Casa Villarino was founded in 1953 by the Spanish. Strategically located in the center of the city where, at the time, the main radio stations, newspaper headquartes and record companies of the whole state were also located, Casa Villarino became a reference of carioca bohemia with a mix of restaurant, bar and grocery warehouse. The place was frequented by intelectuals, musicians, poets, and journalists who gathered after their work day to drink some nice whisky and chat to their delight. With so many musicians attending the place, the restaurant became one of the birthplaces of Bossa Nova.