From passion to pastry: How Mr. Portuguese Bakery became a sweet symbol of Tavira

From the aroma of freshly baked bread to the golden touch of a pastel de nata, great bakeries are made of passion, creativity and a true love for the community. We caught up with Alexandra and Pedro, from Mr. Portuguese Bakery in Tavira, to learn about their journey from idea to oven, the flavours that inspire their creations and how they have woven the spirit of Tavira into everything they do.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself?

We are a bakery and pastry shop that produces sourdough bread and sourdough with various types of flours. We also produce 100% vegetable pastries with some gluten-free options for people who are gluten intolerant or who want to avoid it in their diet.

Q: What inspired you to start and how did you get involved?

In this case, Mr. Portuguese arose from the lack of motivation to work in the restaurant industry and the lack of value we felt, having been a "enough" and we chose to value ourselves (and thankfully!).

Q: What do you think makes Tavira, and the region, such a unique place?

Tavira, for us, is a bittersweet city! We love the city's landscape, we love having the mountains and the sea so close with its potential for gastronomic raw materials. However, we feel that it is losing a lot of expression in the presence of small Portuguese businesses.

Q: Do you have a favorite place in this area that you think more people should know about?

Lots of gastronomic places, which is what we explore the most!

Our bakery (we will be happy to welcome you ahahah!)

Restaurants: Romba, Machado, Scoopit Food Atelier, Borda d'Água, Ponto de Encontro (Tavira) Restaurante Finalmente (Manta Rota)

Cafeteria: Café Formosa

Ice cream shop: Delízia (Tavira) or São Gelados (Olhão)

Q: What's next for you in this project?

We are currently going through a phase of a lot of introspection, we are thinking about a lot of things and we still need time to clarify.

Q: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Love, transparency and communication

Q: What is your favorite order at a local restaurant or café?

Aiii I can't answereeeeer! We love to eat! We have so many!

Q: If you had a free day to explore or enjoy the Eastern Algarve, how would you spend it?

We started the day by going to buy bread, eat a pastel de nata and drink a coffee at our bakery. Then we would go to the beach of Manta Rota to get a little bit of natural vitamin, we would have lunch at the Finalmente Restaurant a beautiful cod rice. Then we were quite capable of going to Olhão to eat an ice cream at São Gelados and then we would go up to the mountains (to the sides of Cachopo) to watch the sunset on some benches that exist to see the landscape. We would go down to dinner at Borda D'agua, have a nice cocktail, have dinner (anything, it's all good) and go for a walk around Tavira at night!

Q: What is a hidden talent or a fun fact about you that most people don't know?

That I (Alexandra) despite being behind the counter, have a degree in Graphic Design and a Master's degree in Food Consumption Sciences and that Pedro has worked in many Michelin Star reference sites.

As we finish the conversation, it is clear that Alexandra and Pedro have created much more than a bakery — they have built a space full of soul, tradition and the comforting aroma of home. Mr. Portuguese Bakery isn't just about pastries; It's about preserving the simple joy of sharing something made with love.

Contact Information

Mr. Portuguese Bakery

Rua José Joaquim Jara, Nº 9 R/C, 8800-353 Tavira

Phone:  968 108 002

Mr.Portuguese Bakery

Hours:  Wednesday to Saturday, from 8 am to 2 pm