Some stories are born unexpectedly, and X-Cake is one of them. The project began during the pandemic, when architect Inês Barreto saw her work slow down and, together with her friend Filipa Rovina, transformed her home kitchen into a small dessert studio. What started as a pastime quickly took on a life of its own: homemade cheesecakes became a success, and before long, what had been an escape turned into a growing business.
For four years, X-Cake operated as an online business, with a licensed home kitchen and a delivery service that won over customers in Coimbra and across the country. As production grew, space became tight, and it was time to take the next step: opening a physical shop. The choice of location was a natural one, Downtown Coimbra. Inês’s grandparents had owned a store for many years on Rua Ferreira Borges, a place full of memories. That connection drew her back to this part of the city, where the project has now found its home.
The new shop, located at Rua Direita nº 85, combines an open kitchen with minimalist décor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where visitors can experience the rhythm and aroma of each creation. Cheesecake remains the brand’s signature, but the menu goes far beyond that: custom cakes, handmade desserts, savory options, and seasonal products that change every week, always crafted with creativity and fresh, local ingredients.
With the opening of the shop came a new dimension: a specialty coffee bar. In partnership with Doppo, X-Cake offers unique coffee blends, with roasts created exclusively for the space. The result is a menu that changes frequently, both in coffee and desserts, evolving with the seasons and the creativity of its founders.
X-Cake brings together modern pastry and specialty coffee in a cozy, contemporary setting. More than a business, it’s a celebration of creativity, friendship, and the desire to do things differently — a space born from passion that now brings new energy to downtown Coimbra. A place to slow down, smile, and savor the moment.
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