Brazil · FOOD
Key Facts
- —What happened A Belo Horizonte pizzeria uses a public square as its dining room.
- —How big The square, Praça Zigue-Zague, hosts live forró and dancing on Mondays.
- —The real story Forno da Saudade has no reservations or waiters; customers order at a counter.
- —The catch City hall denied a reported R$4,000 (US$775) fine over an illuminated sign.
- —Where it is At Rua Patrocínio, 1, in Carlos Prates, northwest of Belo Horizonte’s center.
- —What comes next Open Monday to Saturday 4:30pm-0:30am, Sunday 3:30pm-11:30pm; arrive early.
In Belo Horizonte, a pizzeria’s customers spill onto a public square, turning it into a dining room, dance floor, and lookout.
The Belo Horizonte pizzeria Forno da Saudade turns a public square into its dining room. Customers sit, eat, and dance in Praça Zigue-Zague, which the house uses as an extension of its space.
A Square as Dining Room
In fact, the Belo Horizonte pizzeria Forno da Saudade occupies a large old house facing Praça Zigue-Zague. According to Estadão Paladar, the square works at the same time as dining room, pavement, dance floor, and lookout.
Therefore, the public space becomes part of the venue. In fact, the city’s tourism portal notes there is live music and forró for dancers at the address.
The square’s name, Praça Zigue-Zague, means Zigzag Square. Meanwhile, this public space is a key part of the dining experience.
The square’s public nature means anyone can join the gathering. However, the house uses this open space as its own dining room.
Belo Horizonte pizzeria’s neighborhood location
Forno da Saudade sits at Rua Patrocínio, 1, in the Carlos Prates neighborhood. This residential area lies on high ground northwest of Belo Horizonte’s center.
Belo Horizonte, often shortened to BH, is the capital of Minas Gerais state in southeastern Brazil. It is the country’s sixth-largest city, about 430 km north of Rio de Janeiro.
The address is Rua Patrocínio, 1, in Carlos Prates. In addition, the city’s tourism portal lists this exact location.
Carlos Prates sits on high ground northwest of the city center. In addition, the neighborhood is residential and quiet.
The Meaning Behind the Name
The name Forno da Saudade translates roughly as ‘the oven of longing. ‘ Meanwhile, saudade is a Portuguese word for a warm longing for something absent.
So the name itself evokes a sense of nostalgia. This fits the cozy, communal atmosphere of the square.
The name evokes a sense of nostalgia for what is absent. However, the venue itself is a permanent, welcoming place.
The name evokes a warm longing for what is absent. Still, the venue itself is a permanent, welcoming place.
How Service Works
The pizzeria does not take reservations and has no table service. Instead, you order at a counter, receive a paper ticket or ficha, and collect your food and drink yourself.
According to BH Dicas, you can sit in the square itself or at some tables. There are no waiters, and entry is free, though food and drink are paid for.
You order at a counter and receive a paper ticket. After that, you collect your food and drink yourself, with no waiters.
Monday Forró Nights
On Mondays, the square hosts forró, a northeastern Brazilian dance music played with accordion, zabumba drum, and triangle. G1 Minas lists the forró at Forno da Saudade starting from 6pm.
Meanwhile, a specialist forró listing gives the start time as 8pm. Both times are published, so arrive early to catch the music and the lively atmosphere.
Forró is a northeastern Brazilian dance music played in couples. In addition, it is a weekly fixture in Belo Horizonte bars and squares.
Both published start times are 6pm and 8pm, attributed to G1 and a forró listing. Meanwhile, the square becomes a dance floor for couples.
Who Runs the Pizzeria
Moreover, the pizzeria is run by Grupo Viela, a local hospitality group. Rafael Quick is the owner and a member of Grupo Viela, according to BHAZ.
The venue occupies a large old house up in Carlos Prates, as described by Rede 98. It’s a permanent establishment, not a temporary event.
Rafael Quick is the owner and a member of Grupo Viela. Meanwhile, the group runs this pizzeria-bar in a large old house.
Grupo Viela runs this pizzeria-bar in a large old house. Moreover, Rafael Quick is the owner and a member of the group.
The Sign Controversy
The pizzeria has had its run-ins with city hall. In 2025, BHAZ reported a dispute over its illuminated sign, raised publicly by former city councillor Gabriel Azevedo.
However, the city hall denied this. The PBH stated that inspectors gave guidance to remove banners from a cultural heritage building, but no fine was recorded.
The owner said the sum related to a banner announcing a temporary closure, not the sign. The city hall denied any fine related to the sign.
As a result, the inspectors’ union said the issue was with the law, not enforcement.
No Reservations, No Cover
The house does not take reservations, and entry is free. Estadão Paladar’s service note confirms the hours and no-reservations policy.
Rede 98 advises arriving early, as the square fills up. The forró gathering is described as free and public space.
Entry is free, and the square is a public space. However, you still pay for your food and drinks.
Plan Your Visit
Forno da Saudade is open Monday to Saturday from 4:30pm to 0:30am, and Sunday from 3:30pm to 11:30pm. It’s best to arrive early, especially on Monday for the forró.
While menu prices are not published, you can expect pizza and focaccia. The square is public, so you can enjoy the open-air dining experience.
The venue is open Monday to Saturday from 4:30pm to 0:30am. Meanwhile, Sunday hours are 3:30pm to 11:30pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Forno da Saudade located?
The Belo Horizonte pizzeria is at Rua Patrocínio, 1, in the Carlos Prates neighborhood. It faces Praça Zigue-Zague, which serves as its outdoor dining area.
Does Forno da Saudade take reservations?
No, the pizzeria does not take reservations. Entry is free, and you order at a counter, then collect your food and drink yourself.
What are the opening hours?
It’s open Monday to Saturday from 4:30pm to 0:30am, and Sunday from 3:30pm to 11:30pm. Arrive early, as there is no reservation system.
Is there live music on Mondays?
Yes, on Mondays there is forró in the square. G1 Minas says it starts at 6pm, while a forró listing says 8pm, so check both times.
Connected Coverage
Sources: Estadão Paladar; Portal Oficial de Belo Horizonte; G1 Minas; BHAZ; Rede 98; BH Dicas; Banco Central do Brasil.
This article was drafted with automated assistance and reviewed before publication. How we use AI · Report an error
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