Japanese restaurants

Gendai

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

Av. Francisco Matarazzo, 408 - 4206 - Água Branca, São Paulo - SP, 05003-020, Brazil
4
240 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Located in the vibrant Água Branca neighborhood of São Paulo, Gendai stands out as a beacon of authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. Specializing in sushi and traditional Japanese dishes, this restaurant is a must-visit for any enthusiast of Asian flavors. Whether you crave a fresh, vibrant poke bowl or a comforting bowl of hearty lamen, Gendai delivers a sensory experience that delights both the palate and the eye.

The menu boasts irresistible options like the POKE LOVERS bowl, featuring tender cubes of salmon bathed in an umami-rich oriental sauce made with shoyu and ginger, complemented by sunomono, crispy kale, and tempura crunch, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh scallions. This dish perfectly balances freshness, texture, and invigorating flavors. For those seeking something warm and satisfying, the Beef Domburi offers a generous serving of Japanese rice topped with savory sautéed beef and scallions, paired with lightly stir-fried vegetables—a comforting and fulfilling choice.

The FESTIVAL DE LÁMENS is another highlight, where the rich and fragrant Shoyu Lamen blends a flavorful soy-based broth with kani, quail eggs, corn, moyashi, and nori, plus your choice of protein that enhances the dish’s depth. Each spoonful is a warm embrace on cooler days, filled with layers of texture and taste that invite slow, appreciative bites.

Vegetarian diners will also find delight in offerings like the Sunomono, a delicate salad of cucumber and sesame seeds that refreshes the palate with its light and citrusy notes, serving as a perfect complement or starter to the meal.

The dining atmosphere at Gendai is relaxed yet attentive, creating a welcoming environment that enhances the enjoyment of every meal. Many patrons praise not only the food but the attentive and courteous service, highlighting individuals such as the chef, whose creativity and precision elevate each dish to an art form, and the friendly staff who make guests feel genuinely valued. While there may be occasional inconsistencies in service, the dedication of the team and the quality of the food remain indisputably impressive.

Customer testimonials speak volumes about Gendai’s impact: from rave reviews celebrating the best hot roll and gyoza ever enjoyed, complete with artistic food presentation, to heartfelt mentions of attentive management that adds a personal touch to the dining experience. One satisfied visitor noted the delightful balance of flavor and texture in dishes like yakissoba paired with grilled eggplant, emphasizing both taste and service quality.

Whether you are stopping by to enjoy a thoughtfully crafted meal or ordering delivery of your favorite Japanese specialties, Gendai promises authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and an experience that resonates long after the last bite. This spot is an essential destination for those who appreciate the nuanced artistry of Japanese cuisine in São Paulo.

03 Notes from regulars

240 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4
Based on 240 verified notes
5 130
4 46
3 31
2 15
1 25
All Yakisoba Poke Hot Roll Temaki Well-made Dishes Kind Staff Courteous Salmon Promotions Attention
Lais Sarrico.
3 month ago
MARAVILHOSO! O chefe merece um aumento! Melhor hot roll e guioza que comi na vida. Ainda fez uma decoração no prato. Nunca vi um Gendai TÃO bom! Se mantiverem pessoas assim na unidade vai ser um sucesso. Parabéns para o cozinheiro e para a atendente pela educação e cordialidade
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Drielli Caroline.
3 month ago
A comida estava muito gostosa. Mas não esperem ser bem atendidos, os pratos que queriamos do cardápio não tinha no totem de autoatendimento e quando fui perguntar para o atendente Juninho, ele estava mais interessado em falar com outros funcionários sobre o que estava assistindo no streaming do que realizar um bom atendimento. Simplesmente nos deixou falando sozinhos, só pediu para outra pessoa nos auxiliar quando chamamos a atenção dele novamente.
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bacaninha.
4 month ago
Fui nesse shoppig à serviço e resolvi almoçar no Gendai. Confesso que além do prato muito saboroso (yakissoba/beringela grelhada) o que mais me surpreendeu foi o atendimento. Todos os atendentes muito solícitos, porém o gerente Nilson, merece um destaque. Gentil, atencioso e muito dedicado. Parabéns.
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Léa por aí.
4 month ago
Pedimos a barca, temaki e a berinjela feita .. Tudo maravilhoso!
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Rafael Arakaki.
4 month ago
Gosto muito do Gendai e esta unidade do West Plaza é a melhor que eu conheço. O atendimento, atenção e cuidado dos funcionários são um grande diferencial. Recomendo a todos!
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Vera Maria.
4 month ago
O Gendai do Shopping Bourbon lancou uma promocao de pokes que e uma delicia,alem da variedade os precos sao otimos.Pedi um com salmao,base de saladinha e com uma farofinha,delicia.Os atendentes mto simpaticos e tudo saiu bem rapido.Tem varias outras opcoes no cardapio mas lembre se que e um fast food.Agora no calor e bem gostoso um poke.Para quem nunca pediu,o Poke e uma combinacao servida numa tigela.
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Yumii.
5 month ago
Eu não gostei do tempo de espera, foi aproximadamente 30 minutos. Como fui no horário de maior demanda, realmente acabei tendo que esperar. Os funcionários são muito bons, só realmente há uma demora mesmo tendo todo o peixe cortado na vitrine.
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Marcos Túlio Fagali Arabe.
6 month ago
Minha esposa e eu amamos a comida do Gendai. E sempre somos muitíssimos bem atendidos pelo Nilson, na unidade do Shopping West Plaza. Parabéns aos proprietários e ao profissional citado, que tão bem nos recebe
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday (today) 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Finding the door

Av. Francisco Matarazzo, 408 - 4206 - Água Branca, São Paulo - SP, 05003-020, Brazil

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
Amenities
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Quiet
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
Planning
  • No Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
Parking
  • Paid parking garage
  • Parking
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