Padaria do Povo opened in 2013, but the building has been around since at least since 1904. First the place was strongly connected to our king D. Carlos (the old watch and a safe on display in one of the rooms were a gift from those royal flamboyant times). A few years later in 1919, it was home of the Popular University and in 1959 the old bakery opened.
Now, that era is long gone and no more bread is baked inside the old ovens. The building was restored and redecorated in style for a new purpose, and a new cool spot was born in the trendy quarter of Campo de Ourique.
Padaria do Povo is now a cosy restaurant with homemade tasting food, but also a place to chat until late with a beer in your hand with football on the big screen. There’s “Petiscos” (Portuguese tapas) like “Pica-Pau” (cubic shape chunks of meat cooked until tender and served with a tasty sauce and pickles) and even Asian and African dishes: Sarapatel and Moamba. If you like fries, they make it like our grandmothers used to – Real (not frozen!) homemade and tasty fries!
I love this place and it’s now becoming one of my favorite spots in Lisbon, it’s close to the center but far enough to avoid the crowds. If you’re in town, have a look at this cool and “feels like home” place. It’s amazing! There’s live music, dancing and the best exercise for your brain muscles: Chess! 😉
