With a landmass larger than France, Brasil's mountainous state of Minas Gerais is considered the heartland of South America’s largest country. This region traditionally known for agriculture and mining represents the massive amount of artistic, gastronomic, and natural resources that Brasil has to offer the world.
Belo Horizonte, the capital city, is so valued internationally as a food travel destination that in 2019 the city was named as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
In March 2024, during a visit to France, Brasil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced that he'd given French President Emmanuel Macron,"five of the best and most awarded Brasilian cheeses",sparking a friendly competition with the European country that also prides itself on its cheeses.
Further stamping itself alongside Lima, Buenos Aires, and Santiago as one of the major gastrohubs and food destinations of South America, Belo Horizonte’s recent opening of Centro de Referência do Queijo Artesanal (CRQA), a cultural center and modernist-designed museum dedicated to cheese artisans. This open-space venue is used to host tastings and inform "cheese heads" about the dairy and cheese heritage of the region. Designed by architect José Lourenço and installed in the new Espaço 356, CRQA feels both rustic and minimalist with iron rebar, while giving guests a techy, immersive experience. Curved walls, inspired by the mountains of Minas Gerais, host interactive moments and products in a complex of high design and architecture.
For the region as a whole, the aquamarine, amethyst, an
The lobby area of the Fasano Belo Horizonte is a step into a chic, city hotel, but still quite and comfy enough to host a quick, intimate meeting.
The Santuário Arquidiocesano São Francisco de Assis was built in 1959 by Oscar Niemeyer. Situated lakeside, it is one of the more unique catherdrals in Brasil and is considered a landmark in Belo Horizonte.
The Artisanal Cheese Reference Center (CRQA) is a cultural space that celebrates the experiences and products related to Minas Gerais cheese and gastronomy. The center beings together local artisans, teachers, researchers and gives guests the opportunity to purchase local cheeses and merchandise related to cheese consumption.
Sampling of local cheeses and merchandies offered at CRQA in Belo Horizonte.
A very cool restaurant for happy hour and dinner, Pacato honors the tradition of backyard cooking. Their menu leads with veggies, chicken, and pork, but also you'll find good cocktails, friendly staff, and a warm atmosphere.
Centrally located, Fasano Belo Horizonte is a perfect place to anchor your getaway, especially if you decide to venture further into Minas Gerais. With shopping and restaurants within walking distance, plus hosting its own great eats, and a cute bar….this hotel is a really nice choice for this area.
Dona Lucinha Restaurante is a local favorite in Belo Horizonte. Open since 1990, this homestyle restaurant features traditional cooking and hopes to preserve the iconic flavors of Minas Gerais. Here you'll find slower cooking and larger portions, this is a great family restaurant.
Dona Lucinha Restaurante's entrance showcases traditional china and cookware collected and used by the founder of the restaurant.
Fasano Belo Horizonte places tasty treats in the guest rooms in order for them to get a taste of the city without leaving their room.
Restaurante Xapuri is an open air eatery that features wood-fired food. Focusing on meats and country-style cooking, this fun atmosphere is good for families and groups. They also have a plentiful dessert area for those with a sweet tooth.
