Café Martinho da Arcada

Part of a long tradition of literary cafés in Lisbon, Martinho da Arcada was, until recently, one of the places where Saramago would jot down some notes during his visits to Lisbon. Pessoa had done the same in his time, and the weight of literary history here is so great that the décor, beyond the typical azulejos, consists entirely of photographs of local poets — with those of Pessoa, naturally, taking pride of place.

It holds its own against other historic establishments across Europe. Having opened 50 years after the world's oldest restaurant (the Botín in Madrid), Martinho da Arcada is a journey through the most authentic side of the city. Its original name, in 1778, was "Café Da Neve," and it is the oldest café in Lisbon.

And although it calls itself a café, it also offers an extensive Portuguese food menu averaging around €30 per person. The "arroz de pato" (duck rice) and "cabrito assado" (roast kid) are standout dishes. But if a full meal isn't what you're after, don't hold back — order a good coffee to recharge before heading out to explore the city.

It is located next to the Praça do Comércio.

Address

Praça do Comércio 3

Hours

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

How to get there?

Metro Baixa-Chiado or Terreiro do Paço. Just steps from Praça do Comércio