distinguished visitors to the city should taste the Cartola im Leite.
Particularly noteworthy are the tender lamb and the king prawns grilled in butter. The seafood and fish are also worth mentioning.
Another highlight is the Bacalhau à Armênio Dias. This dish was named in honour of the owner of the house. It uses, of course, the delicious cod. This is considered the flagship of Portuguese
cuisine.
Experience the culinary diversity in Restaurant Leite
As a tribute to the owner, "Bacalhau à Armênio Dias" is one of the highlights of the menu.
Sophistication and live music ensure a romantic atmosphere. The ambience enchants the guests.
Armênio Dias served a port wine from 1881. The rare bottle was a highlight of the evening.
The meat is perfectly prepared. A sherry, a liqueur or an old port wine is always offered.