Discover the BEST Lisbon cafes and coffee shops! These spots serve excellent craft coffee and delicious bites in a welcoming atmosphere.
Lisbon's got it going on when it comes to the coffee shop and cafe culture! I’ve done a lot of top 5 posts and this was one of my hardest when it came time to narrow down the options.
I always look for atmosphere/overall vibe, quality coffee, and a good location within the city center. Somewhere tourists will most likely be anyway. Good food options are always a bonus.
At the end of this post I included some restaurants and cafes that are more focused on food but also happen to serve excellent coffee...just in case you're looking for a good breakfast/lunch/brunch plus coffee.
Without further ado, here are the top 5 Lisbon cafes and coffee shops (in no particular order) with a few runner ups!
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1. BUNA SPECIALTY COFFEE SHOP
One of the best Lisbon cafes for specialty coffee with a local vibe
Buna Specialty Coffee Shop is where my fellow coffee snobs should head. It was the best flat white of my trip. The espresso Buna uses really stands out. It's smooth, balanced, and just perfect.
This Lisbon cafe is located in the Santos neighborhood (just west of the popular Barrio Alto neighborhood) on an unassuming street. It's not one of those places you will happen upon by accident. Which I liked because it felt like a local spot without all the tourists.
The current space is small, cozy, and relaxed. They're moving locations up the street to Rua do Poço dos Negros 168 in a few weeks. I was told by the owner that the main upgrade with the new space is a large patio and outdoor seating area.
The coffee menu is extensive; Japanese cold brew, espresso and tonic, nitro cold brew, matcha latte, pour over, alternative milks, etc. Seasonal drinks also rotate on the menu.
There's a small selection of pastries and snacks including plum cake, cinnamon rolls, yogurt granola bowls, croissants, and orange cake. The banana bread was fantastic and is the most popular food item.
Toasts are also offered if you want something savory including avocado, portobello, and pan con tomate.
If you're looking for a Lisbon coffee shop that has a local vibe, chill atmosphere, and stellar coffee, Buna will not disappoint.
2. SIMPLI COFFEE & BAKERY
One of the best cafes in Lisbon for...everything...homemade pastries, pancakes, avocado toast, single origin espresso, and atmosphere
Simpli Coffee & Bakery is a place I could see myself visiting on a weekly basis if I lived in Lisbon. Quality is a big focus at this Lisbon coffee shop. Beans are single origin, roasted in small batches on site, and must score a minimum of 84 on a 100 point scale.
If you want to go simple (espresso, iced americano, cold brew, Chemex) this is the place to do it as the taste reflects the quality.
WiFi is available and fast and the decor is homey.
Even the pickiest of eaters will find something on the menu. The croissants are especially good. Try the ham, cheese, and egg croissant for something substantial or the chocolate croissant for a sweet snack.
The avocado toast with bacon and mushrooms is also delicious. There are also brunch items like eggs benedict, fluffy pancakes, and acai bowls.
Simpli Coffee and Bakery makes it's own pastries, bread, and cakes, so everything tastes fresh and homemade.
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3. FABRICA COFFEE ROASTERS
One of the best cafes in Lisbon to ditch your laptop and sip expertly crafted coffee in a cozy ENVIRONMENT
Fabrica Coffee Roasters has three locations in Lisbon. Each is spacious with plenty of seating and in an area you will most likely be sightseeing anyway. My personal favorite is the one on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, just off the popular shopping street, Avenida da Liberdade.
For my digital nomads, you'll want to note that there is no WiFi. There are actually signs that read "no Wifi, enjoy your coffee". I didn't even try to use data, but read in reviews that data doesn't reach (or is very weak) inside the coffee shops.
Part of me likes that they don't offer WiFi, which forces you to look at something other than a computer screen. The other part of me gets really annoyed that this is not a place I could hang out and actually get work done as the atmosphere is perfect for it.
WiFi aside, the coffee quality is great. You'll find all your typical coffee drink options along with alternative milks and various brewing methods including Chemex, V60, and aeropress.
The menu is pretty extensive for a coffee shop. Pastries, cakes, salads, sandwiches, etc. I enjoyed the cakes but would skip the avocado toast, which was very simple and lacked flavor.
All in all, I really enjoyed the overall vibe of Fabrica Coffee Roasters and could tell the baristas were well trained, serving perfectly brewed drinks with beautiful latte art.
The fact that WiFi is not available offers a different flavor. Instead of seeing people stare at their screens you'll notice customers reading books, chatting with friends, or simply sitting and enjoying their coffee...which can be a nice change.
4. LE PETIT PRINCE CAFE CULTURE
ONE OF THE MOST CHARMING LISBON CAFES WITH DELICIOUS TARTINES
When I visited Le Petit Prince Cafe Culture I felt like I found a hidden gem! This tiny little Lisbon coffee shop is as charming as can be and ticks all the boxes.
You'll find strong WiFi and outlets if you need to work or study. The tartines are outstanding and made with quality ingredients. The Vol de Nuit, made with tapenade, arugula, Serrano ham, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomato was delicious!
Not only will you find all the usual coffee drinks at this Lisbon cafe, there's also chai, matcha, and beetroot lattes, hot chocolate and a good selection of teas.
If you want to visit a unique and memorable Lisbon cafe, make your way to Le Petit Prince, grab one of the window seats, and order a tartine to pair with your coffee. You'll leave happy and glad you visited.
5. NEIGHBOURHOOD COFFEE
One of the best Aussie cafes in Lisbon with affordable prices
Chill vibe, legit avocado toast, perfectly crafted flat white, friendly baristas...if you're into the Aussie cafe scene, Neighbourhood Coffee is where you belong.
The WiFi was fast and I appreciated that they had specific tables for those looking to work on their laptop. This is a popular spot for brunch, so I would be mindful of how crowded it is if you're hoping to stay and work.
The breakfast burrito is a popular (and hearty) menu item along with the pulled pork benedict, three cheese toastie, turkish eggs, acai and peanut butter smoothie, and homemade granola.
Neighbourhood Coffee is also one of the more affordable Lisbon cafes. €8 veggie burrito, €2.90 flat white, €1.80 double espresso, €6 three cheese toastie.
You'll find a spacious patio in the front for when the weather is nice.
Honorable Mention: Landeau Chocolate
One of the best Lisbon cafes and coffee shops for chocolate lovers
Landeau Chocolate was featured in my Top 5 Desserts in Lisbon post. Seriously, the most amazing chocolate cake I have ever had. They serve your basic coffee menu; americano, latte, tea, hot chocolate, etc. You'll immediately feel at home in the dimly lit, cozy atmosphere. There's no WiFi, so plan accordingly.
This is one of the best cafes in Lisbon for coffee and chocolate lovers.
cafes in Lisbon that are more restaurant than coffee shop
These spots are more traditional restuarants and cafes focused on food that also happen to serve excellent coffee. Expect these places to be very busy during brunch on the weekends (i.e. not a good spot to whip out your computer and work).
In Summary
Whether you're looking for a scrumptious brunch with craft espresso drinks or a traditional coffee shop to study or work, Lisbon has something for you! I hope this post helps you find your next caffeine stop while exploring the city.
Denise Stone says
Hi, I love your travel blogs. So helpful, especially with coffee and what to do/see in a limited time in Europe. Being from Melbourne Australia, good cafe latte or flat white is very important.
Can you offer accommodation suggestions in the mid price range for 3 nights in Lisbon, and which area to stay in. Baixa?
Thank you.
Ashley Friemel says
Hi, so glad you are enjoying the blog! Last time I stayed in The Ivens. Loved the hotel and the location…though price has gone up since I was there. Other hotels I considered and saved: Vincci Baixa, Hotel Avenida Palace, Hotel Santa Justa, and Brown’s Central Hotel
Overall, Baixa is a really good area to stay.