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Latest update: 16 February 2024
The Portuguese may not think breakfast is that important, but I do! And so, I looked up a few nice cafes where you can have breakfast, brunch, lunch, and drink coffee in Lisbon. Almost all of them are near Cais do Sodré and not far from Bairro Alto.
Seventh Brunch Coffee
From 8 o’clock in the morning, you can go to Seventh Brunch Coffee for a hearty breakfast. It’s a small place where they use the space smartly with a bar on the wall and tables in the windows. But it is still jam-packed with a mix of local people and tourists. There is often even a queue. Old classics roar from the speakers, from I’m Still Standing by Elton John to Hungry Eyes from Dirty Dancing. There are at least thirty lamps in the small cafe, and you can hang a lock to seal your love.
The service is friendly and fast. I order Eggs Benedict with a very thick hollandaise sauce. It is bright yellow and slightly acidic. Granola is sprinkled on the salad. I’ve never seen that, but it tastes good.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab – Cais do Sodré
Copenhagen Coffee Lab is a chain you will encounter in several places in Lisbon. The branch in Cais do Sodré is a spacious coffee café. It doesn’t look very promising from the outside, but the beautiful vaulted ceiling impresses once inside. I don’t think it’s a super attractive place, but it’s fine for a quick breakfast or a cup of good coffee. They offer several sandwiches and cakes.
Hello, Kristof
Hello, Kristof is a cute little cafe that is always busy. Many people like to come here to work for a few hours. There is a quiet, friendly atmosphere. In the middle is a long table where you can sit down with strangers. Scandinavian design, lots of wood, plants… The menu is small, but plenty of tasty things are on it. A healthy bowl, a delicious toast. Great breakfast option in Lisbon!
Fábrica Coffee Roasters
You will also find Fábrica Coffee Roasters at several locations in Lisbon. As the name suggests, Fábrica roasts coffee beans itself. Several coffee shops in Lisbon use the Fábrica beans. The baristas have definitely mastered making latte art, and you can order a croissant, cake, avocado toast, or grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast. So you don’t come to Fábrica for an extensive breakfast or long lunch, but simply to refuel and quickly head back to explore Lisbon!
Neighbourhood Cafe Lisbon
If you like cheese, get the sandwich from Neighborhood Cafe Lisbon. It is more than richly filled. The breakfast burrito is also very good. Yep, both a rather hearty breakfast, so come hungry. An international crowd flocks to this neighborhood café. It is continuously busy, only towards the end of the afternoon it is less busy. There are few seats inside, so this place mainly has to rely on the terrace.
Buna – São Bento
This little coffee café sits in a prime location on a street corner. If the sun comes out, you’ll probably catch it at Buna – São Bento. Inside, it almost feels like coming home. People chat with each other, and the baristas act like they’ve known you for years. And they make damn good coffee. The small kitchen produces various tasty sandwiches and baked goodies. A lovely spot to come back to often!
Tip! Looking for a nice restaurant for the evening? I have a list of restaurants in Lisbon where you can also eat alone. Check it out.
Bowls & Bar
Very warm people work at Bowls & Bar, but the space feels a bit cold. It is spacious, and people eagerly use the tables on their laptops. That doesn’t really help the atmosphere, but it’s probably (hopefully) different on the weekend. The menu is limited but offers enough variety: from burgers to hot and cold bowls. From 9 o’clock in the morning, you can go here for breakfast. Funny detail: there is also a florist in this bar.
The Folks
A bit expensive, but tasty. The Folks makes really great coffee, and the honey cake is super soft. Only the price is not so soft – if that’s even an expression in English. This is a perfect spot for a long brunch with pancakes, toast, or eggs. The Folks also roasts its own coffee beans. So you can take some home to experience the taste of Lisbon at home. In terms of decor, it’s not that special, but the flavors of the coffee and food are very good. So The Folks are forgiven.
Fauna & Flora
This is perhaps my favorite breakfast and brunch spot in Lisbon. Fauna & Flora has an incredibly extensive menu, making it difficult to choose what I want for breakfast. The solution? I come back the next day for another delicious dish. There are a few tables outside and many inside. And they are almost all full, so it’s a rather popular place (both for breakfast and lunch). The tostada iberica is absolutely delicious… Enjoy!
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. My go-to car rental companies are EasyTerra and Sunny Cars as they have all-inclusive / worry-free offers. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Momondo, Transavia, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Bol.com or Amazon.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? There is plenty of choices all over. For the Dutch: ANWB vakanties, Tui or Vakantie Discounter. Or choose a trip with Shoestring, Sawadee, or Corendon. Other options are D-Reizen and Sunweb.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud or FlixBus. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Travel gear. Buy your gear at Bever or Decathlon, or simply at Bol.com.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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