I'm a big sucker for nice cafes, and always try to visit at least one good one when I go away. Today I'm going to take you to the Majestic Cafe in Porto, Portugal. There's a constant queue waiting outside.... luckily we only had to wait for a few minutes.
The Majestic Cafe dates back to 1922 and is said to be the most beautiful cafe in Porto and one of the top ten in the world. The former I can believe. Even though I haven't been to many cafes in Porto during my short stay there, the Majestic Cafe's interior and decor is stunning, it would take quite a lot to surpass that. However, I'm not sure if it would make the top ten given there are so many cafes in this world. I think it depends on who's list trends on the internet. Anyway, let's just say, the Majestic Cafe is worth a peep if you're in town.
There's even a grand piano inside. I think certain people may like that very much 🙂
One thing I wasn't too keen on, is how cosy the place was. The tables are a bit small, fine for four cups of coffee,but if everyone orders a plate of food or even a dessert,it's going to get very crowded, like all the diners inside.
However, I like the chairs a lot. The imprint on the seat and back is a very nice touch, again living up to the majestic name. I don't know if that is leather, I'm not a big fan of stroking areas where lots of bums have sat on 😉
What I am a big fan of, is food of course, specifically sweets. I ordered a portion of their famous french toast. This one taste a lots softer and cremier than the ones I normally have. It has a hint of sweetness, not too sweet. The custard on top was very very nice, and complemented the french toast perfectly along with the toppings.I liked it a lot, no wonder it's so famous.
I was the only one who ordered the french toast, but imagine how crowded the table would be if there were four plates. And in case you're all wondering, I did share my french toast even though everyone said they didn't want any at first. I ended up eating two mouthfuls only ☹️
You'll notice my post title Is the Majestic Cafe really majestic?
First impressions, there's no denying, the exterior and the first glance inside has a wow factor. As I sat down and looked around, I noticed the decor has signs of aging, particularly the mirrors, many had black streaks.
Toilets always tell a lot about a place. I was hoping to get some nice photos for a Loo Loo post but the toilet was really disappointing. There was only one basic small ladies toilet with not a lot of wiggle room and no decor. Hubby said the washing basin in the gents was stainless steel!!
I already mentioned the seating is quite cramped, you're very close to the next table. And the place is a tourist trap, I doubt it there are many locals here.
Finally, a cafe review post would not be complete without talking about the coffee. I'm not a big coffee drinker and am not too fussy nor can I really tell the difference between a good or bad coffee. For me, the coffee here was nice, a little on the strong side. I was still feeling the effects a few hours later, and that doesn't happen to me often.
I wonder if that's why they charge such a high price - €6!!!! Yes, your heard right, €6, that's over £5, USD6.50, or over 14 Hive at today's rate of USD0.45. That is very expensive and double the price of a normal cup of coffee in many European countries I've visited 🥴
Majestic Cafe is one of the few cafes that stands out for me because it's nice and not nice. Normally I'm pretty clear on whether I like a café or not, and in fact I don't think I've been to any that I don't like. But I'm on the fence with this one. It's not because of the high price, I can live with that, it's not going to bankrupt me. There's just something about it that I can't put my finger on. Damnit! Now I'm pretty sure I won't forget about it, but for odd reasons.
What do you think? Would you visit the Majestic Cafe if you're in Porto?
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Me - I like it more than very much 😍
The cup of coffee is pricy as they have to pay a pianist 😁
That's right!! I had images of a pianist with long straight hair playing the piano when I saw it. I wonder why 🤔😉
I also thought of a certain friend I know who doesn't like to share her desserts, and now I know why 😁
Because the pianist you probably saw with long straight hair lost the wavy hairstyle in her early childhood, so now she has to eat a lot of sugar and desserts to ease the nostalgia 😁
I almost screamed this place is truly magnificent because of the interior decoration until I read further and saw the table for serving, and also about the Loo loo 😄.
For a place as majestic as that, I believe they can do better. And for their coffee taste, I'll just zip on that and follow your review on it.
I don't think one would miss much if they just went for a peek inside instead of sitting down for a coffee
Haha. That's right.
I felt that the interior was quite nice when we went and it wasn't busy inside and no line outside at the time. I liked the historic old world charm. I recall it being quite pricey as well. I wouldn't say that it's a must do experience but I did enjoy it.
Maybe it was drizzling that day and I noticed there was always a small group of people waiting,but they were all seated pretty quick. I agree it's not a must do, the french toast saved my day. Did you try that?
I did try the French toast and it was delicious and the pasteis de natas. I enjoyed the experience and was glad we went. Once was enough.
How did you like Porto?
We loved the city.
It's really hilly, we walked a lot, loads of exercise. The food is great as I love seafood and sweet stuff, and we did the train ride to Duoro Valley, that's absolutely ace
We never made it to the Duoro Valley. Hopefully you post about it sometime
Wow very elegante place. Love the piano
Glad you enjoyed it!
I'm not a fan of really small tables either. Especially when you are eating a full meal. I guess it's probably a bit different here in the US too given the fact that our portions are so big, so the plates are bigger too. This place looks really elegant and stunning. It kind of reminds me of the place I am staying at right now. They have some really ornate rooms I am going to be sharing in the near future.
I can't imagine these dainty tables in America, everything seems massive across the pond!
Look forward to seeing where you're staying!
I'll be posting about it next week. We do have some tight spaces here. They are rare though.
What a crowded place for expensive coffee.
Big price tag for a little place 😁
MAJESTIC 🤩 truly and I'm now so eager to visit a coffee shop like that
Glad you like it!
The first thing I must express is my gratitude for seeing a masterpiece and for sharing these wonders with us.
The café has its name right and everything in the place has a touch of delicacy, good taste and culture that make it simply special.
I don't know if it is among the top ten in the world, but it is a beauty. Thank you for sharing. Happy journey. Cheers and greetings.
You're welcome, glad you enjoyed the virtual visit
Thanks You.
I visited Cafe Majestic when I was in Porto about 12 years ago. We went there because of the history of the place and because it was the most emblematic of the city. But the cafe itself did not impress me and the place now seems only for tourists. But it is one of those places that anyone visiting the city for the first time should visit even if it does not completely fulfill the expectations.
Was it so touristy when you were there? I feel like it was a grand old dame clutching on to its last breath
Yes, it was very touristy. I expected it would have a different atmosphere and I was a little disappointed to be honest.
That gave me a good old chuckle, from here on I'll always wonder just how many bums sat on 'my' café chair😅
The Majestic Café looks impressive, but I've also seen some of the once grand old 'dames' showing some wear and tear. I do believe it's possible they're still recovering from Covid lockdowns, but if they are that busy, the owners need to put some of the profits back into their business.
The chairs are beautiful though!
I'm intrigued by custard served on French toast, must try to make that at home, just sweet enough to satisfy my sweet tooth.
The custard wasn't as thick as the ones we normally have with our pudding but thick enough to just coat the french toast. Let me know if you manage to make it and don't forget to share the recipe please!!
Ohhhh that coffee and treat looks lovely. I really like what they have done with the presentation with elthe fork. I reckon whoever came up that idea, it happened accidentally and then they thought hmmmm that looks kind of cool
I thought the fork thingy is a nice idea, plus it makes the plate less bare 😁
Had to laugh, the look on your face as you stare at the plate, " I am seriously not eating that!" kind of look.
Do you think the place is more style over substance, living on its history? I much prefer some of the more modern minimalist places you have shown us.
That looks is my Fakebook "Today's coffee" series post look 😁
I reckon the place is banking on its history knowing that it can easily pull in truck loads of tourists. Why not?
LOl,
and why not indeed to both!
Wow. The interior and the post of course are majestic! )) Sometimes we dream, my hubby and me, where first will we travel when the war ends, and Nick's first place is Portugal. We've never been to Porto, and I will keep this place in mind.
I am also a big sweets lover, and I know Potrugals are good at it. The grand piano is just icing on the cake 😁
I didn't realise the sweet desserts are popular in Portugal before I came here, they have so many yummy ones here.
I hope you and Nick will get to Portugal very soon!!
Hope so...
Did you taste their Pasteis?
We tried a few different type, apart from the natas, not sure what the others are called, but they're all delicious. I didn't try enough I think, as we were eating nonstop all the time!
😅😅😅
This place has a beautiful design and the food looks really yummy!
Those are valid good points, but sadly there are other negatives as well
As you say, it looks beautiful, but let's face it, it's a tourist trap. The reason they have the tables so cramped is to get a few more customers. Doesn't seem like a very majestic behavior 😂
I don't know if that's the reason, to get more customers or if it's the style, I saw a few other cafes are the same as well...
I’ve never seen French toast with custard as a topping which is quite a good idea for my breakfast. 🤤 This was a good share.
It's the first time I've seen it as well, and it was very nice
I loved this place, it has that classic touch that awakens melancholy in better times. Arriving at a place like this is like being transported back in time. I loved the grand piano.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.☕
Good day.
It was a nice experience but I wouldn't
say it's a must go to be honest
But if you collect wet wipes it's because you always carry them with you, you could wipe the chair with that and then touch it.
I mean... now I don't know if it's leather or not, it's going to keep me awake all night. 🙁
We learn something new about our friends every day, I never realised your were that fetish 😉😂😄
😂😅
Morning! ☕
I appreciate the charm of the cafe that stems from the building's history. The grand piano inside and the preservation of the architecture, facade, details, and cornices add to its appeal. However, it's disappointing to find stainless steel in the washroom, which doesn't align with the high standards the cafe aims to convey. Additionally, the cafe's prices are quite steep.
I'm so glad my thoughts on the cafe is confirmed by your professional view!!
As with a famous bookstore also in Porto, I never actually entered Magestic! No doubt it looks wonderful, but the absurd prices and tourist queues just make me want to go the other way. Ps. reading the comments, if you like sweets and you're in Porto go down to Aveiro and try the Ovos moles! ;)
I think I need anothor trip to just try all the sweets, we didn't have enough time to try them all. During my stay I discovered Pâo De Deus, it's very similar to a traditional bread we have in Hong Kong, except we put the coconut filling inside the bread and not on top. I also had some matateus in a restaurant but I can't find much information about it on the internet. That was very nice as well 😋
The Ovos moles looks very tempting, we were going to go to Aveiro but ran out of time
Tell me next time you come, I can give you a full list of sweets and pastries to try! Be warned, though, you'll probably need another squat challenge to burn everything! :)))