Euro Café - Claremont

Upon entering, you’ll find a counter for ordering, along with a menu featuring sandwiches, smoothies, paninis, espresso drinks, and a large board displaying the Portuguese specials of the day. The menu changes daily, but you can count on staples like Caldo Verde (kale soup) and Bife (steak prepared in the Portuguese style). On weekends, the bakery case tempts you with a selection of cookies, muffins, and traditional Portuguese treats. You must try the masa sevada sweet bread, malassadas doughnuts, and the utterly addictive custard cups called Queijadas de Natas. The owner aptly describes them as, “Eat one and then beg for more!” After I ordered my meal, which included steak and muffins for my children, I attempted to explain to them why I was excited to be there and what Portuguese food meant to me. Little did I know that the older gentleman sitting at the next table was the owner. He approached me, shook my hand, and asked if I was Portuguese. I replied that I was, and to my delight, he began to speak to me in Portuguese! Oh, what joy it was, though I had unfortunately forgotten most of what I once knew and had to ask him to switch to English. I learned that his name was Joe, and I shared with him my long search for Portuguese food. Our conversation continued as he personally delivered my meal, regularly checking to see if I wanted wine—every Portuguese meal deserves a good wine, after all—and to ask if I liked the food. It was truly delicious! What a kind man he was. When I mentioned that I hadn’t had Portuguese linguica sausage in years, he surprised me by offering some and bringing it to my table. It brought tears to my eyes; while it may sound silly, that simple meal was deeply intertwined with my family memories, and Joe's thoughtful gesture turned it into one of the most memorable meals of my life. Sometimes our souls crave certain flavors, and food can nourish our spirits as much as our bodies. For years, I had been searching for a place that served Portuguese food, reminiscing about my grandmother’s cooking and my father’s fond descriptions of his favorite dishes, which my mother would often prepare. I even bought Portuguese cookbooks, but I always wondered if I had the spices right. There’s a feeling that can be hard to explain—when you deeply long for the tastes from your past, it’s as if your soul is stretching out, but finding authentic ingredients without absurd shipping costs can be a challenge. This café is more than just a coffee shop; Joe Medeiros, the friendly owner, is Portuguese himself and can order authentic Portuguese sausages, Bacalhau (salted cod), and a variety of Portuguese wines, cheeses, and other specialties. Just ask him, and he’ll provide you with a list of what’s available. Overall, the food is fantastic, the service is exceptional, and Joe is a warm and welcoming host. The desserts and authentic Portuguese cuisine create a beautiful connection to the Portuguese community. What more could you ask for?