Café Pastelaria Benard

Many tourists overlook this charming teahouse for the guidebook favourite, the neighbouring Café A Brasileira. But this is a mistake because Benard is a far more authentic experience, and its beautiful interior really does evoke a genuine late 19th-century atmosphere. Furthermore, its yummy range of cakes and pastries knock the competition into touch. This is a wonderful place to indulge in morning coffee and one of the café's famous chocolate croissants. Alternatively, late afternoon tea is a very civilized way to end the day. The pavement terrace fills up quickly but venturing indoors will reveal Benard's true character, refined and ever so slightly posh. Before you leave, take a look at the restaurant. The period detail alone is reason enough to book a table.