Nicola, a famous café in Lisbon, opened its doors in the late 18th century. Run by an Italian emigrant, it became popular in literary and political circles. Here, you could listen to the latest government gossip, conspire against the prince regent, or hear Bocage, a bohemian poet, improvise brilliant verses.
All this fun came to an end with the Napoleonic invasions—French officers adopted the Nicola as their gathering spot. So, when the French retreated in 1808, Nicola threw a grand independence party.
In 1929, Nicola moved to its current location, featuring the art deco architecture that you can see today.
At Nicola you can do it all, improvise poetry, start an insurrection, celebrate independence, and have a great cup of coffee.
Salt of Portugal 
Café Nicola … doing it all? I’ll say. Mostly I’d sit outside and enjoy the food, the service and the passing traffic (human, vehicular and policemen with segway legs *snicker*).
Now and again something spectacular would happen, like the one involving two pigeons, a neighbouring diners plate and a whole lotta trouble.
Apparently He Pigeon objected to She Pigeon grabbing at a piece of Bola de Berlim. Man you should have seen the feathers fly. Memories.
Thanks for evoking a few of mine.
The reviews are not so good lately, but it’s not always easy to judge and there’s a lot of competition in Lisbon.
It depends on what you’re looking for. It is not a great place to eat. But it is very enjoyable to have coffee in the esplanade and see the world go by.
Yes I thought that likely x
Well, it’s part of those old prestigious places endlessly living on their reputation…