Cafe As Bifanas do Afonso

Since 1975, As Bifanas do Afonso has been the gold standard for Lisbon's most beloved sandwich—the bifana. What began as Bar Covense on Rua da Madalena, founded by José Torres Afonso, has grown into a true city institution, now serving over 400 sandwiches daily from two locations.

The recipe remains unchanged for half a century: thinly sliced pork, hand-cut, slow-cooked in a fragrant broth of white wine, lard, garlic, and bay leaf. The meat is piled generously into a chewy Portuguese roll—soft enough to soak up the juices, sturdy enough to hold together. A squirt of mustard or a drizzle of house-made chili oil takes it to another level.

The original location on Rua da Madalena is pure, no-frills authenticity—a takeaway window with just a couple of tall tables and old letterbox slots that double as makeshift counters . The line stretches down the block from opening until close, a mix of lifelong locals and curious travellers following the aroma of that simmering pork broth.

In 2025, a second location opened at the Lisbon Art Stay Hotel, on the corner of Rua da Assunção and Rua dos Sapateiros. Here, for the first time, you can sit at a terrace with table service, while enjoying the exact same recipe and prices. The quiosque serves from morning, while the restaurant and esplanade extend into the evening.