Olá, sweet souls! ✨ When I first spotted Chocolatería San Ginés tucked away in Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré neighborhood, my heart skipped a beat. I had fallen in love with the original Madrid location—a cozy, historic haven of chocolatey indulgence—and the idea of reliving that magic in Portugal’s capital? Yes please.
It turns out, the Lisbon outpost brings all the same warmth, joy, and chocolate-drizzled deliciousness, with a local twist that makes it feel right at home in Portugal’s capital. The setting may have changed, but the essence—the decadent comfort of dipping a crispy churro into a cup of thick, velvety chocolate—remains every bit as delightful.
A Little Taste of Madrid in Lisbon
San Ginés has been a churros-and-chocolate institution since 1894 in Spain, and its Lisbon location stays true to that legacy. The vibe is elegant yet laid-back, with green velvet seats, golden details, and that nostalgic European charm that invites you to linger. The walls are lined with black-and-white photos that whisper stories of decades past, adding even more soul to the experience.
I visited at night, when the city lights shimmered and the cozy glow of the café invited me in like a beacon of warmth. It was one of those Lisbon evenings that begged for comfort and indulgence. The smell of freshly fried dough greeted me at the door, and I knew I was in for a treat.
What I Ordered (Of Course!)
🍫 Churros con Chocolate – Crisp on the outside, soft and doughy inside, and served piping hot. The chocolate? Thick, rich, slightly bitter, and absolutely decadent. Not too sweet, just right. I dipped, swirled, and savored every single bite—messy, indulgent, and absolutely worth it.
🥖Porras con Chocolate – Thicker and fluffier than traditional churros, these were perfect for dipping. They had a golden, airy interior and slightly crisp exterior, making them an even heartier treat to dunk in that velvety chocolate. One bite and I was hooked.
☕ Espresso – To balance out the richness. A tiny, bold shot of perfection. It paired beautifully with the sweetness of the churros and porras. (I was full of chocolatey bliss!), but their menu also offers porras (a thicker style of churro), ice cream, cakes, and even some savory bites.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
The Lisbon location is stylish and inviting, with indoor and outdoor seating that’s perfect for people-watching. It’s less hectic than Madrid’s San Ginés, which means you can actually sit and soak up the moment—a little pause in your Lisbon wanderings.
The area itself is buzzing with life—Cais do Sodré is just steps away from Lisbon’s Time Out Market, so it’s easy to make this part of a flavorful day of exploring. Whether you’re wrapping up a stroll along the river or looking to rest your feet after a bite at the market, Chocolatería San Ginés offers the perfect sweet escape.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, joy comes in the form of a churro dipped in warm chocolate. For me, Chocolatería San Ginés in Lisbon was a sweet blend of nostalgia and new memories. Whether you’re a churro fan, a chocoholic, or simply looking for a little indulgence in between sightseeing, this place is a must-visit.
And yes—if you’ve been to the Madrid one, go ahead and treat yourself to a round two in Lisbon. Trust me, your heart (and taste buds) will thank you.
Until next time, stay sweet and curious. ☕
xoxo,
Bubbly 🍩
