Cafe Bertrand

Small but pleasant cafe at the back of the book shop. My coffee was good, and the lemon meringue tart was pleasant and of a fairly generous size.

There's a lovely cafe at the end of a much longer than expected book shop and, on a hot day, it feels cool, light and airy with thick walls and high ceilings. The coffee was excellent, as were the tart and chocolate mousse. An oasis of calm just off a very busy and bustling street in central Lisbon.

Great. One of the oldest libraries in Lisbon, with a small cafe added at the back of the library — it offers excellent coffee, fresh juices, and pastries. It's a great spot to enjoy a good book while savoring their delicious treats. There is outdoor seating available, and the service is always friendly and welcoming.

Bertrand Café is the only place on Earth where you can sit down, open a menu, and suddenly feel judged by every dead writer since 1732. It’s delightful. Truly. I came here because someone stole my Saramago — a crime that should qualify as a federal offense, but apparently doesn’t — so I’m here hunting for a replacement while nursing my wounded pride with caffeine. The counter looks like a pastry embassy. Everything under the glass domes has the energy of “I survived the monarchy, I’m not collapsing for you.” Meanwhile, the barista has the quiet intensity of someone who knows exactly which customers deserve good coffee and which ones are beyond salvation. (Thankfully, I passed the test. I think.) Then there are the walls. Only Bertrand would casually hang original magazine covers from the 1930s as if they’re fridge magnets. One lady in a framed poster is staring at me with smoky Egyptian eyeliner, silently reminding me that my entire life could use more discipline and a sharper contour. And don’t get me started on Almada Negreiros. His portrait sits there like an art-school professor who has already decided your final project is “promising but emotionally chaotic.” Fair enough. This is not a café where you come to multitask. This is a café where books breathe louder than people, chairs take themselves seriously, and even the ceiling bricks look like they’re holding ancient grudges. I sat down intending to buy one book. I walked out with three, including a new Saramago to replace the kidnapped one. At this point, I suspect Bertrand is running a legal, perfectly elegant form of mind control.

They have a limited offering since they are locusts in a bookstore..... the world's oldest operating bookstore.... their food is mainly pastries .... very tasty.... friendly and efficient service..... no line up to enter the bookstore....

Café is located in the back of the library, a cozy, homie feeling. Orange cake and bacon quiche are absolutely fantastic. The african tea is very nice: Rooebos tea. The local APA is great. Staff service is nice, friendly. Good command of English.