Cafe Scala, Lda.

R. Bernardo de Albuquerque 60, Celas, Coimbra, Portugal
+351 239 481 082
$$$ Cafe
(74 Reviews)
Price Range €5–10

Welcome to Cafe Scala, Lda., an enchanting café nestled in the heart of Celas, Coimbra, Portugal. More than just a place to grab a bite, Cafe Scala invites you on a nostalgic journey back in time with its charming atmosphere, reminiscent of a bygone era.

As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm ambiance that feels like stepping into the 1970s. The décor is unpretentious yet full of character, making it a prime spot to unwind with friends or simply enjoy a moment of quiet reflection over a cup of coffee. It's a favorite meeting spot for locals, particularly the spirited older generation who gather to watch their favorite football matches and share stories from the past.

One of the highlights of Cafe Scala is its delightful menu, showcasing traditional Portuguese flavors. Patrons rave about the delicious toasted sandwiches, with the chicken toast standing out as a must-try. For those with a taste for something hearty and fragrant, the minced meat cakes—which our reviewer Gil Macarico describes as “more a cake than a pie”—are a true delight, encapsulating the essence of home-cooked goodness. Pair any dish with a glass of their inviting red wine and finish your meal with a robust espresso to fully embrace the authentic Portuguese café experience.

Customers like Andrei Opait have shared their satisfaction, encouraging others to step through the door without hesitation. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying a leisurely afternoon, Cafe Scala promises comfort and camaraderie. Many who enter find themselves not just satisfied by the food, but also enriched by the warm, familial atmosphere fostered by the owner, Mr. Augusto, who is renowned for his attentive service and genuine care for patrons.

A special mention goes to the heartfelt testimonials from customers like Pedro Pelotte, whose late mother found joy and solace in this café. Her memory resonates through the walls, symbolizing that Cafe Scala isn't just a café; it’s a place where memories are cherished and friendships blossomed.

If you find yourself in Coimbra, do not miss the chance to visit Cafe Scala. Its unique offerings, rich history, and welcoming vibe create an unparalleled experience that you will hold dear long after your visit. Come with an appetite for both delightful food and storytelling in a café that truly feels like a home away from home.

Service options
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Sport
Popular for
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Quick bite
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Table service
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
University students
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

08:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

08:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

08:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

08:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

08:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

08:30 AM - 11:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 10:00 PM

74 Reviews
Gil Macarico

26 Sep 2025

Time travel. You enter and you're back in the seventies if not earlier. The owner serves you correctly, not to much flare, not too little politeness. I ate some minced meat cakes (more a cake then a pie for sure), they also seemed from another era, fresh and good. Some red wine, then an expresso, and all of it was good. This man must be here for ages, and still doing the job, like an oldtime pro. I can't put my finger in it, the odd characters at the tables, the overall mood, I felt a melancholic warmth on my visit there. Anyway, best wishes to this oldtimer and his café.

Andrei Opait

21 Aug 2025

A great place where you can experience the portuguese atmosphere. Don't feel shy and go in, you will not regret it.

Luis Santos

09 Aug 2025

Come se boas tostas-mistas, especialmente a de galinha. Muito Bom! Além, disso, tem comida caseira durante a hora do almoço. Venham provar comida caseira. É um conselho de amigo!! We eat good toasted sandwiches, especially the chicken one. Very good! Furthermore, there is homemade food during lunch time. Come and taste homemade food. It's friendly advice!!

Pedro Pelotte

10 Jul 2025

Sr. Augusto e família, Eu sou o filho da D. Isabel, que vive em Lisboa. Quero agradecer em meu nome e da minha querida mãe, que faleceu há poucos meses, a grande amizade, o carinho e a especial atenção que tinham com a minha mãe, e que vos considerava como uma família, e para ela esse café, era o cantinho ESPECIAL dela e onde se sentia bem... Quero que fique aqui registado o meu obrigado pelos bons momentos que ai passou e saia da sua solidão, para entrar na "casa da sua família", e onde tinha uns momentos de FELICIDADE! Para mim, foi uma grande Mulher, como mãe e como pessoa, uma verdadeira "rainha " D. ISABEL, que deixa muitas saudades... O meu obrigado pela vossa amizade, e como filho , não esqueço! Um grande abraço do vosso amigo. Pedro Pelotte ( Arquitecto)

João Gonçalves

29 Jun 2025

O Café Scala é um lugar cheio de mística. Igual ao que era há uns valentes anos atrás, o espaço continua parado no tempo onde senhores de terceira idade se juntam à noite para ver qualquer jogo da liga portuguesa. O Scala é daqueles sítios ao qual só se consegue dar valor quantas mais vezes se lá forem.

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