Chiado & Baixa – Local tips (snacks)

This place must be hiding beneath a cloak of invisibility since it’s been open a whole year and has still barely registered a beep on the city’s radar of sleek go-to spots. Then again, if city buzz is what you’re after, then you won’t find it here.

Housed in the recently renovated São Roque Museum, home to all things Arte Sacra (Sacred Art), Cafetaria is cool, calm and collected. Having left bustling Chiado and Bairro Alto at its doorstep, the space is a fresh blend of old meets new, in an introspective setting that faces a beautiful courtyard with bamboo trees and a gurgling fountain, to be enjoyed from inside and out. And not a honking car to be heard.

Cafetaria is owned by one of Lisbon’s most elegant restaurants, Casa da Comida, so the food – mainly light lunches, appetizers and snacks – gets its stamp of approval. Brunches are also served on weekends.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cafetaria Museu São Roque | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Intern.) | Sandwich € 3.00
Largo Trindade Coelho | Chiado & Baixa | +351213235446
Tue – Wed & Fri – Sun 10:00 – 18:00, Thu 14:00 – 21:00 (Closed holidays)

Portugal in general, and Lisbon specifically, is rightly famed for its food. It is a country of excellent produce but that said sometimes the endless menus of grilled meats and fish (obviously with generous helpings of rice and fried potatoes) can get a little tiring. So when you fancy a change, or perhaps you’re watching your weight, or even, and this is perhaps when it’s most important, you want to try some Portuguese specialities but don’t eat meat then Celeiro provides the answer.

This is a chain of health food shops located all over the city. Most will sell vegetarian snacks and light lunches for you to take away but some have larger canteens. The large shop in Chiado even has a separate restaurant attached to it where you can find favourites such as croquetes and rissois but rather than the typical meat and prawn they are more likely to be soya or vegetable. They also hot meals and a wonderful selection of organic drinks.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Celeiro | Snacks, Restaurants (Vegetarian) | Snacks € 3.00
Rua 1º Decembro | Chiado & Baixa
Mon – Fri 09:00 – 18:00, Sat 09:00 – 17:00

You know the feeling. It starts with a little twinge, builds up to a nagging desire – should I or shouldn’t I? – and eventually escalates to a craving you just can’t shake. You want it, and fast. No doubt, most pleasure is had from taking things slow and savouring each morsel of the moment. But let’s face it; sometimes all you want is a quickie.

Well, search no further because Noori is just the place …for a good sushi quickie, that is (whatever else?). And cheap too. The no-frills menu offers a pretty good variety of nooris (cone-shaped temaki rolls) or rools (slender maki rolls). Whilst the choice of fish is limited to salmon, tuna and little else, portions are generous, making for an even split on the fish:rice ratio. They’re available separately or as part of a “menu” (e.g.: 1 or 2 noori + a drink).

This place is tiny and although there’s seating at the counter, you’re better off getting your food to go and finding a bench in a nearby square before digging in.

I hope it’s as good for you as it was for me

NB: A second Noori has also just opened in the food court at Monumental shopping mall in Saldanha square.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Noori | Snacks, Restaurants (Japanese) | Menus from € 4.50
Rua do Crucifixo 87 | Chiado & Baixa | +351918639287
11:00 – 22:00 daily

Say you find yourself amidst the frenzy that is Chiado or Bairro Alto and you want something a bit slower-paced where you can grab a bite to eat, well, nip down the hill to Quinoa, a fresh new bakery, café and gourmet food store.

With rolls, bagels, scones and loafs of all sorts, bread is undoubtedly the staple food here, but it’s hard to overlook the cakes and mini-pies (I couldn’t, and the almond tart melted in my mouth). All baked goods are made on the premises and are 100% organic. That’s healthy, right? Another slice, please…

Housed in a newly renovated building, the place is clean cut and modern while retaining the original stone arches and a beautiful wooden staircase. Seating extends to the mezzanine for a more intimate setting (and out of the window on one side you can glimpse one of Lisbon’s many hidden courtyards).

Brunches (€9 – €15) are served on weekends and holidays between 11.00 and 15.00.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Quinoa | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Bagel salmon & cream cheese € 4.30
Rua do Alecrim 52-54 | Chiado & Baixa | +351213479326
Mon – Wed 08:00 – 20:00, Thu – Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat 10:00 – 22:00, Sun 10:00 – 17:00

Hidden away next to the picturesque Largo do Carmo, Vertigo is one of the more trendy places in Chiado. It’s a perfect spot to have lunch or a cup of coffee in the afternoon. Or have a drink here before going for dinner in Bairro Alto!

The menu is rather healthy and features lots of salads, sandwiches, fresh juices and more exotic offers. (Not that easy to find in Lisbon, trust me!). The interior is very cozy yet stylish.

Go here on Sunday afternoon, when it is impossible to find anything decent open in Chiado. Cool place.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Vertigo | Coffee & tea, Snacks | Sandwich & juice € 8.00
Travessa do Carmo 4 | Chiado & Baixa | +351213433112
10:00 – 00:00 daily