Owned by the National Centre of Culture, this historic dining venue is one of Lisbon's most picturesque cafes. It's located opposite the Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos and stands on a street served by the No 28 tram. It's a favourite meeting point for city intellectuals – artists, writers and musicians, among others. The outdoor terrace quickly fills during the warm summer months when customers linger over their coffees and snacks. The café is also a well-known restaurant and it can be difficult to secure a table during lunchtimes. The scholarly atmosphere extends to the interior where shelves groan under the weight of books and periodicals. The arched block-stone ceiling reinforces the historic impression.