Entrepreneur And Educational Philanthropist João Mendes Miranda’s Go-To New York City Seafood Restaurants

Brazilian philanthropist and digital marketing innovator João Mendes' journey took shape from an early age in the world of entertainment before the entrepreneur went on to found one of the largest event and influencer marketing agencies in Latin America at the age of 24.

Now operating at the helm of a slew of successful marketing businesses and charitable organizations—including Ingresso Digital, MegaDreams, and Tudo Pela Inteligência—he continues to make his mark in the digital world and beyond.

Currently based out of Orlando, Florida, Mendes got his start in the luxury real estate market in Rio de Janeiro, before seizing the budding opportunities offered by celebrity and influencer marketing. His fruitful experiences from ventures in real estate and digital marketing brought him across the world to pursue his true passion of creating opportunities for the underprivileged.

Enter: Soulphia. Founded in 2017 and boosted by Mendes in 2019, Soulphia was created with a mission of providing digital employment, educational, and language opportunities for women experiencing homelessness. Spearheaded by Mendes, Soulphia connects women residing in shelters across the USA with people around the world seeking to learn English.

Soulphia now has a global team of instructors conducting online classes for thousands of students in over 40 different countries. The organization helps to transform the lives of these students by bridging educational gaps and creating a platform built on mutual growth and understanding.

"I feel immensely fortunate to have been a part of something with such great impact,” Mendes shares. “This is truly a cause that has tangibly changed the lives of so many women.”

Mendes’ efforts in the realm of philanthropy includes supporting numerous initiatives aimed at bettering educational opportunities for underprivileged children, as well as, improving access to affordable healthcare services for those most in need.

Currently, Mendes's focus has shifted to his latest project, Tudo Pela Inteligência. TPI aims to prepare individuals for the evolving demands of AI technology for a future in which tech advancement and human expertise can coexist harmoniously. By offering a variety of resources to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to work alongside AI technologies, Mendes and TPI have been diligently working to transform potential job loss into new opportunities for growth and innovation.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Mendes’ interests extend to a lifelong love of adventure traveling. An avid fan of globetrotting, Mendes has formed a deep appreciation for different cultures and cuisines along the way.

"Travel is a form of education," Mendes insists. "It broadens your perspectives, helps you understand different cultures, and introduces you to a world of culinary rarities. I’ve fallen in love with so many places throughout the years."

New York City in particular has become a favorite destination for the businessman. For years, the CEO has been drawn to the city's vibrant food scene—most notably its seafood offerings.

"New York City's seafood scene is unmatched," says Mendes. "The freshness, the variety, the creativity—there’s no other city in the world that even comes close to New York’s quality.”

With that said, here are his top three go-to seafood restaurants in The Big Apple.

Le Bernardin

At the top of Mendes’ list is Le Bernardin, a Michelin three-starred French seafood restaurant located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Under the leadership of Chef Eric Ripert, Le Bernardin has earned a globally recognized reputation for its exceptional seafood cuisine. Mendes, a long-time fine dining enthusiast, is particularly impressed with the restaurant's artful presentation and complex flavors.

"Every dish at Le Bernardin is a work of art," Mendes says. "The flavors are complex and well-balanced, and each plate is presented with such finesse it is almost a shame to disrupt it."

Standouts include the Almost Raw Bar and Smoked Salmon-Caviar Croque Monsieur, each boasting a unique blend of flavors pleasing to the palate. But, for Mendes, what truly sets Le Bernardin apart is their commitment to sustainability. From sourcing ethically caught seafood to minimizing food waste, Le Bernardin's philosophy aligns with Miranda's own values. This conscious approach, combined with the restaurant's elegant atmosphere, truly captures the essence of luxury dining.

Hancock St.

A short walk south of Le Bernardin will take you through New York’s scenic Washington Square park, conveniently dropping you off at Mendes’ next location: West Village’s contemporary Viennese-inspired Hancock St. Featuring a cozy 75-seat interior dining room with a scenic sidewalk garden view, Hancock St. Offers up a crowd-pleasing combination of crudo, homemade pasta, fresh oysters and premium cut meats.

“If you’re heading out with a group who can’t decide where to eat, this is the perfect place," Mendes says. "t’s in Lower Manhattan, so whether you’re going out after work, taking a walk through the park, or just looking for a nice, intimate place to eat some great food, Hancock St. is the place.”

Amidst an impressive lineup of Prime Steak Tartare, Duck Radiatore, and King Salmon En Croute, Mendes recommends the Kampachi and Fluke Crudo.

“You’ll find some of the freshest fish in the city here, and the raw bar is incredible,” Mendes notes. “Serge Becker and John McDonald have really done a fantastic job creating one of the best restaurants in Manhattan.

Marea

Next on Mendes’ esteemed list is Marea, a coastal Italian-inspired seafood restaurant overlooking the scenic southern edge of Central Park. Led by James Beard Award-winning Chef Michael White, Marea is internationally renowned for its fresh, high-quality seafood dishes and its unique blend of Italian flavors with an emphasis on specialty caviar and white truffle offerings.

Each visit to Marea is an experience for Mendes, starting with the star of the show, the Regalis Two-Tone Osetra Caviar. “Every time I make it to Marea, I have to start with the caviar,” Mendes admits. “It’s one of those special dishes I treat myself to, and Marea’s caviar is top-shelf. It's a delicate indulgence that sets the tone for the rest of the meal."

From there, the culinary journey continues with a variety of homemade pastas, but the fusilli with octopus and bone marrow is a personal favorite. "It's a dish that perfectly embodies the essence of Italian cuisine – simple ingredients, perfectly executed," he adds. He also commends Marea's extensive wine list, which complements their menu perfectly, and the restaurant's extraordinary service, which turns each meal into a memorable experience.

Cucina 8 ½

Adding to Mendes’ New York favorites is Cucina 8 1/2, a vibrant Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of New York’s Theater District. With its traditional Italian cuisine and an extensive wine list, Cucina 8 1/2 provides a warm and authentic Italian dining experience. The restaurant, led by an expert team of chefs, is known for its homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and quality meats, all prepared with the freshest ingredients.

"Cucina 8 1/2 is a hidden gem," exclaims Miranda. "The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the food is always exceptional." He particularly recommends the Poached Swordfish Pesce Spada, finished off with a side of pecorino romano broccoli rabe."

"The swordfish is perfectly cooked, and the salmoriglio is a perfectly bright and herbaceous complement," he adds. He also praises Cucina 8 1/2's wine list, noting that it offers a wide range of Italian wines that pair perfectly with their dishes. Beyond the food, Miranda appreciates the restaurant's warm ambiance and excellent service, making each visit a delightful experience.

Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant

Finally, tucked away inside New York City’s legendary Grand Central Station sits none other than the landmark Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Famous for its extensive selection of oysters and modern twists on classic seafood fare, Grand Central Oyster Bar is a must-visit for anyone seeking a dining experience steeped in history and character.

“The Grand Central Oyster Bar is a New York institution," Mendes says. "The atmosphere is wholly unique, the seafood is always top-notch, and the history alone makes it worth the trip."

Originally opened in 1913 by Cornelius Vanderbilt and revived by Chef Jerome Brody, The Oyster Bar offers a variety of quality shellfish and cocktails pairings. Mendes’ favorite is the signature Oysters Rockefeller, a dish that marries the freshness of the sea with a rich, indulgent sauce. But beyond the food, Mendes also praises the restaurant's enduring charm, its vaulted, Guastavino-tile ceilings, and its commitment to serving the freshest seafood in a truly iconic setting.