In 1787, Nicola’s Tavern opened as one of the first coffee shops in Lisbon, founded by an Italian, Nicola Breteiro, whose company imported coffee beans from Brazil and São Tomé and Príncipe. It quickly became the haunt of the city’s intelligentsia, where writers, poets, artists, and politicians would gather. In 1929, under a new owner and with its new name, Café Nicola sported a new design, but that changed again in 1935, when the wood carvings, cast iron, and chandeliers were jettisoned in favor of a sleeker Art Deco décor (although the old eye-catching entrance was retained).

Café Nicola drew me in with its story as well as its ample menu. Facing Rossio Square, the café is a great spot to sit outside and take in its long history and the vibrant present unfolding in front of me.

Try This: Start with a generous salad of lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, kiwi, papaya, and pineapple. Then select one of the café’s steak or fish specialties, like the sirloin steak Marrar style, with a delightful creamy mustard sauce, accompanied by thinly cut french fries. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the delicious tartlet made with egg yolks, sugar, pumpkin, and almonds.

 

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