Pharmácia Café & Restaurant, in Porto's Bonfim district, occupies a converted pharmacy building and has become one of the neighbourhood's most popular spots for weekend brunch, retaining decorative nods to its former use — apothecary-style shelving and vintage fittings — alongside a modern café menu. The food centres on a weekend brunch plate and café staples like a flat white with croissant, appealing to a younger, design-conscious crowd rather than diners seeking traditional Portuguese cooking. Natural wines feature alongside the coffee and brunch menu, and the space regularly displays local art, reinforcing its identity as a creative neighbourhood hangout rather than a straightforward restaurant. Bonfim itself has developed into one of Porto's more up-and-coming residential and creative districts, and Pharmácia Café reflects that shift, drawing both local regulars and visitors exploring the area beyond the historic centre. Weekend brunch service draws the steadiest crowds and can involve a short wait, while weekday mornings and afternoons tend to be considerably quieter and easier to walk into.
Signature dishes
- Weekend brunch plate — €14 (~$16.24)
- Flat white + croissant — €4.20 (~$4.87)
Good to know
- Known for
- Hip Bonfim café in a converted pharmacy — great brunch, natural wines, and local art
- Hours
- Mon–Sat 9AM–7PM; closed Sunday
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Location
Rua do Bonfim 243, 4300-064 Porto
41.1508, -8.5978 View on map
Highlights
- Converted pharmacy building with original apothecary-style fittings
- Popular weekend brunch spot in Porto's up-and-coming Bonfim district
- Natural wine selection alongside coffee and brunch
- Rotating local art on display throughout the space
Tips for visiting
- Expect a short wait for weekend brunch — arrive early or go on a weekday
- Weekday mornings and afternoons are quieter and easier to walk into
- Pair the brunch plate with a natural wine rather than just coffee
- Closed Sundays, so plan a Saturday visit for the weekend brunch
Accessibility
The café is at street level with step-free entry and an open, casual seating layout suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
Is this restaurant busy on weekends?
Yes, weekend brunch draws steady crowds and can involve a short wait, while weekdays are considerably quieter.
Was this really a pharmacy?
Yes, the space is a converted pharmacy building that retains some of its original apothecary-style shelving and fittings.
Is it open on Sundays?
No, it is closed on Sundays, operating Monday through Saturday.
What neighbourhood is it in?
It is in Bonfim, one of Porto's increasingly creative and residential districts east of the historic centre.