‘Hard to Believe': Tia Maria’s European Cafe Celebrates 10 Years in New Bedford

Cheers to 10 years as one of New Bedford's most popular Portuguese restaurants hits a major milestone.

Sitting quaintly alongside North Water Street's cobblestones is Tia Maria's European Cafe. The aroma of savory Portuguese food, as authentic as it gets, fills your nostrils the moment you walk through the door and the fresh coffee is always brewing.

If Cheers were real and a restaurant rather than a bar, Tia's would be it. The baristas know your coffee order before you can say a word, you're welcomed the moment you step inside and the owners take pride in stepping away from the kitchen for a moment just to say hello. It's the little things that make the business the star it has been for 10 years.

Get our free mobile app

On Sunday, Sept. 3, owners Jessica and Ryan Arruda had a private party with close family and friends to honor the achievement with food, drinks, cake, and entertainment.

"Sunday was great," Jessica Arruda said. "It was nice to have our family and friends come together that have supported us throughout the years to celebrate this milestone. This restaurant was my first baby. The days are long but the years go by fast. It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years, even though some days it feels like I'm still in infancy, just getting started as the new kid on the block. Other days we're like 'We got this, we've done it all.' We've pivoted, adapted to change accordingly, and constantly growing and always looking for the best way to improve."

For anyone who has yet to try Tia Maria's, it's not your standard breakfast place. Here you'll see more Portuguese-infused dishes you won't find at most other local establishments.

"Don't expect plain-Jane pancakes," Jessica said. "We invite you to try something new for breakfast. Explore the menu and our specials like a bifana or cacoila omelet with hot peppers or a tosta mista, a very simple ham and cheese sandwich you would find only in Portugal."

Whatever you decide on, make sure to congratulate the Arrudas and the rest of their loyal staff, some of whom have been here since the first chapter.