No Lisbon itinerary is complete without scoping out the best cafes in Lisbon. Whether looking for the best breakfast or brunch in Lisbon or just somewhere with great coffee and a place to taste pastel di nata, the places below need to be on your list of places to eat in Lisbon.
It’s not hard to find great coffee in Portugal, especially in its capital city. You could stop at the most worn out, hole in the wall looking café and their coffee would still be silky smooth, strong and delicious. But if you want a bit of atmosphere to go alongside your espresso or latte, then these coolest cafés in Lisbon are just the ticket.
9 Cafes In Lisbon To Check Out
I have previously shared the best places to eat in Rue de Carvalho, this is the famous Instagrammable Pink Street that I have blogged about, this post is all about cafes! If you are a lover of food tours then check out Lisbon’s food and wine tasting tours that also have you exploring the city on bikes, segways and on foot as you explore the city.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
As the name suggests, Copenhagen Coffee Lab is Lisbon’s Scandi-style coffee shop. The minimal, white-on-white make-up of this hangout gives it an ultra-relaxing feel, a place where you can sit for hours sipping on quality coffee and munching on a granola bowl, colourful salad, or flourless chocolate cake. Be aware that there is Wi-Fi here but also a laptop-free zone where computers are not allowed. Slightly more expensive than your average coffee around town, but you pay for the cosy atmosphere. Try their chai latte.
A Brasileira
It needs no introduction, being the most illustrious coffee shop in Lisbon. Its history dates back to 1905, when its business was selling ” genuine coffee from Brazil”. Its transformed local habits and, after opening the first coffee room, it became popular among writers and artists of the period, from Almada Negreiros and Fernando Pessoa (there’s no tourist that resists taking a picture next to the poet’s statue, on the terrace).
Vélocité Café
Every good city needs a bike-cum-coffee shop, and in Lisbon that’s Vélocité Café. Passionate peddlers can come here to chat about all things on two wheels with other avid cyclists, and grab a coffee or some brunch at the same time. This multi-purpose space is one of the most innovative in Lisbon, creating a place where people sharing the same interests can meet and rejoice in beautiful bikes. If you’re just a visitor in town, you can also rent bikes here for just €15 for a full day.
28 Café
It’s a little bit of a gimmick, but for first-timers in the city 28 Café has to be one of the coolest cafés in Lisbon. The novelty here is that 28 is set up in a replica of one of Lisbon’s iconic trams, so that you can feel like you’re riding one of these adorable contraptions while relaxing with an espresso and pastel de nata. The walls here give you a little history of the trams in Lisbon, so that you can understand more about this loveable way of getting around. Okay, it’s a little touristy, but we think it’s a fun place for a quick pitstop.
Fábrica Coffee Roasters
Passionate about sourcing and serving quality coffee, Fábrica Coffee Roasters is one of the best places to go if you’re serious about where your morning caffeine fix comes from. The company has two shops in Lisbon, one just up from Rossio Square, the other a short walk from Cais do Sodré station. Here they have beans from Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and Kenya, and buy directly from producers. Chilled out setting, top-notch brews.
Pastelaria Mexicana
A place all Lisboners know, this cafe-pastry-restaurant is one of the city’s classics, and also an example of how traditional shops can renew themselves and survive periods of decline despite the renovation works, Mexicana honours it’s tradition and retains very loyal customers. Visitors can’t fail to notice Querubim Lapa (1962) ceramic panel in the dining room.
Pastelaria Versailles
Inaugurated in1922, it is a Lisbon classic, with a beautiful Art Nouveau interior, with gilded decors, wall mirrors and stucco ceilings. On the counter there is a selection of delicious pastries, but it also serves meals and traditional Portuguese cuisine.
A Padaria Portuguesa
This is a chain of bakery cafes in Lisbon serving up Portugeues pastries along side a lunch menu of sandwiches and salads. If you are looking for a quick bite then you will find these dotted around Lisbon and the prices arent too bad.
Hello Kristof
This Scandinavian looking cafeteria inspired both the name and the minimalist decor. It was one of the first cool locations in this young buzzing street. You can drink 100% Arabica coffee, eat a slice of homemade cake and read several international magazines, carefully selected by the owner.
Also See
- Why You Have To Visit MAAT At Sunset
- Top Things To Do In Belem
- Where To Stay In Lisbon
- Places To Visit In Sintra
- Why You Shouldn’t Miss Carmo Convent
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