Cafe Belém

Located in Little Italy, Cafe Belém is a Portuguese-inspired cafe and bakery established by the father-son duo Carlos and William Oliveira, who are also behind the popular Toronto restaurant Mercado. The space, which occupies the former site of the long-standing Kalendar restaurant, features a warm, European-style interior designed by Carlos, complete with intricate blue ceramic tilework, chandeliers, and greenery. The cafe serves as a community hub, offering a curated selection of Portuguese baked goods, imported gourmet canned seafood, and wines, with a particular emphasis on authentic, freshly baked pastéis de nata.

For a first visit, expect a cozy, bustling atmosphere that is better suited for casual dining than working, as the cafe has a no-laptop policy. The menu features daily rotating sandwiches, such as the bifana (pork) or cod fish fritter sandwiches, alongside their signature custard tarts and other pastries like the pão de deus. Prices are generally in the $10–$20 range. While the cafe offers seating, it is a compact space that can get crowded, so be prepared for potential waits during peak hours. The cafe gained recent local attention following a planned visit from Prime Minister Mark Carney, who stopped by for an espresso.