It was on a rainy day in November, when I came across a beautiful Japanese café in Porto that quickly became our favourite retreat: Musubu Café. This lovely café is located in the Cedofeita district and became our place of quiet rest, where time seems to stand still and invites you for daydreaming. At the same time, Musubu Café provides you with authentic Japanese food and drinks in the heart of Porto.
One of our favourite cafés in Porto
During a casual online search, I first encountered Musubu Café, a name which hold immediately my attention. Musubu is a Japanese word, which means “to tie,” “to connect,” and “to form strong relationships”. It’s a space where friends come together, stories are shared, and bonds are created.
But the reality far exceeded my expectations. From my first visit with my parents and brother to countless returns with Marc, Musubu Café became for us a place of calm, connection, and Japanese culinary delights. That’s also the reason, why we first struggled to open this secret to the public and write about our favourite café in Porto.
A place to relax and enjoy healthy Japanese food
Musubu Café is located inside a beautiful boutique and the owner-couple Miguel and his wife Sako are very kind people. During the opening hours, Sako infuses every dish with passion and precision. On top, she crafts gluten-free, plant-based Japanese dishes without refined sugar. Her commitment to use only locally sourced, seasonal ingredients ensures that each dish is tasty, safe and of high quality.
From omusubi rice balls to homemade fermented foods and drinks, each offers a masterpiece of flavour and nutrition. The desserts, particularly the orange drizzle cake accompanied by hojicha ice cream, became our instant favourite.
As Sako is creating every dish with love directly after your order, be aware that it takes some time until your plate is served. For us, who love to enjoy the calm and relaxing atmosphere at Musubu, this was not a problem and the dishes from Sako were always more than worth the waiting time. In the meantime, Miguel will most probably serve you a great cup of Japanese tea, homemade Ginger Ale or traditional Sake wine.
In addition, the café’s commitment to authenticity extends to its aesthetics, as the delicious food and drinks are served in handmade ceramics designed by the award-winning designer Miguel. He is also the one who will take your orders and ensures that you will leave this place with a smile. Don’t forget to pay attention to the small details like the lamps on the ceiling or the vases on the table: They are also designed and crafted by Miguel.
Authentic café with a deep meaning and love for details
For those who want to experience a moment of peace and want to connect to Japanese culture, we can highly recommend this place. Furthermore, it’s a true paradise for everyone who loves healthy and authentic Japanese food in an absolute calm and welcoming atmosphere. Here, every Japanese food and drink is prepared with love and complete attention to detail. If you are a fan of Japanese cuisine and you value a friendly and personal atmosphere, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
