As Lisbon locals, we’re on a constant mission to drink the best coffee in Lisbon. In other words, you’ll find probably us at one of these Lisbon coffee shops when you visit Portugal’s colorful capital city.
We love living in Lisbon for many reasons. The city’s thriving food and coffee scene is towards the top of our list along with the restaurants, climate and cost of living.
When we first visited Lisbon in 2007, Lisbon was just emerging as a tourist destination and its third wave coffee movement was still in its infancy. Though we were satisfied with Portuguese coffee served at traditional cafes like the counter at Pasteis de Belém during that initial visit, we wanted more when we returned in 2018.
Spoiler alert – we’ve found enough high quality, craft coffee in Lisbon to keep us both caffeinated and happy.
Discover our favorite things to eat and drink in Portugal as well as top tips for eating in Portugal.
It’s no secret that specialty coffee is our preferred drug of choice. Since we drink it every day of the week, access to good coffee was a key factor in our decision to move to Lisbon, one of Portugal’s ‘foodiest’ cities.
Read the story behind our move to Lisbon.
Sometimes we drink our daily fix at a Lisbon cafe along with brunch and other times we brew a pot of filtered coffee at home. The caffeine jolt energizes us while the refined flavor satisfies our discerning palettes.
Brief History Of The Lisbon Cafe Scene
It wasn’t always this way in Lisbon. Although the city’s coffee culture dates back to the 18th century when Portugal first imported Robusta and Arabica beans from former colony Brazil, the Iberian country’s affection for modern coffee is a more recent development.
Fun Fact
If you’re wondering how to say coffee in Lisbon, the Portuguese translation for coffee is café.
For centuries, Lisbon locals convened at neighborhood cafes to sip darkly roasted cups of espresso with friends at all times of day from morning to night. Many Lisbonites still follow this practice today, often combining their coffee with the über-popular Portuguese egg tart known as Pastel de Nata and spirited conversation.
Read our Lisbon Pastel de Nata guide.
Classic Lisbon cafes stick with tradition and serve commodity coffee mass-produced by companies like Delta Coffee and Sical. On the upside, this type of coffee in Portugal is cheap – often costing under a euro for an espresso.
However, as the expression goes, ‘you get what you pay for.’ Bica, the popular name for a Portuguese shot is commonly drunk with 2 packs of sugar to counteract the drink’s bitter, burnt flavor. You can pay as little as € 0.60 for a shot. As for us, we prefer to drink the best coffee in Lisbon instead of the cheap stuff.
Modern, new-wave coffee roasters roast their beans light to medium – the beans are never over-roasted to a ‘burnt’ consistency. Not only do specialty roasts taste good, but they also contain many positive properties such as the caffeine ‘pick me up’ that are roasted out of old-world coffee blends.
Given the choice, we typically choose to pay a bit more for quality when we visit coffee shops in Lisbon. Craft coffee is not cheap, costing twice as much or more compared to the commodity stuff. That being said, specialty coffee in Lisbon is a relative bargain compared to the cost in other European cities.
Our Favorite Lisbon Coffee Shops | The Best Coffee In Lisbon
Lisbon may have been late to join the third wave movement but the city has now claimed a spot at the party. As we learned while attending the inaugural Lisbon Coffee Fest in March 2019 and again in 2022, the city is brewing with good coffee. The city has both public cafes roasting coffee as well as stand-alone roasters producing coffee for direct sale.
Living as Lisbon locals, we’ve consumed enough cappuccinos and flat whites to become self-proclaimed experts on the topic of where to drink the best specialty coffee in Lisbon. These are our picks for the best cafes in Lisbon for digital nomads and coffee connoisseurs:
1. Dramático
Not to be overly dramatic (pun intended), but we became fans of Dramático the moment we walked up a steep hill from the Avenida and slid inside. The intimate cafe is owned by Richard Galesio, the former owner of Hello Kristof near São Bento.
With Dramático, Galesio has settled on a location that’s decidedly lower key with just a few seats. Galesio seems to like it that way. We like it too. The minimalistic space reminds us of cafes we’ve encountered in cities like Copenhagen and Hamburg.
Galesio is passionate about coffee, crafting drinks from beans currently sourced from Denmark’s La Cabra. He’s also passionate about baking items like banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, both of which are often available at Dramático’s counter.
Despite its limited hours and equally limited seating, Dramático is a popular spot for locals who appreciate both great coffee and the natural, shaded light that streams through the cafe’s picture windows. It’s a peaceful morning enclave that justifies climbing a hill.
Pro Tip
Dramático does not provide WiFi to its customers.
Dramático is located at Rua da Alegria 41E, 1250-006 Lisboa, Portugal.
2. Buna Specialty Coffee Shop
When it comes to locations, Buna Specialty Coffee Shop has found its happy place. The popular cafe moved to a charming Rua São Bento corner adjacent to the 28 tram in the Santos neighborhood in December of 2021. Details like a vintage cash register and old school record player bring the charm inside.
Although the location is relatively new, it feels right with its tiled floor and shelves filled with coffee and coffee equipment. The cosy interior has a few tables; however, the outside space is a game changer with a handful of small tables offering plenty of room for both dogs and strollers.
As was always the case at Buna, regardless of its location, this is a cafe that cares about both coffee and people. No longer limited to one bean provider, the cafe sources its house blend from Stockholm’s Drop Coffee Roasters and curates a rotating roster of guest roasters like Rotterdam’s Manhattan Coffee Roasters and Dublin’s Sumo Coffee Roasters.
Sergio Godinho, one of the cafe’s owners, took time to chat with us during a recent visit as he seems to do with everybody who steps through the door. The Portuguese investment banker lived in New York before returning to Lisbon where he subsequently discovered a passion for specialty coffee.
Buna’s coffee menu follows the specialty coffee playbook with a few extras like espresso tonic and Japanese iced V60 options. We tried the latter during our most recent visit and found the chilled coffee to have delightfully bright, fruity flavors. As a contrast, we tasted Buna’s batch brew made with El Salvadoran beans, which was more savory and vegetal but still pleasing.
Buna has non-coffee options as well as a small food menu featuring croissants, granola bowls and a few different sandwiches. In other words, there’s something for almost everyone at this Lisbon cafe.
Pro Tip
Don’t schlep your laptop if you want to sit inside Buna while you sip your coffee. It’s a laptop-free zone.
Buna Specialty Coffee Shop has multiple Lisbon location. We typically visit the cafe located at Rua do Poço dos Negros 168, 1200-267 Lisboa, Portugal.
3. Milkees
Milkees deceives with its simply decorated location on a busy block in São Sebastião near Lisbon’s El Corte Inglés. Thanks to passionate owners Alexandre Freitas & Joāo Pedro Erthal, the sophisticated cafe is a must-visit for specialty coffee aficionados drinking their way through Lisbon.
Sourcing quality local products, Freitas and Erthal serve bread from Gleba and produce from various top quality markets like Mercado Biológico do Principe Real and Mercado 31 Janeiro. They typically buy coffee beans from The Barn as well as local roasters like RoastBerry Coffee Lab (see below).
The Milkees menu never disappoints us whether we eat tomato pesto sandwiches, hummus with pita or squash soup with gorgonzola. However, Erthal’s cookies are easily the cafe’s main attraction. The Michelin-trained chef loads his cookies with big chocolate chips and sprinkles them with fleur de sel flakes.
Milkees is a local favorite when we want to work in a friendly environment, at least when it’s not too busy. We enjoy the cafe’s excellent coffee, satisfying food and attentive service. Plus, we count the cafe’s chocolate chip cookies among the best desserts in Portugal.
Pro Tip
Order a cookie to go with your coffee. The flavor is up to you.
Milkees is located at Rua Filipe Folque 7B, 1050-110 Lisboa, Portugal. In 2022, the cafe opened its second location in nearby Cascais.
4. Olisipo Coffee Roasters
Olisipo might top our list of Lisbon cafes except for one issue – the specialty roastery operates as a cafe for just eight hours each week. But that’s okay. The limited schedule just means that coffee geeks need to plan their Saturday afternoons around a coffee break in Lisbon’s Ajuda neighborhood.
Anthony Watson and Sofia Gonçalves opened Olisipo in 2018 inspired by their joint love of coffee. Committed to both the local Lisbon neighborhood and the ‘neighborhood’ of coffee drinkers, the duo has created a cozy space where coffee enthusiasts are warmly welcomed.
Watson traveled the world, an adventure that included a homestay at an Ethiopian coffee farm, before relocating from London with Gonçalves. Striking photos from his journey adorn Olisipo’s walls.
When you visit Olisipo, expect to drink coffee made with single-origin beans sourced from South American countries like Brazil, Honduras and Peru as well as Eastern hemisphere countries like Burundi and Ethiopia. Housemade cold brew goes down extra easy on hot summer Saturdays.
Although Olisipo’s location is off the Lisbon tourist trail, coffee fans can easily walk up the hill from Alcântra or take an Uber. The reward for this small effort is what we consider to be the best coffee in Lisbon.
Beyond coffee, Olisipo serves tea and beer. Those who enjoy both coffee and beer can kill two birds with one stone by drinking A.M.O. beer brewed with Olisipo coffee.
Pro Tip
Stock up on coffee beans when you visit Olisipo Coffee Roasters. You can vicariously travel the world at home with your personal bean bounty.
Olisipo Coffee Roasters is located at Rua do Cruzeiro 84, 1300-167 Lisboa, Portugal.
5. Neighbourhood
Sometimes it’s better to be smart than lucky. Neighbourhood accomplished both during the pandemic when their large patio allowed patrons to sit outside while drinking their coffee. Today, that same patio remains crowded with a combination of tourists and… you guessed it… people from the neighborhood.
When Neighbourhood opened shop in September 2019, the Santos cafe added an exciting element to the mix with its proper ristretto shots and Australian sensibility. Fast forward a few years and Neighborhood continues to excite us with its rotating coffees and tasty food offerings.
These food offerings include breakfast burritos during the day and smash burgers at night. But it’s the coffee that keeps us coming back. During a recent visit, the cafe was brewing filtered coffee with beans from Olisipo (see below) and crafting espresso drinks with beans from Berlin’s Field Coffee.
Pro Tip
Take a short walk to Gelato Daverro after you drink coffee at Neighbourhood. This gelateria serves some of the best ice cream in Lisbon.
Neighbourhood is located at Largo do Conde Barão 25, 1200-163 Lisboa, Portugal.
6. Fábrica Coffee Roasters
Open since 2015, Fábrica Coffee Roasters has been serving some of the best coffee in Lisbon since the roastery opened its first cafe in the Avenida neighborhood. Fast forward and Fábrica now has multipe cafes in Lisbon plus locations up north in Porto.
Fábrica’s Lisbon cafes have an urban, funky vibe that reminds us of spots we’ve frequented in cities like Portland and Cape Town. The coffee is comparable as well. Fábrica serves a variety of options for lovers of both espresso-based drinks and pour overs.
In addition to freshly roasted coffee available in cups or by the bag, Fábrica sells light cafe fare and baked goods like pasteis de natas and chocolate brownies. Coffee fans can often smell beans roasting in the back of the cafe.
We’d probably frequent Fábrica more often if its Lisbon cafes offered free internet. Instead, we stop at Fábrica when we need a coffee break when we’re doing errands and need a caffeine jolt. With its friendly service, Fábrica provides a comfortable respite from Lisbon’s touristic hordes.
Pro Tip
Leave your laptop at your hotel or apartment. Fábrica does NOT provide internet to its customers.
Fabrica Coffee Shop has multiple locations in Lisbon and Porto.
7. How About Coffee
Yes please.
Not only is this our answer to the quirky Lisbon cafe name that doubles as a query, but it’s also the cafe’s WiFi password. But, make no mistake, this cafe isn’t a novelty or one-trick pony. Instead, it’s a serious specialty coffee shop that’s notable for its solid food, friendly service and a passion that starts with owner Tiago Silva.
Originally from Pernambuca, Brazil, Silva paid his coffee dues in both Ireland and Portugal before opening How About Coffee in 2020. He later started roasting his own beans, all currently sourced from Brazil, and expanded his cafe menu to include salads and sandwiches.
Silva confided in us that he’ll soon be expanding the menu to include seasonal dishes like poke. To that we say… yes please.
We have just one complaint about How About Coffee and it has nothing to do with the cafe’s coffee, food or attentive staff. It’s more about timing.
The cafe moved to its current location right near the Alameda metro station in January of 2023, a full three years after we left the neighborhood. With its serious coffee and friendly vibe, this is exactly the kind of coffee shop that was missing from the neighborhood back then. Oh well, better late than never.
Pro Tip
Don’t miss How About Coffee’s backyard space at the back of the cafe.
How About Coffee is located at Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques 41B, 1000-123 Lisboa.
8. Liberty Cafe
Proving that there’s no such thing as too many specialty coffee shops in Lisbon, Liberty quickly made its mark after opening in 2022. But what makes this cafe different from the pack?
First and foremost, owner Nikita Pirokgov brings a refreshing enthusiasm that exudes both from his words and his actions. He and his team craft each coffee using modern techniques and the best available beans. Plus, he’s an engaging conversationalist.
That leads us to the second differentiator. Unlike most Lisbon coffee shops, Liberty independently sources its beans from top European roasters. During our most recent visit, we spotted bags from Paris’ Kawa as well as Copenhagen’s Coffee Collective. Our flat whites were crafted with the latter.
Since Liberty focuses on brunch, books and wine in addition to coffee, the cafe is a happy place for people who love eating, reading and drinking. In other words, the cafe is a happy place for everybody.
Pro Tip
Order a Cold Brew White Russian if you want to drink a coffee drink with an alcoholic kick. Otherwise, stick to Liberty’s specialty coffee menu which groups drinks as black, white, cold and signature.
Liberty Lisbon is located at Rua da Esperança 21, 1200-815 Lisboa, Portugal.
9. Baobá Café
Baobá Café takes coffee roasting to the next level
Open in Lisbon since September of 2021, this Lisbon cafe roasts beans on site in Cais do Sodre. It’s not the only Lisbon cafe that roasts its own beans, but these beans are unique. They’re exclusively grown on Baobá’s own coffee farms located in the São Sebastião da Grama region of São Paulo, Brazil.
If there’s a better of example of bean to cup specialty coffee, we have yet to find it.
Mostly, though, we’re glad that we found this café, upon a reader recommendation, which was hiding in plain sight. However, don’t think that this Lisbon cafe is a hidden gem. It was bustling during our initial mid-week visit and has recently extended its hours to meet customer demand for lightly its roasted coffee served in a variety of ways.
These ways include typical flat whites and cappuccinos as well as filtered coffees brewed with V60, Chemex, Clever and Koar extraction tools. They also include a range of chilled nitro coffee drinks, affogatos with ice cream and a few different coffee cocktails.
Check out our Espresso Martini and Irish Coffee cocktail recipes if you’re a fan of coffee cocktails.
We opted to drink flat whites during our first visit. Adding a Mista Toasta turned our coffee break into a lunch break. And, since we were so comfortable in the cafe, we ended up ordering a second round of cappuccinos. Needless to say, that first visit won’t be our last.
During our next visit, we may choose to order Pão de Qeuijo (cheese bread) and Brigadeiro chocolate balls in a nod to Baobá’s Brazilian heritage. Or maybe we’ll order avocado toast or a croissant instead. Either way, we’ll definitely be ordering two flat whites with a side of free internet when that visit happens.
Pro Tip
Sign up for a one-hour cupping session if you’re looking to take your specialty coffee knowledge to the next level.
Baobá Café is located at Rua de São Paulo 256 a 258, 1200-430 Lisboa, Portugal. Expansion plans include three additional Lisbon cafes in the near future.
10. EspressoLab
Open since June of 2023, EspressoLab may be one of the newest specialty coffee shops in Lisbon but it’s far from a coffee newbie. This Baixa cafe is part of an international chain that spans Europe and the Middle East and stretches down to Africa.
Emirati entrepreneur Ibrahim Al Mallouhi opened the original EspressoLab in Istanbul in 2014. After sourcing single origin beans from countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, Nicaragua and Rwanda, the company roasts them in Turkey.
We get that it may seem skeptical to include a Turkish coffee shop in this Lisbon guide. We were skeptical too until we drank our first flat whites crafted by dedicated baristas while sitting in the cafe’s comfortable, sunlit space.
Beyond an eclectic beverage menu that transcends coffee, EspressoLab serves an interesting selection of freshly baked pastries. Many of these pastries channel the cafe’s Turkish heritage. We’re partial to the buttery ‘Mom’s Pastry’ – a small, savory, dill-spiked pie that tastes like something our non-Turkish grandmothers would have baked.
Pro Tip
Keep your eyes open for more EspressoLabs in Portugal. The cafe has plans to expand within Lisbon and beyond.
EspressoLab is located at Rua da Prata 242, 1100-052 Lisboa.
11. COMOBÅ
COMOBÅ is the phoenix of Lisbon coffee shops.
The stylish cafe was always crowded and then it disappeared. We wondered what happened considering the cafe’s popularity and thought that we’d never see COMOBÅ again. Color us surprised when we bumped into COMOBÅ’s new space that’s as bright and airy as the original space and maybe more so.
Yes, COMOBÅ has risen from the proverbial ashes and has reopened at a new location.
The things that made COMOBÅ special have returned including a modern menu filled with items appropriate for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diners. Think chia porridge and smoothies as well as fish tacos and matcha pancakes. But COMOBÅ’s main draw is its specialty coffee program and pastries, both which are ideal for mid-afternoon breaks and laptop sessions.
While we like drinking COMOBÅ’s flat whites crafted with locally roasted A Sargento Martinho beans, we also enjoy sipping more creative drinks like Filthy Horchadas powered by two shots of espresso. Sweet treats like the gluten-free peanut butter brownie we shared are great too.
Pro Tip
COMOBÅ’s beverage options transcend coffee to include kombucha, lemonade, wine, beer and mimosas.
COMOBÅ is located at Rua da Boavista 90, 1200-085 Lisboa, Portugal.
12. RoastBerry Coffee Lab
We hightailed it to RoastBerry Coffee Lab after hearing about the Alcântara cafe from a Lisbon barista of Russian descent. Apparently, Russians love specialty coffee and own several shops in Lisbon. Who knew?
Open since November 2019, RoastBerry Coffee Lab quickly developed a reputation due to its serious approach to roasting and brewing quality beans as well as for its clever roster of chilled drinks. Many of those drinks combine cold brew with exotic ingredients like condensed coconut milk and lemongrass.
After drinking a ‘barista edition’ flat white crafted with Colombian geisha beans and a ‘Thai dispatch’ cold brew during our first visit, we were hooked. We later returned with our laptops in tow and tried more drinks.
Beyond specialty coffee and despite its name, RoastBerry Coffee Lab serves an extensive selection of specialty tea and a small but mighty brunch menu. Maybe it should be called RoastBerry Lab instead.
Pro Tip
Pair your coffee with homemade dessert. Options include tempting treats like layered chocolate crêpe cake and red velvet cupcakes.
RoastBerry Coffee Lab is located at Rua Professor Machado Macedo bloco D shop B, 1300-611 Lisbon, Portugal.
13. The Mill
We discovered The Mill in the spring of 2018 and have since returned dozens of times thanks to the popular cafe’s excellent coffee, tasty food and friendly service. In fact, The Mill is a go-to location during the winter when fewer tourists jam the cafe on a daily basis.
Opened by Aussies who relocated to Lisbon, The Mill blends Australian cafe fare like avocado toast with Portuguese ingredients like piri-piri peppers. Menu options include toasties, bowls and eggs as well as bigger brunch plates.
With its fair prices and chill vibe, The Mill is often crowded from early morning until it closes in the late afternoon. If you have time, linger with a glass of wine or piece of cake. However, if you’re planning to do a bit of work, be aware that computers are only permitted at the cafe’s long communal table.
Pro Tip
Purchase a bag of freshly roasted Arabica beans to prepare in your apartment or to take home as an edible Lisbon souvenir
The Mill is located at Rua do Poço dos Negros 1, 1200-335 Lisboa, Portugal.
14. Hello, Kristof
The name Hello, Kristof is ironic considering that the original Portuguese owner’s first name is Ricardo. The current owners aren’t named Kristof either. Their names are Charlie and Malaylack. It’s kind of confusing.
However, there’s nothing confusing about the intimate cafe inspired by its Scandinavian brethren. The design is minimalist, the space is cozy and the coffee is impeccably crafted to order. Plus the new owners have added cookies and brunch fare to the mix. Hooray!
Open since 2016, Hello, Kristof is small. It has a long communal table plus a few small tables where people can chat or read magazines that are for sale in the cafe. As for coffee, Hello, Kristof sources beans from top European roasters. The beans are for sale too.
Pro Tip
Not in the mood for coffee? Order a Banana & Spirulina Smoothie instead.
Hello, Kristof is located at Rua do Poço dos Negros 103, 1200-337 Lisboa, Portugal.
15. Copenhagen Coffee Lab and Bakery
Danish-based Copenhagen Coffee Lab opened its first Lisbon coffee shop in 2015. Considering that Scandinavians consume more coffee than any other people around the world, it’s no surprise that this Nordic coffee shop is a leader in Lisbon’s third wave movement.
Popular with Lisbon digital nomads, Copenhagen Coffee Lab roasts its beans in Denmark and serves them in a variety of espresso-based drinks and pour overs in its original Principe Real location as well as in newer cafes located in neighborhoods like Alcântra, Alfama, Baixa, Cais de Sodré and Santa Clara. Offerings beyond coffee include sandwiches, salads and Copenhagen-style pastries.
Discover our favorite Copenhagen bakeries.
We recommend pairing your coffee with a cinnamon bun. This pastry rarely disappoints in Scandinavia as we personally discovered in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Before you leave, buy a loaf of homemade sourdough or dark rye bread to enjoy later.
Pro Tip
Weather permitting, take the 28 tram to Copenhagen’s Alfama location and enjoy a cappuccino or flat white in the cafe’s spacious outdoor patio.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab and Bakery has multiple locations in Lisbon as well as in cities like Copenhagen, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Duisburg.
16. Malabarista Café
Partners in life and business, Ricardo Rabello and Jadwiga Thun opened Malabarista Cafe in 2020 after working at various Lisbon cafes and coffee shops. This prior experience enabled them open their Anjos storefront during a global pandemic and, more importantly, serve great coffee.
We discovered the shop soon after it opened thanks to a recommendation from the team at Milkees. Once we realized that Malabarista was just a short tram ride from our second Lisbon apartment and that the cafe was serving Olisipo coffee, our visit was inevitable.
Rabello and Thun use relationships developed over time to select local products for their shop. In addition to sourcing some of the cafe’s beans from Olisipo, the duo gets bread from Simpli and stromboli pizza rolls from Tozzi Forneria Moderna. Other tasty items on offer at Malabarista include cake, pastries and toast.
Pro Tip
Don’t hesitate to eat at Malabarista if you’re a Vegan. Food options are both Vegan and non-Vegan.
Malabarista Café is located at Rua Maria 66B, 1170-202 Lisboa, Portugal.
17. Monka Café
It’s no surprise that we’re big fans of Monka Cafe. After all, we’ve been buying artisan sourdough boules from Monka Bakery for a while and have huge respect for partners Arthur Kurasawa Resti and Ewelina Kaszuba.
However, we were pleasantly surprised to learn that Resti and Kaszuba share our specialty coffee passion. The duo invested in a La Marzocco espresso machine when they opened the cafe in 2022 and currently source locally roasted arabica beans from Buraca.
Monka Café would be higher on our list if the tiny cafe was more conducive to laptop usage.
We’re not complaining. It would be a shame if computers took over the cafe’s compact space. Instead, we’re more than happy to leave our laptops at home when we go to Monka Café and focus on important things like sourdough bread and specialty coffee.
Pro Tip
Pair your coffee with a pastry inspired by bakers in Denmark or Poland. You can’t go wrong with either option.
Monka Café is located at Rua de Buenos Aires 28A, 1200-625 Lisboa, Portugal.
18. The Folks
Folks flock to The Folks for its combination of trendy brunch dishes and specialty coffee drinks crafted with globally sourced beans. Some of these beans come from France while others come from the Netherlands. They’re all crafted with care by the folks at The Folks.
We first visited The Folks’ Baixa location when it was new in 2022. And, despite its relatively close proximity to our apartment, we didn’t return for a full year. It’s not that the coffee or food was bad. Rather, we considered the cafe to be both overly crowded, too loud and overpriced.
What a difference a year and competition makes.
Our recent re-visit justifies the the cafe’s inclusion in this guide. Though far from empty, the cafe wasn’t particularly crowded or loud on that weekday afternoon. Plus, the 4€ flat white price no longer seems so bad due to inflation and rising costs in Lisbon.
Plus, the fact that our flat whites were crafted with Guatamalan beans (Kawa) and Ethiopian beans (Dak) didn’t hurt. Both espresso drinks were solid and the service was friendly.
Pro Tip
Visit The Folks on a weekday afternoon or budget time to wait for a table.
The Folks has multiple locations. We typically visit the cafe located at Rua dos Sapateiros 111, 1100-619 Lisboa, Portugal.
19. Thank You Mama Café
Thank You Mama Café is a coffee shop with benefits. Those benefits are bagels and babka. Anna Santos, a former partner at Buna Specialty Coffee Shop (see above), opened this coffee shop in Anjos in September of 2020.
A creature of habit, Santos sources the cafe’s beans from Barcelona-based Nomad just like she did at Buna. After working as a barista in Portland, she selected the Spanish roaster over local options based on her respect for the beans and her preference for filtered coffee.
Though Thank You Mama has only been open since September of 2021, the cafe has become a destination for neighborhood locals who appreciate good coffee and quality bagels. It’s also a popular spot for pet people who enjoy interacting with the staff’s boisterous dogs.
While the cafe currently has an admirable coffee program and those aforementioned bagels which we love, we’re curious to see where Thank You Mama goes in the future…
Right now, the cafe has a handful of tables plus a long counter with stools plus a few racks of locally produced clothing. However, there’s a big space in the back that currently acts as a blank canvas. Will it be used for coffee tastings and cuppings, brunch seating or more clothes? Only time will tell.
Pro Tip
Arrive early if you want to score a table.
Thank You Mama Café is located at Rua do Forno do Tijolo 9A, 1170-132 Lisboa, Portugal.
20. Cafe Dede’s
Cafe Dede’s became a favorite Lapa neighborhood brunch spot when we stayed at a nearby apartment in 2018. Reminiscent of Australian cafes, this Lisbon cafe serves exciting global cuisine and specialty coffee in a friendly, comfortable setting.
Married owners Agne “Dede” Costa and Rhi Pulford run the cafe with a passion for local, seasonal ingredients. Dede cooks specialties like Okonomiyaki and Berry Pancakes while Pulford runs the front of the house with precision. They procure beans from Porto’s 7g Roaster and serve their flat whites and cappuccinos with small sweet treats – a welcome extra touch.
Pro Tip
Follow Cafe Dede’s Instagram account for a daily dose of coffee inspiration
Cafe Dede’s has two locations. The original cafe is located at Rua de Sant’Ana à Lapa 33, 1200-796 Lisboa, Portugal.
21. The Coffee
The Coffee caught our eye with its minimalist design and Japanese letters. After all, we have an affinity for drinking at cafes in Japan where coffee is the star of the show.
Upon entering the cafe, we quickly learned that The Coffee has indirect roots to Japan since the cafe’s owner is a Brazilian with Japanese ancestry. We also learned that The Coffee has serious coffee chops with cafes in Brazil, Columbia, France, Spain and now Portugal.
We channeled the best of Brazil, Japan and Portugal during our first visit to The Coffee. For starters, Gabriela Naben crafted our flat white with Japanese precision using Brazilian beans roasted locally at Olisipo (see above). We then paired our globally-inspired flat white with a matcha chip cookie.
That coffee break was a zen surprise since we literally bumped into the cafe while walking in Lisbon’s Cais de Sodré neighborhood. Since The Coffee subsequently opened a cafe just two blocks from our Baixa apartment, we anticipate many more zen coffee moments in our future.
The Coffee has multiple Lisbon locations. We’ve visited the Baixa and Cais de Sodré cafes so far.
22. Selva
Proving that the Lisbon coffee scene is constantly changing, popular Cafe de Finca changed ownership in 2019 the new owners changed the cafe’s name to Selva. Despite these changes, Selva’s trio of owners is committed to serving quality specialty coffee at the cosy two-story Alcântara cafe.
Although the new owners have replaced the previous Barcelona roaster with beans locally roasted at Olisipo Coffee Roasters (see above), baristas continue to craft flat whites and cappuccinos as well as prepare pour overs using AeroPess, Chemex and V60 devices. In terms of food, the menu features fresh, healthy options like smoothie bowls and toasties.
Pro Tip
Selva is a good option to consider if you’re close to or in the Alcântara area.
Selva is located at Rua Luís de Camões 112 A, 1300-361 Lisboa, Portugal.
23. Simpli
Off the tourist track, the original Simpli cafe offers comfortable spaces to drink coffee and work. While the epic statue in a nearby square celebrates the man who helmed the city’s rebirth after the devastating 18th-century earthquake, Simpli celebrates good coffee for everybody six days a week.
Drinking coffee at Simpli is a full sensory experience starting with the taste of house-roasted specialty beans sourced from Central and South America as well as Africa. Sounds of music stream through the comfortable space and scents of roasting beans often waft from the back of the cafe. A friendly crew of international coffee professionals completes the experience.
Beyond Simpli’s coffee, the cafe serves a food menu that includes pastries, excellent house-baked bread and a rotating lunch menu with items like soup, focaccia, sandwiches and Portuguese dishes. This Lisbon coffee shop also sells bags of roasted beans, both whole and ground to order.
Pro Tip
Come for the coffee but stay for the food.
Simpli Bakery & Coffee has multiple locations. The original location is located at Rua Braamcamp 64, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
24. Shakar
Every time we think we’ve been to all of the best coffee shops in Lisbon, we find another cafe that demands our attention. Such was the case when Lisbon man-about-town Rishav Verma casually asked us if we’d been to Shakar yet. Our answer of “no” changed to “yes” that very day. After all, we were just a short walk down Rua São Sebastião da Pedreira from the new-to-us Lisbon cafe.
We have since returned to Shakar multiple times. The cafe’s flat whites are among the best we’ve imbibed in Lisbon. And, since we enjoy food and coffee with all five senses, Shakar’s latte art is a bonus that we appreciate.
Pro Tip
Request an extra espresso shot if you need an energy jolt.
Shakar is located at Rua Viriato 1B, 1050-233 Lisboa, Portugal.
25. So Lo Brewing
Despite its name, we didn’t feel alone at So Lo Brewing, an April 2023 entry to Lisbon’s thriving specialty coffee community. The Brazilian owned cafe opened in Saldanha – an area that’s been chronically under-represented in the Lisbon specialty coffee realm.
We also didn’t feel sad at So Lo Brewing. Perhaps that was due to the cafe’s warm staff which matched the split level space’s very orange decor. Or maybe it was the tasty queijadinha we shared. However, it was probably mostly due to the jolts of energy we got from our flat whites.
So Lo Brewing currently sources its coffee beans from two local roasters – Olisipo (see above) and Torra. We discussed those beans, as well as the the importances of latte art, with owner Adroaldo Carneiro and barista Gabriel Paz.
Beyond coffee, the cafe offers a brunch menu and bar menu. We plan to explore both during future visits.
Pro Tip
Sit at a downstairs table if you want to linger over your coffee.
So Lo Brewing is located at Rua Pinheiro Chagas 16B, 1050-172 Lisboa, Portugal.
26. Give It a Shot (a/k/a Dual Lisboa)
Give It a Shot lives a double life in a spacious spot located near the Time Out Market.
At first glance, it’s a ‘pop up’ style workspace with numerous tables where digital nomads can work on their laptops. However, a deeper look reveals a a menu featuring crafted espresso drinks and filtered pour overs as well as artisan breads, toasties, snacks and desserts.
During our initial impromptu visit, Give It a Shot featured beans sourced from Sweden’s Morgon Coffee Roasters. More recent roasters include Portugal Kōyō Specialty Coffees and Spain’s Kima Coffee.
Since a friendly barista crafted our flat whites with care and served them with panache, we’ll likely order flat whites again unless we’re in the mood for pour overs. Next time, however, we’re definitely bringing our laptops.
Pro Tip
Order a flight experience if you want to try four different single origin preparations during one visit.
Give It a Shot is located at Rua Dom Luís I 22, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal.
Additional Lisbon Cafes
As you explore Lisbon, keep your eyes peeled for even more coffee spots. Here are several cafes to consider as you traverse the hilly city:
Bonus Pick – Crush Doughnuts
Just because Crush Doughnuts isn’t a coffee shop doesn’t mean that it doesn’t serve good coffee. And, since the local Lisbon donut chain sources its beans from Denmark’s La Cabra, we should say great coffee.
But what about the donuts?
The owners of Ground Burger started baking ginormous artisanal donuts in 2018 and opened the original Crush Doughnuts shop two years later.
Fast forward to the present and Crush is still baking donuts that are big enough to share at multiple locations including the Time Out Market, São Sebastião and Baixa. Copycat donut shops have opened in Lisbon but Crush is the one that serves the kind of coffee we love.
Pro Tip
You don’t need to buy a donut when you drink coffee at Crush Doughnuts but you’ll want to buy one anyway.
Crush Doughnuts has multiple Lisbon locations. We’ve visited them all.
Lisbon Coffee Shop FAQs
Yes. Coffee is popular all over Portugal and Lisbon is no exception.
Expect to pay 1€ for a simple cup of coffee (i.e. bica) at traditional cafes and triple that for cappuccinos and flat whites at specialty coffee shops.
Yes. Lisbon has more than two dozen specialty coffee shops in addition to thousands of traditional cafes.
Top Lisbon specialty coffee shops include Neighborhood, Buna, Fabrica, Milkees and Olisipo. Try them all plus more to find your favorite.
Yes. Lisbon’s first Starbucks location opened in 2008. The coffee chain now operates multiple coffee shops in the Portuguese capital.
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About The Authors
Daryl & Mindi Hirsch
Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they’ve traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.
Original Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Republish Dates: August 9, 2020 and May 21, 2023
Virve M
Wednesday 13th of September 2023
This post is simply amazing! Thank you so much! I am also a huge fan of flat whites and am currently planning my trip to Lisbon next month. My Google map is dotted with great spots now and there is a lot to discover! ‹3
Cat
Saturday 8th of October 2022
Comobå is closed until Nov 2022 for a refurb 😭
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Monday 17th of October 2022
We hear you but that's just a few weeks away.
Marta Martins
Sunday 1st of May 2022
Hi! Just came across this article and I must recommend Baobá, just across the street from Comoba. I work in Cais do Sodré so I go there often, it's amazing! I'd also love to get to know you guys! Maybe we can meet for a coffee sometime?! Congratulations on your work!
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Monday 2nd of May 2022
Thanks for the tip! We'll check out Baobá this week. Also, send us a private message about meeting up for coffee.
CAITLIN HAGAR
Saturday 25th of July 2020
How many of these cafes offer milk substitutes?
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Monday 3rd of August 2020
Lisbon specialty coffee shops typically offer milk substitutes like oat milk.
ted
Sunday 24th of November 2019
hey there. i just came across your choice of cape town coffee shops by chance, as i live in cape town. i then saw a link for lisbon and was surprised to see you also live there. i was in lisbon among other european cities this summer, and i was surprised to see so many coffee places listed on your page because i found exactly one, comoba. after years of searching for specialty coffee places, i though i knew all the tricks, but lisbon eluded me. i tried and tried but couldn't find anything. no google searches helped me either. well, next time i'll know to check your site. ted
Daryl and Mindi Hirsch
Monday 25th of November 2019
Ted - It sounds like you're as obsessed with specialty coffee as we are! Lisbon is rapidly evolving in a good way in terms of specialty coffee so watch our site for updates as cafes open and/or close.