Carlino Ristorante holds the title of the oldest restaurant still in operation in the capital of São Paulo, making it an unmissable gastronomic heritage of the city. Founded in the late 19th century, when Dom Pedro II was still emperor, the restaurant has been serving traditional Tuscan cuisine ever since. That’s why visiting it means taking a delicious journey through the flavors of Italy!
São Paulo’s oldest restaurant has been around since the Brazilian Empire
In 1881, before the Proclamation of the Republic, the Tuscan immigrant Carlo Cecchini ( ) opened a cantina in Largo do Paissandu, where the Galeria do Rock is currently located. Over the years, management passed to fellow Tuscan Marcello Gianni, who moved the Carlino restaurant to Largo do Arouche.
Years later, the establishment passed into the hands of Antonio Carlos Marino. The son of Italian immigrants, the new owner maintained the restaurant’s Mediterranean essence, preserving the original recipes and a service style that values a close relationship with the customer.
After a three-year hiatus, São Paulo’s oldest restaurant reopened its doors in 2005 in Vila Buarque. Over its 145-year history, Carlino has attracted celebrities such as Fernanda Montenegro and Adoniran Barbosa —who, according to management, even had a regular table there!
Check out the menu at Carlino Ristorante
Carlino’s menu stands out for keeping the Italian essence alive. After all , many of the dishes remain identical to the originals, with handmade pasta served in generous portions.
The Coniglio alla Lucchese ( rabbit stewed with dried porcini mushrooms, tomatoes, and red wine), for example, is one of the oldest items on the menu. Served with pasta and potatoes, it remains a customer favorite to this day.
For those who prefer seafood, Chef Bianca Marino also offers risottos and pastas with shrimp, squid, shellfish, and other flavors of Italian coastal cuisine. Check out Carlino’s full menu on the restaurant’s website!
📍 Rua Epitácio Pessoa, 85 – Vila Buarque
📅 Tuesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
🍝 More information at @carlinoristorante or via WhatsApp (11) 95840-3292
