6 amazing cafés to discover in Lisbon
For my year abroad, I visited a number of cafes in Lisbon. These are six of my favourites that I would consider to be my "haunts"
After spending a year in Lisbon, I had the privilege of visiting several cafés. Places where I worked on my articles, wrote my novel, made connections, read and practiced my Portuguese.
From traditional cafes to tourists traps that surprisingly have charm to those created by expats building a life in the city, the options are endless.
So to start…I’m sharing the cafes I found visually and aesthetically pleasing and took videos of. Enjoy!
Amelia Lisboa
📍R. Ferreira Borges 101
The charming terrace at Amelia Lisboa became my writing oasis, decorated with plants and large beach umbrellas. The cafe is a visual overload with a handwritten neon sign, a punk-rock portrait of a poodle (that’s Amelia), cozy dining room space and a retro front nook perfect for people watching as the plants in front give it a sense of privacy. It is well known for its pancakes, which seems to be a theme amongst many of the cafes on this list…I guess I missed my Canadian maple syrup.
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Avó Yvonne
📍Avenida Ressano Garcia 43A
There is nothing more nostalgic and homey than a grandmother’s cooking, which is why a visit to Belgian coffee and pastry shop Avó Yvonne is a must. Its owner serves recipes by his grandmother, Yvonne, who amalgamated her delicacies into a cookbook for her family to enjoy and share. Try one of the cakes, pies, sweets and Belgian waffles – made on site, by hand and with ingredients from Belgium – with a coffee on the side. For a lovely and unexpected surprise, pair it with one of the may Belgian beers on display. They are also beginning to serve lunch. If its on the lunch menu, I highly recommend trying the peaches with tuna - a bizarre combination, but a tasty delight for the pallet. Oh, and the owner is super cute.
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Comobå Cafe
📍Rua da Boavista 90
Its storefront has massive windows, which open in the summer to let the Lisbon sun and fresh air in. It’s a fabulous spot to co-work with high ceilings, curved entryways and a minimal design to avoid distraction. I highly recommend the pancakes (again what is it with me and pancakes) as they are fluffy and sweet. They also have house-made milks (almond, coconut and rice) that you have to try!
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Curva
📍Rua Damasceno Monteiro 108D
At first glance this café looks super narrow and small, but walk all the way to the back and you’ll be in awe of its footprint. With tables for groups or pairs, stunning circular lights and a gallery space/shop, Curva has a stunning aesthetic that is more like a gallery. It’s also a great co-working space, but there are limited tables allowing computers. The brunch is amazing and they have free tap water - which is rare in Europe.
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Hello, Kristof
📍Rua de São Bento 15 + Rua do Poço dos Negros 103 + Campo de Santa Clara 79
When I first moved to Lisbon, this coffee shop had one location. Over the year they added two more! The interior design at each location is breathtaking. The cups are branded making them perfect for that “tortured poet” picture you might want to take for your Instagram, and it has a wall of magazines you’re more than welcome to pick up and read. It has coffee, food, great views (and each location) and friendly vibes. My notebooks are covered in stickers from them and the staff let me practice my Portuguese - thank you for your patience. My food pick would be anything with avocado and one of the delicious croissants.
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Kossie’s
📍Largo do Terreirinho 21
This cafe is at a fork in the road - literally. Run by two Australian men, the café combines the warmth of Melbourne with the magic of Lisbon. The two best friends were drawn together by a love of food, coffee and adventure, which took them 5,000 miles away from home. Kossie’s has these large welcoming blue doors with a mish-mash of colourful chairs and decor inside. It’s the perfect place to co-work and just as I was leaving the country they began hosting open mic nights, poetry slams and concerts on the weekend. I personally like their Tosta Mistas with a cappuccino and at night they have a lovely selection of wine or beer.
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