Café A Brasileira | Lisbon Cafe | Cafe Lisboa

Café A Brasileira is the oldest and the most famous of all the Lisbon Cafes. Established in 1905 at 120 Rua Garrett in the upmarket Lisbon district of Chiado, this establishment is always buzzing with activity. This art-deco lisbon café has a terrace where visitors can enjoy street performances over a cup of coffee and  ponder the meaning of life with a bronze statue of poet Fernando Pessoa just outside whilst enjoying one of the finest coffees, cafe lisboa style!

Café A Brasileira

Adrian Telles originally opened Café A Brasileira for the purpose of importing and selling Brazilian coffee. However, slowly the space was transformed and has been a hub for poets, writers, thinkers, and intellectuals for decades now. This wonderful Café Lisboa still attracts hundreds of daily customers. 

Its architecture and interiors have been kept to their original design; the mirrored walls, a long oak bar, wooden booths, and brass fittings all add to the appeal. The iconic status and architecture make this café one of the essential places to grab a latté and daily slice of Portuguese culture. 

A popular crowd-puller here is the “bica,” popularly referred to as the espresso. The name of this drink is derived from the famous A Brasileira 1905 catchphrase “beba isto com acucar” meaning “drink this with sugar.” The taste of this drink has not changed all these years and has become somewhat of a feature for the place.

I visit the place usually of an evening when the rush has died down and I can grab a seat outside. As is with all popular places, you can sometimes struggle to get the table or service you require. In my case however, visiting by evening I have always got a great cup of coffee without delay and can say that this is safely one of the best cafes in Lisbon!

These guys should know what they doing, they have been doing it a very long time, since 1905 in fact!

Joshua Benoliel – Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa

Where else for coffee lovers  in Lisbon?

• LX Factory:  This historical industrial complex houses an array of arty retailers, unique restaurants and lisbon cafes! 
• Time Out Lisboa: Open, airy food court featuring a wide selection of global restaurants with family-style seating.
• If you are looking for your quick fix of coffee then you are not far away from another cafe lisboa or indeed the delightful chain franchises. Take a look at the full list of other great lisboa cafes here!
• Or, if you have recharged your batteries enough and are ready for some action then consult our best of Lisbon guide!