Cafe Gelo

Cafe Gelo is one of the longest established eateries in Lisbon, beginning life in 1890 as Botequim do Gonzaga and later Cafe Freitas before adopting its present name in the mid-20th century when it became an ice cream parlour. Once frequented by writers, politicians and intellectuals, Cafe Gelo became the focus of national attention in 1962 when an anti-fascist took place nearby, a gathering banned by the dictatorship of the time. Several demonstrators lost their lives in the riots that followed. Today the scene is much quieter, the cafe attracting hungry tourists eager for one of their pao com chourico (spicy sausage roll) or a fresh fruit cup crammed with chilled slices of mango, kiwi, pineapple, melon and papaya and one of the healthiest street food options in town.