The streets around the Federal University in the São Mateus neighbourhood have the densest cluster of restaurants in Juiz de Fora. Most are straightforward self-service buffets serving Mineiro staples — rice, beans, tutu de feijão, frango ao molho pardo, and always a piece of pork or fried mandioca on the side. Portions are large and prices are student-budget friendly.
The best approach is to walk along Rua Espírito Santo and its cross-streets around midday, when the lunch trade is at full swing. Several places charge by the kilo; a full plate rarely costs more than R$25–35. Quality varies but the competition keeps standards reasonable.