Chef Raphael Rego’s Oka Fogo in Paris is two Brazilian restaurants in one

Oka Fogo in Paris, by Michelin-starred chef Raphael Rego, offers two dining spaces, with interiors by Arnaud Behzad and joyful frescoes by Florence Bamberger

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi
(Image credit: Claire Israel)

For Michelin-starred Carioca chef Raphael Rego, his new restaurant Oka Fogo is a candid home away from home. For his guests, it’s an open door to an authentic Brazilian culinary experience in Paris. The seductive venue, located on the ground floor of a beautiful Haussmann building in the city’s 17th arrondissement, has come to life following the vision of Tehrani-Parisian architect and designer Arnaud Behzadi.

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Oka interiors

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Fogo interiors

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

Oka Fogo, Brazilian dining in Paris’ 17th arrondissement

A double helping of contrasting cultures (French and Brazilian) defines Oka Fogo, which houses two restaurant spaces. The first one, Oka, which translates as ‘house’ in the ancient Tupi language, offers a small, dinner-only space connected to the kitchen. The second one, Fogo, meaning ‘fire’, includes a more relaxed dining room and a grill and bar, open for lunch as well as dinner. For intimate occasions, there’s an alcove seating up to six guests, as well as a tasting room with more than 5,000 wine and champagne references.

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Alcove interiors

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Cave interiors

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

It was imperative for Behzadi to translate the warmth and creative rhythms of Brazil while encapsulating the magic of the French capital. Signature chairs by Brazilian architect and designer Sergio Rodrigues feature in both rooms, while the ceiling of Oka and the walls of Fogo feature monumental frescoes by French artist Florence Bamberger, inspired by contemporary Brazilian artist and poet José Francisco Borgès.

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Fogo details

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Alcove details

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

Depictions of Brazilian wildlife, such as jaguars, anacondas, tamanoirs, capybaras, coati rouxes, toucans, and hyacinth macaws, intermingle in the ceiling of Oka. Meanwhile, the walls of Fogo boast a new rendition of Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe, 1863. Wall lights by French designer Cathy Crinon illuminate the contrast between the original building’s stone and its Jatoba wood façade.

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Bathroom details

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

oka fogo restaurant raphael rego arnaud behzadi

Bathroom details

(Image credit: Claire Israel)

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Travel Editor

Sofia de la Cruz is the Travel Editor at Wallpaper*. Before joining the team in 2023, she worked for Hypebae and Hypebeast UK, where she focused on the intersection of art, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she contributed to Futurevvorld by covering a variety of sustainability topics.