Café Martinho da Arcada

Cuisine: European, Portuguese

Last updated on June 12, 2021

Price Range: $$

10Best Says

Admirers of Fernando Pessoa's work should pop into this historic cafe not only to sample the simple and authentic cuisine but also to see where the great Portuguese poet used to sit and order his afternoon coffee and aguardiente. Martinho da Arcada was founded in 1782, making it one of Lisbon's oldest cafes. Pessoa (1888--1935) had a favourite table inside the main salon and this has been lovingly preserved for posterity. Photographs of the man also adorn the walls. Customers can order a drink or something more substantial and very often choose to sit at one of the tables on the terrace that overlooks Praca do Comercio.

Address:

Praça do Comércio 3
Lisbon, 1100-148

Phone:

+351 21 887 9259

Website:

martinhodaarcada.pt

EXPERT TIPS BY: Paul Bernhardt
Lisbon Local Expert

Baixa/Chiado's Best Restaurants: "Check out Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa's favourite table. Unfortunately you can't sit at the table, but photographs are permitted."

Best for Baixa/Chiado's Best Restaurants Because: Steeped in history and revered by the Portuguese for its association with one of their greatest literary figures