Best Lisbon Coffee Spots
Coffee. For some of us it’s essential. A basic human necessity.
I’ve had my fair share of coffee around this town, from the unacceptable to the exceptional. It brings me joy to give my caffeine addiction a purpose by sharing with you the best coffee Lisboa has to offer.
First, some caveats.
This is based purely on the coffee. It’s not about the food, the ambience, or service, though I will mention them if moved to do so.
They are all judged by the same coffee order - a flat white. It’s basically the only thing I drink but I also feel it’s a great metric. Not too milky where I can still taste the bean quality and barista skills are important.
A great coffee place needs to be consistently good, so I’ve only included spots I’ve been to frequently.
This list is for those who want coffee more like a foreign style cafe. If you want to drink coffee like a local, one of the many snack bars, pastelerias and quiosques is where it’s at. My guide for how to order and drink coffee like a local is here.
Tact
This list is not in order of preference but if you had to push me for THE best flat white in the city, here it is. A small husband & wife operation, they’ve kept it simple to focus on perfection. Highly recommend a croissant here also.
Bestie Tip: It closes at 2pm but after 6 it turns into a wine bar called After Hours.
R. Joaquim Casimiro 14a, Lapa | Instagram
Albi
This used to be Lisbon’s best kept secret but when you do something this well, word is bound to get out. The place is tiny in size but big in vibes, like a friendly hug. Most importantly, the coffee is delicious.
Kossies
In case you didn’t know, Australia claims the invention of the “flat white” (though New Zealand likes to disagree). Aussies Matt & Sam have brought their expertise to Mouraria and successfully soothe my homesickness with their excellent coffee.
Largo do Terreirinho 21, Mouraria | Website
Buna
Popular with the cool kids, it's the perfect hang out on a sunny corner. It may be laid back but they take their bean sourcing and barista skills very seriously.
Melbourne Elouera
Phillipe is probably the OG. He is Portuguese but lived in Melbourne for a number of years and when he returned to Lisbon he opened his place when he couldn’t get a coffee the way he had grown accustomed to. Their salads are probs the best in town also. If you have a woofer, dogs are warmly welcomed here.
Rua do Possolo 52, Estrela | Website
JAB
Hiding in plain sight, I think this place is some sort of add on to a boxing gym. It's so unfussy it doesn’t even have an instagram page, but my goodness the coffee is great. I usually pop in after having lunch at Ha Noi next door.
Lilow
New kids on the block and my current fave, this coffee hits exactly right. Owners Lara & Will are the loveliest. Minimal food so you know they spend all their focus on the perfect beverage. Pet friendly.
R. Silva Carvalho 104, North-East Campo Do Ourique
Milkees
The only thing better than a great coffee, is a great coffee with an amazing homemade choc-chip cookie, amiright?
Acento Coffee
Small but welcoming, the service is great but most importantly of course, the coffee is great. Do NOT confuse with the bakery next door that also has orange alfresco seating. They came after them and seems to have copied the look and style.
Honourable Mention : The Coffee ザ・コーヒー
I prefer small businesses over chains, but I would be doing coffee lovers a disservice by not mentioning The Coffee. Designed more for the grab-and-go, this is far from a rush job. Brazilian owned and wholly inspired by Japan, everything about what they do is considered and precise, their coffee is next level.
Various locations, check their website for more info.