Contemporary

Operated by Brasília [1]’s super-chef extraordinaire, Mara Alcamin (who is also the creative force behind Quitenete and Universal Diner), Zuu a.Z.d.Z (CLS, Qd. 210, Bl. C, Lj. 38, tel. 61/3244-1039, noon–3 p.m. and 8 p.m.–midnight Mon.–Fri., 8 p.m.–1 a.m. Sat., R$55–70) represents the Brazilian capital’s introduction to “slow food.” Indeed, the exotically mod setting—lofty ceilings, plush sofas scattered with Indian pillows, and hypnotic lounge music—is certainly conducive to hours spent savoring creations such as foie gras flambéed in cachaça with grilled coalho cheese and a sugarcane reduction.

Equally hard to resist is the black sesame crusted tuna on a bed of shimeji mushrooms topped with tamarind coulis, and accompanied by wasabi chantilly, caramelized figs, and pureed manioc. For dessert, try the suflê de doce de leite, a decadent butterscotch soufflé.