Our History
A Legacy of Tradition and Taste Since 1927
In the heart of Lisbon, Leitaria da Anunciada has been a cherished institution since 1927…
- Founding Year
Our restaurant was founded on January 8, 1927, originally named “Vacaria Andrade,” providing fresh milk directly from cows kept on-site. The façade was adorned with blue-and-white azulejos illustrating scenes of rural life and dairy work.
- Early Years: Fresh Milk Service
In the early days, Leitaria da Anunciada was one of Lisbon’s few places offering fresh milk straight from the source. Customers brought their own containers to fill with milk from our cows, which also supplied butter and cheese to the local community.
- Transition to Café and Pastry Shop
By the mid-1900s, changes in refrigeration and city life led to a transformation from dairy farm to café and pastry shop. The name changed to “Leitaria da Anunciada,” honoring our location. We became a favorite stop for coffee, pastries, and light meals while maintaining our dairy heritage.
- Family Ownership and Legacy
For generations, Leitaria da Anunciada has remained a family-run establishment. A unique tradition passed ownership from father-in-law to son-in-law, ensuring continuity, care, and a deep personal connection to the restaurant’s soul.
- Iconic Azulejos (Tile Panels)
The exterior of Leitaria da Anunciada features its original 1927 azulejos, hand-painted by the artisans of Cerâmica Lusitânia. These blue-and-white tiles, depicting cows and pastoral scenes, have become a symbol of Lisbon’s cultural heritage.
- Mid-Century Changes and Growth
In the mid-20th century, we expanded our offerings beyond dairy to include classic Portuguese pastries like pastel de nata and bolo de arroz, as well as sandwiches and milky coffees. This period cemented our place in Lisbon’s culinary identity.
- The 1974 Carnation Revolution Impact
During the 1974 Carnation Revolution, Lisbon experienced great political and social change. Leitaria da Anunciada remained a comforting gathering place for locals, a witness to history that continued to serve familiar, heartfelt flavors.
- Renovation and Restoration of Azulejos
In 2017, part of our historic azulejo façade was vandalized and stolen. The tiles were carefully removed, restored, and preserved—ensuring the protection of this valuable piece of Lisbon's artistic
- Reopening After Renovation
Around 2018, we felt the need to strengthen and protect traditional Portuguese cuisine. Investing in a menu that recalls memories and recovers traditions, serving as a testimony and calling card for all. Dishes such as codfish, octopus, oven-roasted shank or francesinha are essential for those who visit us.
- International Recognition
By the 2020s, Leitaria da Anunciada had gained international recognition for its authenticity and quality. Welcoming travelers from around the world, we proudly represent Lisbon’s culinary heritage on a global stage.
- Sustainability and Community Engagement
In 2017, we launched sustainability initiatives focused on local sourcing, reducing food waste, and supporting community causes. Our partnerships with local farmers and producers ensure every ingredient carries a story of care and responsibility.
- Future Plans
We continue to innovate while remaining true to our cultural roots.
Our History
We have 94 years of history, but our commitment remains. Delighting ourselves in the heart of Lisbon, in a relaxed and refined atmosphere is our mission. Gastronomy is an interaction without borders.
The pleasant Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, which in the 15th century was one of the entrance gates to the city of Lisbon, stands out with a uniqueness that attracts many lives and where many worlds cross.
In the continuation of Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, in front of the Lavra Funicular, which takes us to the Torel Garden, we culminate in Largo da Anunciada.
It is in this location that stands out, at number 1, the facade of a building that displays, both on the right side and on the left side, three tile panels, where you can read 'Leitaria da Anunciada'.
Leitaria da Anunciada, an establishment that in 1927, at that time with the name Vacaria Andrade, sold milk directly from dairy cows, milked on site according to the need and taste of each customer. There were 3 different dairy cows — one spotted, one black and one brown. Customers brought their own containers and chose the milk from the cow they liked most.
Later it became a restaurant that tastes and gives a taste of the flavors of Portuguese cuisine, both to Portuguese and to foreigners who visit this house every day.
It is an almost centenary building, with stories to tell and many treasures to discover. Besides talking about the dairy products it commercialized in other times, the story tells that the successive owners were the sons-in-law of the owners, who after marrying their respective daughters, became the new owners.
Today, Leitaria da Anunciada preserves its essence and history, combining tradition with modernity and welcoming each visitor with the same spirit of family and hospitality that made it a symbol of Lisbon.