About the Book

Enter the creative culinary world of Alberto Landgraf, chef and owner of one of Latin America's most celebrated restaurants.

Located in Botafogo, one of Rio de Janeiro's most fashionable neighborhoods, the Michelin-starred restaurant Oteque regularly features on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and is widely regarded as one of Latin America's best restaurants. In his first authorial monograph, Alberto Landgraf details his creative approach to culinary art, revealing how his uniquely innovative and intellectual take on contemporary Brazilian cuisine has earned the restaurant a passionate global following.

Structured around Landgraf's guiding principles, Oteque brings together essays, recipes, and stunning photography to tell the story of this exceptional gastronomic destination. Each chapter begins with an essay by food journalist Andrea Petrini, whose vivid narratives transport readers into the heart of this acclaimed restaurant. Highlighting the restaurant's commitment to sustainability, ethical farming practices, and local ingredients, every recipe in the book includes precise carbon footprint data, calculated using the same technology Landgraf employs in his menu to reduce the restaurant's environmental impact.

Throughout the book, captivating photographs of Brazil's natural landscapes and coastline are paired with images of Landgraf's signature dishes, further illustrating his naturalistic approach and connection to the region.

About the Author

Alberto Landgraf is one of Latin America's most influential chefs, and his Michelin-starred restaurant Oteque in Rio de Janeiro frequently appears on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Born in Brazil, of German-Japanese descent, Alberto left physics in his early twenties to dedicate himself to gastronomy. He trained at Westminster College in London, where he honed his craft under culinary giants including Tom Aikens and Gordon Ramsay, before returning to Brazil. He opened his first restaurant, Epice, in São Paulo in 2011, and launched Oteque in 2018. At Oteque, he blends a contemporary, global style of haute cuisine with indigenous Brazilian ingredients, creating world-class minimalist gastronomy.

Andrea Petrini, born in Italy and based in France, is a journalist, writer, and food critic. He is the president of the French jury for The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and the founder of the gastronomic culture festival Gelinaz. He and Alberto have collaborated closely for years, and his essays are based on extensive interviews about Alberto's life and methodology.

Reviews

"The Amazon region is anything but ordinary, and the way Oteque, and Chef Alberto himself, embrace its richness with such curiosity and conviction is truly exceptional. His constant pursuit of a better and deeper understanding perfectly aligns with the diversity of this region, making this book a beautiful reflection of its spirit." – Julien Royer, Chef and Owner of Odette

"I have deep respect for Alberto and Oteque, which represents a rare balance between technical excellence and emotional intelligence. Alberto's work is subtle, rigorous, and deeply personal. This book is an honest and powerful reflection of his vision and cuisine that speaks softly, but with great conviction." – Rodolfo Guzman

"I've worked with many chefs in my kitchen, and you can assess how good they are within minutes. That's why I immediately felt something very special with Alberto – that feeling is extremely rare, when you recognize you have a future star in front of you. Throughout my career, I've worked with only a few such talents, and I knew Alberto was one of them. He absorbed and understood everything instantly, adhered to routine, listened carefully, and constantly strived to give his best." – Tom Aikens

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