Chef Manoella Buffara is the owner of Manu, a restaurant in Curitiba that opened in 2011. The small, exclusive restaurant serves around 20 people each night, focusing on seasonal ingredients, 60% of which are vegetables.
Manu prioritizes local sourcing, with 80% of her suppliers located within a 300-kilometer radius. Buffara is known for her commitment to sustainability, supporting native Brazilian bee conservation, and promoting community-driven urban gardens in Curitiba.
In 2023, Chef Buffara expanded her work in the hospitality industry, managing the Suryaa boutique hotel, which offers a sophisticated experience in Curitiba. She also became a partner in Exímia Bar, a venue promoting Brazilian bar culture with a global influence.
Chef Buffara has also been active in social initiatives through her Manu Buffara Institute, which organizes events like Alimenta Curitiba, supporting food distribution and education for underserved communities. A judge for the Basque Prize, she continues to drive innovation and sustainability in Brazilian gastronomy.
