Mary's Favourites: Cafés in Lisbon
My Lisbon Cafés
Cafés in Lisbon I’d Actually Go Back To
(Not Overhyped)
Lisbon has so many cafés, but which ones are actually good and not just overhyped? And especially not too full? I love a cozy, calm vibe, and for me the neighbourhood always plays a big role. So these are the spots where you can actually enjoy a good breakfast or brunch, have great coffee, and just spend a relaxed morning alone or with friends.
1 Sunshine & Brunch
Albå
Rato
I stumbled upon Albå when I was walking around Rato and saw the outdoor seating, and I was like ok this is cute. It's such a nice spot because you're kind of in the middle of everything, just watching people pass by, but it still feels calm, especially when you sit in the sun with a coffee or matcha. The food is also a bit different from the usual brunch places, which I like. Things like Danish breakfast or croquettes with sour cream and caviar, and I love their rice pudding with coconut milk and mango. And even when the weather is bad, it's really cozy inside, so it is always a good choice.
2 Aestehtic & Balanced
Amun
Rato — Príncipe Real
I actually found Amun when I was on my way to Pilates, walked past it and was immediately like ok wait this looks really nice, I need to come back for breakfast. The menu is honestly such a good mix: a lot of healthy and even sugar-free options. And as well the coffee is really good and I'm obsessed with their strawberry matcha. I love coming here with friends, either to grab something to go and walk through Príncipe Real or just sit down for a relaxed brunch.
3 Quality & Coffee
Simpli
Picoas — Rato (two locations)
Simpli is one of those places where I just really like the coffee, I keep coming back for it. I especially love their spot in Picoas with the big windows, it just gets so much light and feels really calm. For me it's one of those places I'd go alone to work a bit, read, or just sit there with a coffee and a sweet treat. Their second location near Rato isn't as bright but that actually makes it feel even cozier. The food is pretty simple but really good, I almost always get the croissant with scrambled eggs and bacon. So good. And the best both locations have a nice outdoor space.
4 Speciality Brunch
Inception
Chiado
If me and my friends are actually going for a special brunch, this is the place. It's in Chiado, but not in the super touristy main streets, more in one of those smaller, cozy ones, so you're really central but it still feels calm. The menu is honestly something else, like really interesting dishes. I'm obsessed with the Japanese omelette, such a good mix of flavours, and their matcha coconut cloud is insane, I've never had anything like it before. The details here are just a treat.
5 Variety & Treats
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
Santos — Avenida / Rato (multiple locations)
I know it's a chain, but they undeniably have the best cinnamon buns in Lisbon. And in general, just so many good sweet and savory options, it's always a safe choice. My favourite is the one in Santos: it's super bright and spacious, and I somehow always end up there after walking around Estrela or Lapa. Another favourite is the one between Avenida and Rato: a completely different vibe, a bit smaller and cozier, with a little outdoor terrace between the colourful Lisbon buildings. In summer it's such a gem.
6 Local & Simple
Padaria Portuguesa
Near the Ritz — (multiple locations)
If you really want something more local, this is it. It's simple but good, and you'll find all the Portuguese breakfast and brunch classics there. Plus they're literally everywhere in Lisbon, so it's always an easy option. My favourite is the one near the Ritz. I'll usually go there, get a pão de deus com fiambre, a galão and sometimes a salmon croissant, and then just take everything to Parque Eduardo and enjoy it there with a view over Lisbon and sunshine. Such a simple but nice routine.
7 Simple & Good
Mendo
Anjos
For me also kind of a classic, especially if you're around Anjos. It's not just a café, it's a neighbourhood classic. I like going there from time to time in the morning or around midday to grab a coffee and a tosta mista. They have a really nice outdoor terrace and the service is always great. It's one of those places that just calms my mind a bit. Nothing fancy, just simple and good. You should absolutely try it if you're around.
8 Aesthetic & Calm
Hello Kristof
São Bento
A place you really shouldn't miss if you're walking around São Bento. It's such a treat for the eye — everything just feels very aesthetic but still calm. It's one of those spots where you can sit by the window and just watch life happening outside. The menu is also a really nice mix of food, and their coffee and matcha are both really good.
All of these are saved in my Lisbon Cafés Google Maps list. One tap and they're all on your map, ready for your next morning in the city.
Have a look at all available maps →