Experts' Choice Award Cafe Martinho Da Arcada
What the experts agree on
Literary landmark since 1782 where poet Fernando Pessoa once sat, now serving traditional Portuguese food in a historic Praça do Comércio setting—atmospheric but expect noise and higher prices for the heritage factor.
“Once a favourite of literary figures such as Fernando Pessoa, this is a good place to eat traditional Portuguese food in the right kind of setting (though outside it is noisy).”
– DK Eyewitness
Frommer's "its association with Portugal's beloved poet, Fernando Pessoa, whose photos hang on the wall, just above the table and chair he used to compose some of his most famous works" Full review
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The menu here is long and varied, but if you ask for what the kitchen is proudest of, a staff member will talk about the house-style cod (a thick "tenderloin" of cod served with twice-cooked onions and fried potatoes) and house-style filet steak served with coffee sauce and fresh vegetables.
Lonely Planet "Sizzling since 1782, this old-world restaurant was once a haunt of poet Fernando Pessoa." Full review
Rough Guide " It is now divided into a simple stand-up café and a slightly pricey restaurant."
Fodor's "One of the original buildings on Praça do Comércio houses the Café Martinho da Arcada, a literary haunt since 1782, favored by modernist poet Fernando Pessoa." Full review
