People behind popular Portuguese restaurant just opened a cafe in Toronto
Published November 15, 2024 at 3:31 pm
The people behind a popular Toronto Portuguese restaurant have now opened the doors to a serene new cafe.
Belem specializes in all things Portuguese when it comes to baked goods, and even some other items like tinned fish as well. The cafe specializes in one of Portugal’s most popular exports: the pastel de nata, a sweet egg tart.
It was opened by the people behind Mercado and Casa Portuguesa, both popular restaurants in town known for traditional Portuguese food. Belem is actually the brainchild of Mercado owner Carlos Oliveira’s son William, who wanted to learn to make bread after graduating from U of T.
“He went off to Portugal to work and study with bread masters. He then spent months working in local Portuguese bakeries from Lisbon to Porto learning their ways and gaining experience,” Oliveira tells YourCityWithIN.com.
“He then returned to Toronto where he worked for a long time in a local bakery, until he felt he was ready to venture on his own project. So here we are, Cafe Belem, a Portuguese-inspired bakery that will be showcasing breads, pastries, wines, gourmet canned goods, olive oils and a big spotlight on the pastel de nata.”
Belem now resides in the space that used to house Kalendar, a restaurant that was once beloved as a community hub in the area.
“Since the day we started demolition it has been off the charts with love and support from the whole community. Everyday we would have someone popping by to say welcome to the community,” says Oliveira.
“We have had other ventures but never felt this kind of support. As time was passing they would see how we were transforming the space and genuinely be happy and grateful that we were putting together a beautiful space. Bringing the place back to its former glory years.”
Belem is now open at 546 College St.