If we would try to summarize Arcádia in one sentence it would probably be “best traditional chocolate house in Lisbon”.
Arcádia sells handmade chocolate products and other sweets, from the classic chocolate bars, to chocolate almonds, chocolate eggs, chocolate sardines (that’s right!) to chocolate bonbons, but also some other candy like liquor dragees.
This shop was born in Oporto city and has been in business since 1933 but you can find it a bit all over the country.
In Lisbon there are 5 stores: Avenida de Roma, Belém, Campo de Ourique, Mercado da Ribeira and Avenida João Crisóstomo.
Their ambience is a clever mix between classic, luxurious and modern and they are so welcoming that you can spend there quite a while, choosing what to buy and trying hard not to take the whole store with you.
Besides being wonderful and made with loads of care, their chocolates are also a great gift or souvenir. They even have special editions, like pretty Easter eggs filled with yummy chocolate almonds, beautiful city boxes decorated with historical references from several Portuguese cities including, of course, Lisbon, or lovely little wooden boxes of liquor dragees that resemble like strawberries.
However, one of their best sellers throughout the years has been their famous chocolate covered cat tongues, little biscuits covered with dark or milk chocolate, with or without sugar. Be careful they can be addictive.
If by this time you are still reading this an not heading to your nearest store, we give you one more piece of information, Arcádia also sells online so even if you are far away, you can still taste their treats.
Arcádia
> Avenida de Roma, 14 D. Metro Roma. Opens Monday to Saturday, 10:00-20:00.
> Rua de Belém, 53/ 55. Opens Monday to Saturday, 10:00-20:00; Sunday 10:00-18:00
> Praça Dom Luís i 44. Metro Cais do Sodré. Opens Sunday to Wednesday, 10:00-00:00; Thursday to Saturday 10:00-2:00
> Rua Almeida e Sousa, 29 A. Opens Monday to Saturday, 10:00-20:00; Sunday 10:00-18:00
> Av. João Crisóstomo, 48. Metro São sebastião. Opens Monday to Saturday, 10:00-20:00.
> Insider tip: Despite being famous for their chocolates Arcádia also has some of the best macaroons in Lisbon. Sure, they are not the most Portuguese delicacy of all, but trust us and give it a try.
