It all started in 1981, when young Sandra Marques and Fernando Leite came to Trancoso in search of an alternative life. They opened their first restaurant, in partnership with a couple of friends, in a small house in Quadrado. That was the place where people met, where everything happened. The sequel was the continuation of this 'embryo' restaurant in the family home where the food was prepared on a wood-burning stove with ingredients from the backyard and fresh fish delivered by local fishermen.

Capim Santo opened its doors on January 6, 1985, on the day of the Three Kings. A simple and original idea that germinated and grew, and to this day continues to be part of this scene, maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of that time with the sophistication of today. The desire to welcome went beyond the table and the desire to welcome also transformed into an inn. In 1998, Capim Santo opened its doors in Vila Madalena in São Paulo and is now located in Solar Fábio Prado (former Museu da Casa Brasileira).