Lisbon Cafés & Bakeries

There’s nothing more amusing to the Portuguese than bombarding us foreign tourists with an overabundance of different names to describe similar items and the names of Portugal’s eateries are no exception. However with a mere basic understanding of each term used can help you match the dining experience to your tastes, appetite and budget. MADABOUTLISBON.COM is here to guide you through.

The Portuguese love their caffeine hits and establishments who simply call themselves “Cafés” could quite simply be in business to provide a local with a quick Bica (short expresso type of coffee) and a pastry. Quite often there is a table service as generally people usually don’t hang around after they had their fix.

A Casa de Chá specialises in tea and will usually have a wide selection of herbal and non-herbal teas. In remote non-touristy areas when your request for a “Chá com Leite” - tea with milk may be received with much confusion as the concept of adding milk in tea to them is alien. But worth a try if only for the entertainment factor.

The window display of a typical Pastelaria is one of the many wonders in a traditional Lisbon street and inside is a treasure trove of confectionary delights. The Portuguese certainly have a sweet tooth and trying their cakes and pastries is a must in any trip to Lisbon, including the world famous Pasteis de Nata. Look out for a notice saying ‘fabrico próprio’ or made in house. A Pastelaria (a bakery) is also the best place to have breakfast or brunch. Enjoy an array of sandwiches and toastas from locally baked bread. Also, look out for small chicken pies called “Empada de Galinha” which are particularly tasty any time of the day. A Padaria is a bakery with a more savoury focus and is more likely to bake its own bread.

Quite a broad definition describes a Snack Bar where what type of food on offer varies from “Petiscos or Portuguese Tapas, and simple dishes to local cuisine. Generally a low key easy going and non-pretentious establishment where you’re free to pop in just to whet your whistle or enjoy a good meal at a good price. A Cervejaria literally means a beer house but don’t expect rows of world beer brands on tap at the bar. Like a snack bar, they offer casual dining and good value food but feel free to pop in if you only need to blow the froth off a cold one. What is know as a Bar is usually associated with drinking and a night out.

Lisbon’s Kiosks or Quiosque in Portuguese are quaint little cabins with a distinctive gazebo shaped profile located in key areas where there’s a great view, close to famous landmarks and in public parks. What they serve vary from kiosk to kiosk but generally a selection of drinks, snacks and simple dishes. They make a great way to spend an hour soaking up Lisbon’s atmosphere, do some people watching and have your tired feet pecked by curious pigeons.