Taking a walk for morning coffee is one of our daily rituals and one that we are looking forward to expanding now that we are living in Lisbon. Seeking out the best coffee that a city has to offer is a great excuse to explore different neighborhoods.
We were spoiled for choice during our 12 years in Dublin to the point that I was able to include a different coffee stop in 25 different one day Dublin itineraries. Now that we've relocated to Portugal, we have immediately started to seek out the best coffee in Lisbon.
Think of this article as a living post. Check back often as I will continue to update the list based on our new coffee finds. Join us as we explore some of the most cool and unique Lisbon coffee shops.
Two Types of Lisbon Coffee
Traditional Portuguese Coffee Places
On nearly every street corner in Lisbon, you'll discover traditional snack bars or pastelarias. Here you'll find what I like to think of as traditional Lisbon coffee: dark roasted, strong tasting, and a bit weaker in caffeine than we are used to.
Lisbon's traditional coffee shops are relatively inexpensive. You can expect to pay between 1.50 - 2.50 EUR for a coffee and a pastry.
Specialty Coffee
In Dublin, there are lots of high-end coffee shops. One might also think of these places as hipster coffee shops.
We suspected that coffee places like this also exist in Lisbon, but we weren't initially sure how to find them. After chancing upon a few of Lisbon's high-end coffee shops serendipitously, I soon realized what they all have in common.
"Specialty coffee" is the term used in Lisbon to signal what we were looking for: artisanal coffee, single-origin beans, and/or local coffee roasters. Search Google Maps for "Specialty Coffee" and you'll find a wealth of options to satisfy your discerning coffee palate in Lisbon.
Expect to pay 2.50 - 3.50 EUR for specialty coffee (e.g., flat whites and cappuccinos) in Lisbon. You'll pay at the higher end if you opt for plant-based milk in your coffee.
The Best Coffee in Lisbon by Neighborhood
Now let's take a look at some of the best coffee in Lisbon that we've tried so far. I'll break down this guide by neighborhood to help you narrow down your selection.
Don't necessarily limit yourself to where you are living in Lisbon or staying on your Portugal vacation. Lisbon has great public transit. Use the Lisbon Metro and bus services to explore Lisbon coffee choices that are further afield.
Great Coffee in Estrela
Carrocel
Melbourne Elouera
The Specialty Coffee Scene in Lapa
Buna Specialty Coffee Shop
Calmô
Dede
Zappi
Mila
EleEla Cafe
Hello, Kristof
Monka Cafe
Great Coffee in São Bento
Seagull Method
Fun Coffee Places in Campo de Ourique
Jeronymo
Amelia's for Coffee and Brunch
Traditional Coffee Places in Principe Real
Pastelaria Real Principe
Gostaria de café com leite e um pastel de nata por favor.
Specialty Coffee Shops in Alcântara
Torra Roasting & Coffee - Specialty Coffees
Fun Places to Get Coffee in Saldanha
Milkees
Pão da Vila
Simpli Coffee
The Coffee
- oat milk instead of regular milk?
- an extra shot of espresso?
- hot or cold coffee?
- a little bit more milk?