Iconic 1905 Art Deco cafe in Chiado where poet Fernando Pessoa spent hours. Beautiful interiors, outdoor seating with Pessoa statue, traditional Portuguese coffee culture.
A Brasileira is a historic cafe on Rua Garrett in Lisbon's Chiado district, opened in 1905 and long associated with the city's artistic and literary life. The poet Fernando Pessoa was a regular, and a bronze statue of him seated at a table on the terrace has become one of the most photographed spots in the neighbourhood. The Art Deco interior, with dark wood, mirrors and period lamps, preserves the feel of an early twentieth-century Lisbon coffeehouse. The cafe helped popularise the bica, the small, strong Lisbon espresso, and the coffee remains its main draw. Typical orders are a bica or galao (milky coffee in a tall glass) with a pastel de nata, the custard tart, and the menu also lists toasted sandwiches, bifana pork rolls, cakes and light meals. Beer, wine, port and simple cocktails are available later in the day. The atmosphere is busy and sociable, with a mix of tourists, office workers and locals, and the noise level rises when the terrace is full. Service is brisk and table service costs more than standing at the counter, a long-standing practice in Portuguese cafes; many visitors drink at the bar to save money. The cafe is open daily from 8am to 2am, so it works for breakfast, an afternoon break or a late drink. Reservations are not taken and tables are first come, first served, with queues for terrace seats in summer. Prices are higher than in neighbourhood cafes because of the location and the history, but a coffee and pastry remain modest. It is a convenient stop on a walk between Praça Luís de Camões, the Carmo ruins and the Baixa, and is a natural place to read about Pessoa and the Chiado literary scene.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 8am-2am |
| Reservations | Walk-in |
| Address | Rua Garrett 120, 1200-273 Lisboa |
Signature dishes
- Bica (Espresso) — $1.50
- Pastel de Nata — $2
- Bifana — $4
Location
Rua Garrett 120, 1200-273 Lisboa
38.7107, -9.1409 View on map
Highlights
- 1905 Art Deco cafe in Chiado, Lisbon
- Bronze statue of poet Fernando Pessoa on the terrace
- Bica espresso with a pastel de nata
- Open daily from 8am to 2am
- Mirrored, dark-wood interior preserving early twentieth-century character
Tips for visiting
- Standing at the counter is cheaper than table or terrace service
- Visit early morning to see the interior without crowds
- Terrace seats by the Pessoa statue fill quickly in summer
- Try the bica rather than a large coffee, as locals do
- Late evening is a quieter time for a drink after the Chiado crowds thin
When to visit
Early mornings and late evenings are calmer; mid-afternoon in summer is the busiest period.
Accessibility
The cafe sits on a sloping, cobbled street in Chiado. Wheelchair users should check on arrival whether the entrance and interior layout suit their needs; the pavement terrace is the easiest option.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is A Brasileira famous?
It opened in 1905 and was a meeting place for writers and artists, including Fernando Pessoa, who is commemorated by a statue outside.
Can tables be reserved?
No. Seating is first come, first served.
What should be ordered?
A bica espresso with a pastel de nata is the classic choice; bifanas and toasted sandwiches are also served.
Is it cheaper to drink at the counter?
Yes. As in most Portuguese cafes, counter prices are lower than table service.