Café Ancora D´Ouro has long been affectionately called “Café Piolho”. In fact, no one knows the reason for such a designation, but the theories are many. One of them is that the cafe was frequented by the students of the university, but the teachers also went there and the coexistence was somewhat ceremonious. Then someone started to say that this was a “foolishness”. Opened since 1909, the café is a meeting point for students; it was a mandatory stop for poets, politicians, activists, among others. It is a cafe that is part of Porto’s history, where you can have a drink, snack and dine, even after hours. Try the francesinha or sarrabulho porridge, from a varied offer.
Founded in 1928, Pedro A. Baptista is distinguished by gold and silver jewelery, with its own design and execution by hand, guaranteeing the quality and prestige that characterizes it. This establishment was founded by António Dias Ribeiro Gasparinho Júnior, a merchant who stands out for his creativity, making him one of the most respected goldsmiths in the country. In 1928 the company is acquired by Pedro A. Batista who continues this prestigious goldsmith. This entrepreneur gave the space more refinement and kept the good taste in the pieces. To this fact contributed greatly the creative capacity of his brother-in-law, architect Fernando Bastos Monteiro.
Situated in the heart of downtown Porto since 1921, Papelaria Modelo is distinguished by its welcoming atmosphere where art, tradition and personalized service are present. Currently, combining tradition and modernity, Papelaria Modelo seeks the satisfaction of its customers, ensured by the professionalization of its employees. Importer of fine art materials and architectural technical material, and representative of the most reputable brands, seeks to respond quickly and permanently to the needs of its customers with a wide range of products. Here painters, plastic artists, architects and students of fine arts find specialized and unique material.
For many the oldest goldsmith in the city, what is certain is that the Coutinho Goldsmith was born in 1859, belongs to the same family since 1919, and has stories to tell that no other Porto remember. There were 37 goldsmiths in this area, being inserted in a bourgeois area, and today few remain. Inside we can find gold, silver and filigree, such as Viana’s hearts, cutlery, clocks, among others. Being in an area with high tourist incidence, it ends up having as clients many of these foreign passersby, but also keeping whole families who continue to shop here.
Inaugurated in 1913, Ourivesaria Brilhante presents a refined space with antique furniture. Located in downtown Porto, Ourivesaria Brilhante is currently one of the Portuguese official licensed evaluators. It features a vast collection of gold and silver jewelery and decorative items. Ourivesaria Brilhante first owner was Mr. Queiroz, who pierced the business in the early 1940s along with Mr. Manuel da Cruz Camareiro (whose trade name was Manuel Pessoa). Currently the owner is the daughter of Mr. Manuel Pessoa and since 1996 has associated employee Arlindo Santos, official evaluator of “Casa da Moeda” (Coin House), ensuring the continuity of the business.
Moura & Fortes, founded in the distant year of 1928, presents itself as an establishment that distributes the best brands of sewing machines, in addition to all accessories and consumables associated with this area. Offering its customers creative and economical solutions and customized equipment, this space offers a wide range of sewing, quilting and embroidery products, software, embroidery and accessories. The vast experience in the area of Moura & Fortes and the longevity it presents are a mirror of a service of excellence, ready to answer all your requests.
Typical and very old grocery store in Porto, Casa Chinesa, opened on December 18, 1938, is a specialized grocery store that works with selected products, being a must for those who follow natural and macrobiotic food, but not only. In addition to the specific products that are hard to find elsewhere, very characteristic of macrobiotic food, there are all kinds of high quality products such as pulses and nuts from various regions of the country. Casa Chinesa also allows its customers to purchase most of its products in bulk.
Belonging to the Bastos family since 1933, Arcádia is a brand of traditional chocolates that is assumed as a reference at the level of national chocolataria. Known for chocolates, cat tongues and dragee, Arcadia maintains tradition in its manufacturing processes. Chocolates are produced using traditional methods using quality raw materials. Whoever goes through the window of this store hardly imagines that in its back is a handcrafted chocolate factory, where you can observe the manufacturing process of products available in Arcadia stores. Arcádia also offers various products made from chocolate, such as tablets or chocolates.
Casa dos Neves began its activities in 1965. Currently, the group consists of two establishments that operated in the clothing area, both located at Fernandes Tomás Street, in Porto city center. Each store takes on the trade in specific product types, thus making a difference between the two locations. This way, Casa dos Neves can better serve the customer, with more space and variety of products. This particular space of this group mainly sells men’s and women’s fashion, following a multi-brand concept. Jackets, dresses and shirts are some of the products available to the customer in this store.
Carvalho, Batista & Cª, S.A. was founded in 1953 and since then has been engaged in the marketing of various building materials and hardware, characterized by high quality standards. This establishment maintains the integrity of classic furniture and equipment. We are known for the exclusivity of producing and selling the unique pieces from the great names of national architecture and design. We are unquestionably associated with the city of Porto and the so-called “Porto Architecture School”, a world reference in this area. Our philosophy is based on three pillars – differentiation for quality, careful customer service and permanent attention to market needs.
The historic Confeitaria Petúlia opened to the public in 1972 and has kept the same owners since then. It is known for its many products of recognized quality, such as “Bolo Rei”, which is considered one of the best in the city and is made throughout the whole year.
But there are other specialties, such as “húngaros”, snacks, croissants, pies and “Pão-de-Ló”, which was considered the best of Porto in a blind tasting organized by Time Out in 2014.
It also has a grocery store with wines, chocolates, pasta and other products. In addition to the quality of its products, its atmosphere is familiar and welcoming.
Confeitaria do Bolhão is a century-old house founded in 1896 that retains its original features, structures and colors, specific to Art Nouveau architecture. It is a bakery and pastries of its own manufacture and with buns coming out all day, with the sponge cake the specialty of the house. The establishment has a snack bar room where the guest is welcomed in a pleasant and cozy atmosphere and, on the ground floor, a buffet and à la carte restaurant. The attractive space and environment, the diversity and quality of the products offered, as well as the personalized and always friendly service make Confeitaria do Bolhão a space that invites the visit of all who are in the city of Porto.
