Some places become part of a city’s collective memory. A Brasileira is one of them. After reopening its doors at the beginning of June, the historic café on Rua Ferreira Borges begins a new chapter, bringing new life to one of the most iconic spaces in Coimbra’s historic downtown with a concept that blends tradition with a contemporary approach.
Today, Maria and Samuel have taken on the challenge of continuing that story. For both of them, opening a café of their own had long been a dream, and A Brasileira represented the perfect opportunity to make it a reality. Their goal is to preserve the identity that made this café a symbol of the city while adapting it to the way people experience Coimbra’s historic centre today.
Founded in 1928, A Brasileira quickly earned a special place in the city’s life. For decades, it was much more than a café. Its tables welcomed writers, artists, professors, students, and some of the most influential figures in Portuguese cultural and political life, including Miguel Torga, Vitorino Nemésio, Paulo Quintela, Zeca Afonso, and Manuel Alegre. It became a meeting place for literary gatherings, lively conversations, and the exchange of ideas that helped shape Coimbra’s cultural identity.
That legacy remains very much alive, now reinterpreted for a new generation. Brunch takes centre stage on the menu, while some of the café’s best-known traditions, such as the classic Bife à Brasileira, continue to be part of the experience. Throughout the day, guests can also enjoy a selection of pastries, freshly baked bread, and specialty coffee, whether stopping for a full meal or simply taking a well-earned break.
Supporting local producers is another key part of this new chapter. Fresh fruit, vegetables, and other ingredients are sourced from the surrounding region, while coffee continues to play a central role, preserving one of the characteristics that has defined A Brasileira for generations.
The atmosphere also creates a bridge between past and present. Contemporary design is combined with subtle references to the café’s history, resulting in a warm and welcoming space where the intention is simple: to make every visitor feel at home.
But the plans extend beyond food and coffee. The owners hope to revive one of A Brasileira’s most cherished traditions by bringing literary gatherings, book launches, and other cultural events back to the upper floor. It is a return to the café’s roots, restoring its role as a place where people come together to share ideas, conversation, and culture.
More than the reopening of a café, A Brasileira is where memory meets the present. A place where history continues to live in every cup of coffee and where a new generation is writing the next chapter of one of Coimbra’s most iconic landmarks.
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