Best Coffee in Lisbon: 25 Best Coffee Shops and Cafes
I have always loved traditional Portuguese coffee, and the tradition of having a bica after a meal. Bica is a shot of strong espresso, and the word is actually and acronym: beba isto com açúcar, or “drink this with sugar.” I typically skip the sugar for a splash of milk, and love the deep bitter flavor.
A specialty coffee scene is emerging in Portugal now. Lisbon is now home to several roasters, and specialty shops are popping up across the city. The expat population in Portugal is exploding, and they are bringing specialty coffees with them.
This list of places to find the best coffee in Lisbon includes a range of options. You will find traditional shops, specialty shops, and cafes where you can pair your coffee with an astounding breakfast. Whatever you do, try it the Portuguese way where you sit and have a coffee instead of carrying it with you.
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Nicolau Lisboa
Nicolau is a great choice for brunch if you’re looking for something before you explore downtown Lisbon. They have all the classic options like pancakes, eggs, and good coffee. Plus, it’s right by the waterfront so you can explore that Baixo, Chiado and other areas of Lisbon afterwards!
Confeitaria Nacional
Known for delicious coffee and a range of treats, this is an old-world cafe and bakery. The variety of sweets is heaven for anyone with a sweet tooth. This cafe is a great place to start your day or take an afternoon break.
Fábrica Coffee Roasters
Fabrica Coffee Roasters, located on Rua das Flores in Lisbon, is all about the coffee. They do offer some light fare, but again, it’s really about the coffee. They roast their beans specific to the purpose and always strive for extraordinary flavor.
Fábrica da Nata
You can find traditional Portuguese coffee here as well as espresso drinks like capuccinos. You can watch the Pasteis de Nata being made and they are fresh and tasty. If you are looking for lunch, the menu also includes tostas, sandwiches and croquettes. I lovely stop for some coffee and sustenance during your day.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab & Bakery
The small Danish chain of coffee shop has four locations of their Copenhagen Coffee Lab brand in Lisbon. The first opened in 2014, and they now have even won an award this year for the Best Coffee Shop in Portugal by Drinks Diary. The Alcântara location has a great neighborhood vibe and the Alfama space is great too.
Bettina & Niccolo Corallo
This tiny shop, located in Principe Real, Bettina & Niccolo Corallo specializes in coffee and chocolate from São Tomé and Príncipe. All the products are from the family plantation. The selection of products ranges from sorbet, to chunks of dark chocolate, and a variety of creative flavors. It’s right next to the Príncipe Real park so if there is no table available in the small space you can enjoy your coffee in the park.
Hello, Kristof
Hello Kristof is found in an up and coming Lisbon neighborhood called Poço dos Negros. You can enjoy your coffee with homemade cookies. While you enjoy your coffee, you can enjoy their selection of magazines, chosen because they are harder to find in Lisbon. Reviewers love the avocado toast as well as the coffee.
Buna Specialty Coffee Shop
Specialty pour overs, great variety of beans, and espresso tonics. This coffee shop is perfect for a quick bite and the staff is known to be super friendly. The interior of the small shop is funky and the food is fresh. More than one reviewer claim they found the perfect flat white at Buna.
the mill
Beautiful light space, known for excellent coffee and breakfast. The Mill has Australian roots so if you are in the mood for vegemite this is your spot. Reviewers love the flat whites. It’s a great spot to start your day!
Dear Breakfast – Bica
My personal favorite, Dear Breakfast is located down a little alley with cobblestone streets. Inside the brick and walls are whitewashed which opens the space up. This restaurant has quickly become a popular spot for breakfast in Lisbon, with the salty pancakes being enough to get you through the day.
COMOBA
Comoba, a gorgeous light-filled cafe that serves up healthy meals without refined sugars or processed components, is the most popular newcomer to the Lisbon café scene. They get their food from local farmers and produce their own almond milk in-house.
Café Janis
The Café Janis is a beautiful space, with a light and airy feel. The great food and strong coffee make it a perfect place to start your day. It also has outdoor seating so you can bask in the sun as you enjoy the food.
Baobá Café
With Brazilian beans that are locally roasted in Lisbon, Buna is known for great coffee. They have an “espresso experience” if you are wanting to learn. The food is excellent and they serve fresh pao de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread). That alone is worth a visit!
Heim Cafe
Heim, one of Lisbon’s most popular cafés, has a cozy street-corner ambiance in the Santos neighborhood. On weekends, tables may fill up quickly, but with the food selections are excellent for everyone: vegans and meat eaters alike. You may have to wait for a table, but its worth it!
wish slow coffee house
Located in LX Factory, Wish Slow Coffee House is a popular cafe. You will find digital nomads that appreciate the power outlets and free wifi. But in addition to that you will find locals and tourists alike, there for the coffee and menu.
The Royal Rawness
Located in Marvila, which is a bit away from the city center, some people consider this to be the best coffee in town. It’s located in an old warehouse in an area populated by artists and hipsters, making it one of the coolest cafes in Lisbon.
Pastéis de Belém
One of the more welll-known cafés in Lisbon, this old school cafe is all about the pasteis de nata. They do have other pastries too, but we always get the custard tarts. The coffee and espresso-based drinks are Portuguese style and an excellent compliment to the treats.
Fauna & Flora- Anjos
Fauna & Flora is a super pleasant space that has a great menu. Alongside the meat-based items, you will find a selection of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan menu items too. The pancakes are creative (matcha flavor!!) and specialty coffee is a great way to start your day.
Bloom Coffee Room
This specialty coffee shop has a following and is definitely some of the best coffee in Lisbon. They get their coffee beans from some of the best roasters in Europe, and the owner is super friendly. They have a food menu that is delicious, and if you are in the mood, you can buy flowers too!
Manteigaria
Manteigaria has several locations. We visited the one in the Chiado a few weeks ago. When we arrived there was a line out the door, but it moved quickly. The Pastel de Nata, or Portuguese custard tart, was amazing. Fresh out of the oven and still warm. After we ordered we squeezed to the stand-up bar with our pastries and our coffee. It was fun to get a front-row seat to the Pasteis being made.
PRO TIP: My niece and nephew, both who go to University in Lisbon, swear that Manteigaria is the best shop for Pasteis de Nata!
Landeau Chocolate
Landeau Chocolate has two locations: one in LX Factory and one is Chiado. People refer to the cake as the “World’s Best Chocolate Cake”. Sofia Landeau created this cake that customers loved so much for a cafe that is now closed. But even though that cafe is closed, she created her own shops so you can still enjoy it!
Amélia Lisboa
Wonderful spot for brunch or coffee or tea, with lots of Instagrammable opportunities. Amélia is in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood which is a great place to explore when breakfast is done.
Milkees
Milkees is a great place to grab breakfast and good coffee in the morning. If an afternoon pick me up is what you are looking for, they are known for their cookies that go well with flat whites. People love the vibe here, and the food is delicious. Pastries, smoothie bowls, and sandwiches are on the menu.
I hope you enjoyed this list of Lisbon Coffee Shops.
Did I miss one? All of these are amazing, whether they are one of the best specialty coffee shops, one of the many hip cafes or a hidden gem. But, Lisbon the coffee scene in Lisbon is evolving and coffee aficionados will embrace more.
