Café
Coffee Lab
Isabela Raposeiras's specialty coffee café, roastery and barista school in Vila Madalena, focused on traceable microlots from named producers.
Casa Godinho
A grocery founded in 1888 and on Rua Líbero Badaró since 1924, recognised as intangible heritage of the city and famous for its empadas and coffee at the counter.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic grocery and coffee counter
- Area
- Centro, São Paulo, Brazil
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- merceariagodinho.com.br
Good to know
- Coffee counter
- Empadas
- Imported groceries
- Wines
Why we recommend it
Casa Godinho is one of the oldest businesses in São Paulo. Founded in 1888, it has occupied its premises at Rua Líbero Badaró 340, in the old centre, since 1924, and in 2013 it was declared part of the city's intangible cultural heritage. The shop presents itself as a traditional emporium of central São Paulo, and stepping inside has been compared by the Veja São Paulo guide to travelling back in time.
This is a grocery rather than a café in the modern sense, which is exactly its charm. Shelves hold imported goods, fine cold cuts, dried fruit, wines, breads and bacalhau (salt cod), alongside sweets, savoury snacks and sandwiches. Many customers come for the empadas, small savoury pies, which Veja São Paulo's Comer & Beber guide once named the best in the city, and for a coffee taken standing at the counter. Party cakes and panettone are also sold.
Casa Godinho was included in a 2020 Veja São Paulo list of 50 establishments that have been open for more than 40 years. A visit takes as long as you like, from a quick empada and coffee to a slow browse of the shelves for edible souvenirs.
The shop's website does not publish opening hours, so call or send a WhatsApp message before visiting, especially at weekends. Orders and enquiries can be made on +55 11 3105 1625, +55 11 3104 1520 or WhatsApp, or by email at [email protected].
Casa Godinho is one of several long-running businesses that make the historic centre rewarding for food lovers. Ponto Chic on Largo do Paissandu has served its Bauru sandwich since the recipe was created there in 1937, and Bar Brahma, founded in 1948 at the corner of Avenida Ipiranga and Avenida São João, still offers draught beer and live music. Visiting all three in a day is a good way to see how the old centre has fed and entertained the city for generations.
Casa Godinho suits food lovers, history enthusiasts and anyone looking for an authentic stop while exploring the centre on foot. It fits naturally into a walk that takes in the Theatro Municipal, the Mosteiro de São Bento and the Farol Santander, and makes a good alternative to a sit-down café when you want something quick and traditional.
Casa Godinho FAQs
When was Casa Godinho founded?
In 1888. It has been at Rua Líbero Badaró 340 since 1924.
Is it a protected heritage site?
It was declared part of São Paulo's intangible cultural heritage in 2013.
What should I try?
The empadas, once named the best in São Paulo by Veja São Paulo, with a coffee at the counter.
What else does it sell?
Imported goods, cold cuts, dried fruit, wine, bacalhau, sweets, sandwiches, cakes and panettone.
What are the opening hours?
The website does not publish them, so call or message before you go.
How can I contact the shop?
By phone on +55 11 3105 1625 or +55 11 3104 1520, by WhatsApp or by email at [email protected].
Is there seating?
It is a traditional grocery where coffee is taken at the counter.
What is nearby?
The Theatro Municipal, the Mosteiro de São Bento and the Farol Santander are all in the historic centre.