Kiosks of Lisbon

Vintage food kiosks – surrounded by tables and chairs – are nowadays central pieces of Lisbon’s iconic squares. These staples of city’s relaxed lifestyle are as much part of Lisbon’s drinking and dining scene as tasty Ginjinha or Pasteis de Nata.

Across the city you will see people stop on their way to work to grab a cup of coffee or nibble their favorite snack; in the evenings you will spot families leisurely sip their favorite apero while their children play at a nearby playground.

Today the kiosks represent a key component of Lisbon’s lively street life.

They reflect unique Art Nouveau and Moorish influences while dating back only to the 19th century. By the 20th century they had fallen into dispair and were left abandoned until early 2000s, when the local retailer Catarina Portas, founder of A Vida Portuguesa teamed up with an architect Joao Regal to refurbish the kiosks’ vintage charm.  Their success sparked a trend of kiosks revival.

Each of Lisbon’s kiosks has its own unique appeal; we found our favorite Clara Clara Café in Jardim Botto Machado. On a warm January evening we tasted different Portuguese aperos while enjoying tranquil city views.