Lisbon’s most famous café opened in 1905 selling the “genuine Brazilian coffee”. It is told that the bica, a strong espresso coffee that the locals drink, was invented here.
With the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910, A Brasileira became a meeting point for Portuguese intellectuals, writers and artists, including Fernando Pessoa, Portugal’s most celebrated twentieth century poet , Mário de Sá-Carneiro and Almada Negreiros who brought Modernism into the Portuguese literary scene through the literary magazine Orpheu.
A Brasileira
Fernando Pessoa, known to enjoy absinthe and the bica while smoking frenetically, was a regular at A Brasileira. A bronze statue by the sculptor Lagoa Henriques was placed outside in 1988 in tribute to the poet.
Pose with the statue of Fernando Pessoa, and seat on the terrace to watch the street entertainers and the bustling Chiado.
However, the real appeal is inside. The old-style interior includes a decorated ceiling and a collection of eleven paintings by Portuguese artists. And prices are cheaper here than on the terrace, especially if you order at the counter.
Rua Garrett 120-122, 8am-2am
