Muli São Paulo: Octopus Burger, Tuna Fries and Seafood
At Muli in São Paulo, we ate an octopus burger, Tuna Fries and squid with lime. After exploring the city’s substantial meat cooking, this was a meal that showed us a different side of its food scene. The burger and cured-tuna fries were the dishes we would return for.
A relaxed room for a seafood meal
The surrounding buildings reminded us of former workshops, although that was an impression rather than a verified history of the street. Inside, Muli felt young and informal. We could take the cooking seriously without having the meal become a formal occasion.
It worked well as somewhere to share several plates. This was quite different from the fish, salad and mezze pattern familiar to us in Turkey.
The octopus burger looked the part
Octopus arms extended beyond the bread when the burger arrived. The round top bun and the arms gave the whole thing the appearance of an octopus, but the idea did not depend on looks alone.
The octopus had kept a pleasant texture rather than becoming rubbery. A slightly sweet sauce contributed to the burger without overwhelming the seafood. We would share it on a first visit to leave room for other plates.
Tuna Fries were our other favourite
Thin, crisp fries formed the base, with lemony sour cream and substantial cubes of cured tuna above them. Black pepper finished the dish. The fish was cured, rather than simply described on the menu as plain raw tuna.
We liked the contrast between the warm fries, cool cream and firm pieces of fish. It made a familiar plate of fries feel connected to the restaurant’s seafood identity.
Squid with lime, then a caipirinha
Our squid arrived with more than just rings: the smaller pieces included the heads and arms. We squeezed over the accompanying lime. The cooking had kept the squid from drying out, and the citrus suited the fried surface.
We enjoyed it, but the octopus burger and Tuna Fries stayed ahead in our personal order of preference. A caipirinha accompanied the meal, its lime character working well beside the fried dishes.
Who would enjoy Muli?
We would return for the two standout dishes and to try more of this kitchen’s approach to seafood. The relaxed setting suited sharing food and having a drink with friends.
If you want a conventional grilled-fish restaurant or the largest possible portion for your budget, this may not be the first place to choose. For us, its value lay in how clearly the plates expressed a different idea.
Watch our visit
Our visit appears in the video below, starting at the relevant section. The video is in Turkish.
Where is Muli?
Muli
Rua Martim Francisco, 482, Vila Buarque, São Paulo, BrazilOpen in Google Maps ↗Confirm opening hours, the current menu and any booking arrangements before visiting. The address above identifies the branch covered by our account.
Before you go
What would we order first?
The octopus burger and Tuna Fries. Squid can round out a shared order.
Did we drink a caipirinha?
Yes, alongside the seafood plates.
Is the restaurant in Rio?
No. This Muli is at Rua Martim Francisco 482 in São Paulo.
Adapted from our original Harbiyiyorum visit account.
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