Today we present you with 8 famous cafés in Portugal, most of them with a big history behind them. Many celebrities and important people from the Portuguese society and abroad had their coffee and passed their time in these cafés. Porto, Braga, Lisbon and Coimbra are the home to these iconic cafés in Portugal.
Table of Contents
Cafés in Portugal
Majestic Café – Porto
In December 1922, the Majestic Café opened in one of the most known shopping streets of Porto: Rua de Santa Catarina. The front of the Café already gives you a hint of what you might encounter inside… The luxurious decor is a definite surprise for tourists. J. K Rowling, the author of Harry Potter books actually came here regularly and stated that she wrote some passages of the books in this beautiful café in Porto.
So, what better place to be inspired than the Art Nouveau Majestic?
Café Guarany – Porto
Our next famous café in Portugal is also located in Porto. Café Guarany followed the resurgence of cafés in Porto, and opened in 1933. Its name is inspired by the South American Indigenous people who once ruled the region of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Panamá.
Many intellectuals and business men of the 30s came here. Today it is still an iconic café in Porto, decorated in an art nouveau and art deco style. Check the amazing interior here!
Not enough of Porto? See what to eat in Porto right here.
Café A Brasileira – Braga
At the start of the 20th century, a new café came to Braga. Café A Brasileira has deep ties to the intellectual, artistic and cultural circles of Portugal. It is located in the Avenida Central and has an elegant and charming look to it. Peacefully sip your cappuccino or espresso before exploring the Portuguese stores nearby. There’s also a Cafe Brasileira with the same name in Lisbon and in Porto. The brand A Brasileira was founded by a coffee merchant Adriano Telles that lived in Brazil and returned to Portugal with his coffee business experience.
To see the menu of this café in Braga click here (and then on the UK flag on the top right corner for the English version). By the way, Frigideiras, translated as frying pan or pan, is a very special meat based pie, eaten as a snack or for a quick lunch.
Café Vianna – Braga
Next, we present one of the oldest cafés in Portugal: Café Vianna. There is a date on one of the walls (1871), which supposedly marks the beginning of Café Vianna. However, there is newspaper evidence that it opened earlier, with references dating back to 1858.
Be wowed by an elegant belle époque architecture that can still be seen after some recent renovations. The vintage décor and marble tables are staples of this café in Braga. Even a famous Portuguese writer, Eça de Queirós, came here! Nowadays you can have a snack or eat a full lunch accompanied by vinho verde. The name Vinho verde is said to come from the green landscape of the humid Minho region.
Martinho da Arcada – Lisbon
We talked about Café Vianna but actually, it’s not the oldest cafe in Portugal… The oldest one is actually a café in Lisbon. Martinho da Arcada was founded in 1778, as a small drinks shop and today it is also a restaurant. The inauguration was in 1782, but its present name was only adopted around 1845.
Members of nobility, rich and famous people passed through those doors. So, as soon as you step in you’ll feel like you’re stepping into Portuguese history.
Pastéis de Belém Pastry Shop – Lisbon
To find the original recipe of the famous Pasteis de Nata, you’ll have to travel to Lisbon. Sure, you will find many Pasteís de Nata in several cafés in Portugal. However, there’s one place where these pastéis de nata are special. In the Belém area, you’ll discover a pastry shop called Pastéis de Belém (the same name these cute little puff pastries are called when you buy them here).
A cup of coffee and a pastel de Belém, with cinnamon and sugar, is all you need to feel energized and explore the city of Lisbon. Unfortunately, the recipe is a secret … or fortunately because the café has been running since 1837!
Confeitaria Nacional – Lisbon
While still in Lisbon, be sure to visit Confeitaria Nacional, which opened in 1829. A time where Portugal was in a civil war between liberals and absolutists. Even though it was a difficult time, the café soon became a favorite of the elites. In 1873, it became the Portuguese Royal House’s supplier and, later on, the presidents’ favorite. Notice the neoclassical details and elements of wood that give it a cozy feeling. Enjoy bolo-rei or rice cakes (bolos de arroz) with a cup of warm tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
Learn more about its history right here.
Visiting Lisbon? Don’t forget to see the local markets.
Café Santa Cruz – Coimbra
In 1923, a new café in Coimbra emerged. This emblematic café is called Café Santa Cruz. It is part of the old building of the 16th century Church of Santa Cruz. The colorful stained-glass windows have witnessed many cultural events, including fado nights, that continue to this day.
Drink a glass of wine and enjoy the free show with your friends around 6 PM or 10 PM (according to the website there is no 10PM session on Sundays).
Every stop brings a new aroma, a new view and a delicious cup of coffee. May your travels be as memorable as these Cafés in Portugal!
See our Food & Drinks section for more food-related suggestions.
