Cafes

Lisboa Patisserie - Goldborne Road, London W10

Have you heard the saying 'If you're looking for authentic, good cuisine - go to where the locals go' - Lisboa Patisserie offers you just that. Founded back in the early 80s by Carlos Gomes, Lisboa Patisserie introduced London to the wonderful Portuguese delicacies as well as creating a local cafe for the Portuguese community.

If you love good coffee and pastries you must try a bica (espresso) or a galao (latte) and one of the mouth-watering, delicious Portuguese sweets and savouries on display. The 'to die for' pastel de nata (custard tart) is one of Portugal's iconic pastries and is fast becoming one of the world's favourites too - of course it is Lisboa Patisserie's best seller. Its original recipe is believed to have been created by the monks from the Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon as far back as the mid 1800s, to raise money by selling them to the public as they were in financial difficulties. We can actually confirm that Lisboa Patisserie's pasteis de nata are not only the best in London but are also better than the majority we have tasted in Portugal too. Every pastry sold by Lisboa Patisserie is freshly baked on the premises each and every day.

This wonderful cafe stills reflects the same interior and atmosphere as it did when it initially opened, dead set on keeping its roots and transporting you back in time. The interior is very simple and basic but somewhat outdated and dilapidated as it has not been renovated since opening. Its retro feel actually adds character to the fantastic atmosphere and ambience it still exudes today. We believe the decor should remain as is - it just won't be the same if it's changed in any way as it has worked perfectly well for the past 30 years.

The Portuguese community visit Lisboa Patisserie to 'matar as saudades' - put a stop to their longing for Portugal and Portuguese food, so if you're missing Portugal too this is the perfect place to take you back to that cherished moment. Its clientele has somewhat changed over the years, during the 80s it was packed to the brim and a regular haunt for the local Portuguese community to hang out and catch up. The Portuguese originally made up 90% of its customers, today 70% are British. Over the years it has remained very popular and a great place to people watch. It has been filled with many interesting people from all walks of life - from the famous, trendy Notting Hill/Portobello Road crowd to the Portuguese and the local ethnic communities.

If you're visiting the Portobello Road market, take a stroll down Goldborne Road and have a cake or two at Lisboa Patisserie. There is a lack of seating and when extremely busy it's very hard to find a table available. However, once you do find somewhere to perch, you are never hurried out if you wish to relax and chill for a while. On warm summer days, it's just lovely sitting outside too. Weekends are usually extremely busy so if you fancy your favourite pastry, it's best to get there early before they sell out. During busy periods, the queues tend to stretch out the front door.

It is reasonably priced and much cheaper than the usual coffee experience you'll encounter in London today. My family have been regular customers since the time it opened and highly recommend a visit.

Open 7 days a week 7am-7.30pm (Sun 7pm)

Lisboa Patisserie - Goldborne Road, London W10

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