Famous Coffee Shops in Portuguese
I had always loved cozy cafés. So, when I planned my trip to Amsterdam I knew I wanted to visit some Portuguese coffee shops. Amsterdam is famous for its cozy streets. But I was excited to find a little taste of Portugal hidden inside this Dutch city.
The day I visited was cold but sunny. A perfect day for coffee and warm pastries. Let me take you along with me as I explore these wonderful Portuguese spots.
History of the Portuguese in Amsterdam
In the late 1500s and early 1600s, many Portuguese Jews fled their homeland. They were Fleeing the Inquisition a time when people were forced to become Catholic or face punishment. In Portugal and Spain Jewish people were not allowed to freely practice their religion.
At that time, Amsterdam was becoming a rich, powerful city, known for trade freedom and tolerance. The city welcomed people from many different backgrounds including the Portuguese Jews. Amsterdam gave them the chance to live trade and worship freely.
The Portuguese Jews brought with them important skills. Many were talented merchants, bankers and craftsmen. They helped make Amsterdam even more successful especially in trade with South America the Caribbean and Africa.
One of the important signs of their Group is the Portuguese Synagogue built in 1675. It is one of the largest and oldest synagogues in Europe that still looks like it did back then! It showed how important and respected the Portuguese Jewish community had become in Amsterdam.
Today, the history of the Portuguese Jews is still An essential part of the city’s story. You can visit the synagogue and the Jewish Cultural Quarter to learn more!
Famous Coffee Shops in Portuguese
1. Café de Lisboa
Location: Kinkerstraat 64, 1053 DZ Amsterdam
Café de Lisboa was the first Portuguese café I visited. It felt like a Comforting embrace as soon as I walked in. Soft Portuguese music played in the background. The smell of fresh coffee and sweet pastries filled the air.
The walls were Beautified with blue and white tiles just like in Lisbon. The owner a friendly man named João welcomed me with a big smile. He told me the café opened in 2015. He wanted to bring the feeling of home to Amsterdam.
I ordered a pastel de nata the Well-known Portuguese custard tart and a strong bica (Portuguese espresso). The pastel de nata was golden on top and crispy at the edges. When I bit into it the custard inside was warm and creamy.
The bica was strong but smooth. It warmed my hands and heart. I sat by the window watching bicycles pass by outside. It felt peaceful like a small escape from the busy city.
Tip:
Come early in the morning if you want a fresh pastel de nata. They sell out quickly!
2. Pastéis & More
Location: Jan Evertsenstraat 41, 1057 BM Amsterdam
Later that same day I walked to another Portuguese coffee shop called Pastéis & More. This café was a little smaller but very lively.
The smell of fresh baking hit me even before I opened the door. Inside there were trays filled with different pastries pastel de nata, queijadas and bolo de arroz.
I met Ana, one of the workers. She was kind and cheerful. She said the café opened in 2017. Many Portuguese families in Amsterdam come here for a little taste of home.
I ordered a pastel de nata and a galão, which is like a Portuguese latte. The galão came in a tall glass, creamy and light. The pastel de nata here was a little different more buttery.
I loved the cozy feeling. People laughed, chatted in Portuguese and kids ran around playing. I almost forgot I was in Amsterdam.
Tip:
If you want to try more pastries, ask for a mixed plate! They let you pick three small ones to taste.
3. Pão de Queijo Amsterdam
Location: Van Woustraat 141, 1074 AH Amsterdam
The next morning, I decided to explore another Portuguese spot. This one was called Pão de Queijo Amsterdam. The name means “cheese bread” in Portuguese.
The café was bright and colorful. Yellow and green decorations made it feel sunny even though it was cold outside.
I ordered the famous pão de queijo small warm cheese buns that were crunchy outside and chewy inside. They were delicious! I paired them with a strong black coffee.
The owner, Beatriz told me that they bake fresh pão de queijo every morning. They also sell sandwiches juices, and cakes. It is a perfect place for breakfast.
I loved how friendly everyone was. Beatriz even gave me a free mini pastel de nata to try because it was my first visit!
Tip:
Try the pão de queijo with guava jam. It sounds strange, but it tastes amazing!
4. Mercado de Campo de Ourique – Pop-up Café
Location: De Hallen, Hannie Dankbaarpassage 47, 1053 RT Amsterdam
One afternoon, I found a small pop-up Portuguese café inside De Hallen, an indoor food market. It Warned me of the market in Lisbon called Mercado de Campo de Ourique.
The pop-up café sold pastéis de nata bifanas and Portuguese coffee. It was simple but full of flavor.
I tried a bifana sandwich juicy and full of spices, with a cold Portuguese soda called Sumol. It was fun eating something so traditional in the middle of modern Amsterdam.
The staff wore aprons with Portuguese flags. It felt like a little celebration of Portuguese culture.
Tip:
Visit De Hallen around lunchtime. You can explore many world foods, not just Portuguese treats!
5. Sá Pessoa Café (in Bairro Alto Restaurant)
Location: Spuistraat 232, 1012 VT Amsterdam
On my last day, I went to a more elegant Portuguese spot inside the Bairro Alto Restaurant. It is owned by Henrique Sá Pessoa a famous Portuguese chef.
The café part is small but very beautiful. Dark wood tables, soft lights and beautiful Portuguese ceramics.
I treated myself to a tosta mista and a creamy meia de leite.
The food here was a little more expensive. But it was worth it. Everything was fresh and beautifully made.
Sitting there felt calm and special like a quiet corner of Lisbon hidden away in Amsterdam.
Tip:
If you want a quiet time, visit in the late afternoon. It gets busier at dinner.
6. Casa Bocage
Location: Spaarndammerstraat 460, 1013 SZ Amsterdam
On Sunday morning, I visited Casa Bocage. It is a sweet little café in the Spaarndammerbuurt neighborhood.
The café is named after Manuel Bocage, a famous Portuguese poet. The vibe inside was very artistic. Bookshelves full of poetry and art magazines lined the walls.
The smell of coffee and fresh bread made me feel hungry right away. I ordered a torrad aand a galao.
The toast was thick, buttery, and warm. Simple but very satisfying. The coffee was creamy and soft, perfect for a slow morning.
I loved the soft music playing softly. It was the kind of place where you could sit for hours with a book or a notebook.
Tip:
If you love poetry, ask for the “Poet’s Corner” table. It’s a quiet spot near the back with a great atmosphere.
7. Taste of Portugal
Location: Van Limburg Stirumplein 10, 1051 BE Amsterdam
Later that day, I found Taste of Portugal. It is part café part little grocery store.
When I walked in, I felt like I had stepped into a small Portuguese village market. Portuguese olive oil, wines, cheeses and canned fish filled the shelves.
At the back they had a small café area. I ordered a prego no pão and an espresso.
The steak sandwich was juicy and tender. The bread was crusty and warm. It tasted homemade, full of garlic and love.
The owner, Mr. Rui was very friendly. He told me that many Portuguese locals come here for a taste of home.
Tip:
After your coffee, shop for some Portuguese treats to take home! The canned sardines make a great souvenir.
8. Doce Delícia
Location: Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat 41H, 1054 BR Amsterdam
On my third day, I discovered Doce Delícia. The name means “Sweet Delight,” and it really was!
This café was colorful and cheerful. There were flower pots outside and little fairy lights around the door.
Inside the counters were full of desserts. Not just pastel de nata but also bolo de bolacha (Portuguese biscuit cake) and tarte de amêndoa.
I chose the bolo de bolacha and a small latte. The cake was soft creamy and not too sweet. Every bite reminded me of family gatherings.
I loved how everyone heartily greeted each other. It felt more like visiting a friend’s kitchen than a café.
Tip:
Come hungry! The portion sizes are generous. Also, ask if they have any special cakes of the day.
9. Saudade Café
Location: Javastraat 149, 1095 CS Amsterdam
One afternoon, I found Saudade Café tucked away in Amsterdam Oost. “Saudade” is a Portuguese word that means a deep emotional longing.
And truly the café had a dreamy nostalgic feeling. Soft Portuguese music played in the background. Old family photos hung on the walls.
I ordered a sopa do dia and a pastel de nata. The soup was warm and hearty made with chickpeas and spinach.
The pastel de nata was once again absolutely perfect. Crisp creamy with just a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The lady behind the counter Maria served everything with a big smile. She told me the café is family-run. That warmth really showed.
Tip:
Visit on a rainy day. The cozy atmosphere is even better when it’s gray outside.
10. Onda Lisboa
Location: Bilderdijkstraat 190, 1053 LE Amsterdam
My final Portuguese café visit was to Onda Lisboa. “Onda” means “wave” in Portuguese. The place was modern and a little trendy.
It had a stylish but relaxed feeling, with ocean colors everywhere blue walls white chairs driftwood decorations.
I tried the bacalhau à brás. It was light flavorful and beautifully presented.
Instead of a traditional coffee, I ordered a sumo natural (fresh juice). It was made from oranges and passionfruit. So fresh!
The staff were young and friendly. They gave great recommendations on what to try.
Tip:
This café is great if you want something different from just pastries. Their savory dishes are fantastic!
Conclusion
Portuguese, Amsterdam Each café had its own style and soul. Some felt like a home kitchen. Others felt like art galleries or cozy markets.
But all of them shared one thing: the warm, welcoming feeling that Portuguese culture brings.
Whether you want to sip strong espresso enjoy a creamy pastel de nata or eat a hearty bifana sandwich there is a perfect spot waiting for you in Amsterdam.
If you have a few days in the city I highly recommend making time for a little Portuguese café tour. It’s like traveling to Lisbon without leaving the canals of Amsterdam!
FAQs
Q1: O que torna uma cafeteria famosa?
Uma cafeteria se torna famosa pela qualidade do café, ambiente único, atendimento excelente e, às vezes, pela sua história ou localização especial.
Q2: Quais são algumas cafeterias famosas no mundo?
Algumas conhecidas mundialmente incluem o Café de Flore em Paris, o Caffè Florian em Veneza, e o Starbucks Reserve Roastery em Seattle.
Q3: Existem cafeterias famosas no Brasil?
Sim! Entre elas estão o Café do Museu em Belo Horizonte, o Santo Grão em São Paulo e o Confeitaria Colombo no Rio de Janeiro.
Q4: O que posso esperar ao visitar uma cafeteria famosa?
Você pode esperar cafés especiais, decoração charmosa, produtos artesanais, além de uma experiência única e memorável.
Q5: É preciso fazer reserva para visitar uma cafeteria famosa?
Depende do local. Algumas aceitam reservas, especialmente nos fins de semana ou para eventos especiais. Outras funcionam por ordem de chegada.
Q6: As cafeterias famosas são muito caras?
Algumas podem ser mais caras por causa da localização e da experiência oferecida, mas também existem opções acessíveis.
Q7: Posso comprar grãos ou produtos para levar?
Muitas cafeterias famosas vendem grãos de café, canecas, cafés especiais e lembrancinhas para os clientes levarem para casa.
Q8: Qual é a melhor época para visitar uma cafeteria famosa?
Em geral, dias de semana e horários fora do pico (como meio da manhã ou meio da tarde) são ideais para evitar filas.
Q9: As cafeterias famosas têm opções veganas ou sem glúten?
Muitas cafeterias modernas oferecem opções veganas, sem glúten e sem lactose. Vale a pena perguntar no local.
Q10. O que é um café de especialidade?
É um café feito com grãos de alta qualidade, com preparo cuidadoso, destacando sabores únicos que mudam conforme a origem dos grãos.