Lisboa Caffe Has Opened a Bricks-and-Mortar Portuguese Custard Tart Bakery in South Brisbane

Already home to Gelato Messina's original Brisbane store and Lune's only local croissanterie so far, South Brisbane just welcomed another tastebud-tempting spot: Lisboa Caffe, purveyors of flaky, tasty, widely beloved Portuguese custard tarts.

Setting up shop on Hope Street, the bakery's new bricks-and-mortar home is now serving up pasteis de nata — those coveted egg custard pastries — and pairing them with Padre coffee, all at a cute, white-tiled, hole-in-the-wall joint.

On the menu: custard tarts, obviously, as well as Nutella, goat's cheese, chicken and herb, and walnut and honey tart varieties. So, you can go for both sweet and savoury options. And, if you're keen for a bite-sized snack, the custard tarts also come in miniature versions — and Portuguese almond tarts are also on offer.

The tiny venue has been in the works since 2021, but everyone in Brisbane knows how the last year turned out. Now, it has finally become a reality. Lisboa Caffe's permanent shopfront comes after its signature treats proved big hits at markets around southeast Queensland, and among the pastry range at plenty of local cafes. In other words, if you're a fan of custard tarts, you've probably already tried them.

2022 marks seven years since owner Joe Rocha first started Lisboa Caffe back in 2015 to share his Portuguese culture with Brisbane, focusing on custard tarts as an anchor. And as the name makes plain, Rocha always had dreams of setting up a cafe. Joining South Brisbane's growing lineup of sweet treats is clearly just a welcome bonus.

Find Lisboa Caffe at 58 Hope Street, South Brisbane — open from 7am–3pm Wednesday–Saturday.

Images: Markus Ravik.