The building began its life in 1936 as the Imperial Café, a magnificent Art Deco landmark that catered to Porto’s “café society” — a place where people gathered to read the paper, meet friends, and watch the city move past the windows. Over time, the café closed and the building slipped into disrepair, its elegant details fading behind neglect.
That changed in 1995, when McDonald’s took over the space. Instead of gutting the interior and installing a standard layout, the company chose a different approach: they restored the building’s original features with care. The result is a fast‑food restaurant that still feels like a 1930s café, full of the architectural character that once defined it.
The façade remains crowned by the Imperial eagle, a striking Art Deco emblem that still presides over Avenida dos Aliados. Inside, the focal point is the stained‑glass mural along the back wall — a luminous work by Lisbon artist Ricardo Leoni. The mural depicts the entire cycle of coffee: growing, harvesting, processing, shipping, and finally drinking it. The rest of the interior keeps the same spirit: marble floors, mirrored walls, brass details.
As for the food, the menu is mostly familiar — the same burgers and fries you’d find anywhere in the world. But there are a few Portuguese touches: caldo verde, local pastries, and even Sagres beer.
Sitting beneath Leoni’s stained glass, it’s easy to appreciate how Porto allows its history to live on in unexpected ways.
All opinions expressed in this blog are our own. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or partnered with any of the places, recommendations, or links mentioned.
