Cafe Astoria is a cafe in Praça Da República, Braga.
A second grand dame of Praça da República, in operation since 1928 with four distinct room environments ranging from formal salon to breezy terrace.
Must order: Espresso and tosta mista at the bar
Tip: The interior room is quieter than the terrace and preserves the original early-twentieth-century furnishings.
Address: Praça da República 4, 4710-305 Braga
APE began as a motorcycle espresso cart before finding a permanent home inside an iconic Braga building shared with an art gallery and hair salon.
Order: Flat white and oatmeal pancakes for breakfast
Tip: Look up at the original building interior, which is partly exposed above the modern fit-out.
Founded in 1955 as an elegant tea room by the owners of the Lusitana Bakery (operating since 1896), this Braga institution looks out over the Jardim de Santa.
Order: Tíbias de Braga and a pot of afternoon tea
Tip: The Santa Bárbara Garden terrace view through the windows makes this the best rainy-day cafe in central Braga.
A Braga institution since 1952, Queijaria Central straddles the line between deli counter, cheese shop and cafe. Serra da Estrela cheese, Montalegre meats.
Order: Serra da Estrela cheese plate with bread and regional honey
Tip: The Serra da Estrela cheese varies by season; ask which origin is freshest on the day you visit.
Located next to Campo da Vinha, Meze is one of Braga's busiest weekend brunch spots. Egg dishes, grain bowls, avocado plates and weekend pancake stacks keep.
Order: Eggs benedict with smoked salmon and a fresh juice
Tip: Arrive before 11:00 on Saturdays or plan to queue. Weekday mornings are walk-in friendly.
Inside the Gnration arts building, Soul is Braga's dedicated vegan and gluten-free cafe. The menu changes seasonally and covers breakfast through lunch.
Order: Vegan bowl with roasted seasonal vegetables and tahini
Tip: Sunday and evenings are closed. Best visited Tuesday to Friday when tables are quieter.
A neighbourhood cake shop and cafe in the university district. Coretto's tortas (rolled sponge cakes) and layered cream cakes fill a counter that changes daily, alongside charcuterie boards and homemade tostas.
Order: Torta de laranja (orange roll cake) and espresso
Tip: Arrive mid-afternoon when the fresh daily tortas are at their best. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
