Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon: My 16 Favourites for a Lazy Morning
During my fifth visit to Lisbon I am still discovering new brunch spots. In the name of research I have eaten an alarming amount of pancakes, gulped down gallons of brightly coloured smoothies and tracked down the most delicious caffeine shots in the city. Hangover or not, after a visit to one of these spots your day will get off to the best possible start. These are the best brunch spots in Lisbon!
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Best brunch spots in Lisbon
Basílio
Three words: Red Velvet Pancakes. As I bravely start working through the red spectacle on my plate in Alfama, I hear passersby softly and admiringly whisper “wooow.” The pancakes are a true showstopper — for your taste buds too. From the same owners as Nicolau.
R. dos Bacalhoeiros 111
The Folks: coffee brewers and soul cooks
Love the name. At this congenial café, you can order the best specialty coffees and delicious brunch dishes. Not the most laptop-friendly spot, but the coffee alone is worth the visit. From the same owner as Bloom Café.
R. dos Sapateiros 111
Dear Breakfast
The various locations of this popular concept are always busy, so prepare to wait in a small queue. During the week you can make reservations, but on weekends unfortunately not. Worth the wait though.
Cotidiano
I ordered way too much and still ate it all. That is a good sign. Try the Passion Fruit Pancakes with passion fruit curd. Heaven. The papaya with coconut yogurt and granola is also delicious and the matcha latte arrives decorated with a flower.
R. do Crucifixo 2
Break Café
What a cosy café in Alfama. I walked past this place by coincidence and glanced inside. Both the dishes and the decor looked fantastic. On my list for the next visit.
R. do Poço dos Negros 73
THE ULTIMATE FOODIE TOUR IN LISBON
Manjerica
Everything here is photogenic, delicious and organic. Even the peanut butter is homemade. Finish your brunch with the Affogato — coffee with ice cream. Pro tip: you can order it for two in an extra-large glass.
Rua João das Regras, Praça da Figueira 5-A
Hygge Kaffe
At this fun brunch spot (with two locations in the city) you will find a Matcha Bar with the most creative creations: iced matcha with lavender or matcha tiramisu. The brunch menu is extensive with waffles, pancakes, sandwiches and even smørrebrød. Hygge is a Danish word for cosiness and that feeling is everywhere here.
Rua dos Fanqueiros 53 (Baixa) and R. Tomás Ribeiro 95B (Picoas)
Cotidiano | best brunch spots in Lisbon
Bloom – Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon
Maybe a bit of a walk from downtown, but Bloom is definitely worth the Uber. A fantastic menu that will make a possible hangover disappear like snow in the sun. From the same owner as The Folks, so the coffee is excellent too.
Calçada Pampulha 42
Boutik
Café, store and surf shack in one. Very Insta-worthy. Brunch among surfboards in a Balinese atmosphere. After your acai bowl you can shop some beautiful clothes and jewellery. Dangerous combination.
R. de São Bento 106D
Zenith Brunch and Cocktails – Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon
This all-day brunch spot really knows how to deliver. The extensive menu includes Oreo French Toast, Shakshuka and a Brazilian Acai Bowl. Add eight different pancake options, nachos, bagels and a list of very tempting cocktails and you know you are in the right place. Zenith has locations in Lisbon, Porto, Madrid and Barcelona.
Rua do Telhal 4A
Flat Café
A brunch with Scandinavian influences. Alongside classic brunch dishes and good coffee, there are potato cakes and various smørrebrød options on the menu. If you are lucky you can sit on the beautiful terrace. One of the quieter spots on this list.
Tv. do Cabral 36
ALL THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN LISBON
Comoba
At this hipster hangout you can order a charcoal latte with matcha pancakes as if it were the most normal thing in the world. Prices are on the higher side, but the experience is worth it. Follow me on Instagram for more Lisbon finds.
Rua da Boavista 88-92
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Shakar – Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon
The owners worked for Emirates Airlines for many years and incorporated their travel experiences into a very special menu. Order Breakfast Tacos, Chicken Waffles, Turkish Eggs or Shakshuka. The international influences make this one of the most original brunch spots in the city.
R. Viriato 1B
Café Janis
The photogenic Café Janis is always busy and lively. Try to find a table by the window where the acoustics are better. Café Janis is also a very cosy spot in the evening, so it works at any hour of the day.
R. Moeda 1A
Seagull Method
On weekends you get a complimentary glass of house champagne at this popular brunch spot. Naturally I did not need to be told twice.
R. da Palmeira 23
Basílio | best brunch spots in Lisbon
Nicolau – Best Brunch Spots in Lisbon
I was a little hesitant about including this spot because the service is extremely slow and slightly arrogant, but the dishes are very tasty. From the same owners as Basílio. Go for the food, not the vibe.
R. de São Nicolau 17
Best pastéis de nata: Manteigaria
Walking from the Tower of Belém to the LX Factory, I decide to get a pastel de nata. At the famous Pastéis de Belém there is a giant queue, but across the street I find Manteigaria, recommended by a good friend, with only two locals inside. Those locals are stocking boxes full of the little custard pastries, so I know immediately that I have made the right choice. After one bite of the warm pastry, I consider emigrating to Lisbon.
Various locations around the city
Also worth trying
Heim Café (from the same owner as Seagull Method), Fauna and Flora, Oui Mais Non and Amélia (from the same owners as Basílio and Nicolau).
Where to stay: the best boutique hotels in Lisbon
– Click on the names for rooms and rates –
Browns Central Hotel: my absolute favourite. Perfectly located in Chiado, warm interior and a true home away from home. Basílio and Cotidiano are both within walking distance.
ROOMS AND RATES BROWNS CENTRAL HOTEL
Hotel Hotel, Member of Design Hotels: for anyone who cares about design. Every corner is considered and the location is excellent.
Casa do Barão: a restored 18th-century palace in the heart of the city. Intimate and full of character.
Alecrim ao Chiado: atmospheric, affordable and consistently well reviewed. Walking distance from most brunch spots on this list.
Dear Lisbon, Gallery House: a boutique hotel that doubles as an art gallery. Every room has its own story.
AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado: rooftop terrace, excellent service and one of the best value options in the city.
THE BEST RENTAL CARS FOR YOUR PORTUGAL ROAD TRIP
Best things to do in Lisbon
After your brunch there is plenty more to explore. These are the activities I recommend after five visits.
Day trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cascais and Cabo da Roca
Fairy-tale palaces and a dramatic Atlantic coastline, all within an hour of the city. Entry tickets included. One of the best day trips in Europe.
BOOK THE SINTRA AND CASCAIS DAY TOUR
Private city tour by eco tuk-tuk
The best way to cover Alfama, Mouraria and the finest viewpoints without destroying your legs on the steep cobblestones.
Hills, Alfama and Mouraria tour by electric bike
Seven hills sound romantic until you start climbing them. An electric bike solves that instantly.
Sunset cruise with drinks on a spacious yacht
Two hours on the Tagus with the city glowing behind you and a drink in hand. The perfect end to a day that started with pancakes.
Belém walking tour with Jerónimos Monastery ticket
One of the most impressive buildings in Portugal, entry included. Combine it with a stop at Pastéis de Belém for the original pastel de nata, made to the same recipe since 1837.
More Lisbon guides
Looking for the best restaurants in Lisbon beyond brunch? Read my guide to the best restaurants in Lisbon, including my full review of Restaurant Encanto by José Avillez. For the best shopping streets and boutiques, read my shopping guide. Lisbon is also a great base for day trips: I have a complete guide to Ericeira, the charming surf village about an hour from the city, and a guide to the stunning Alentejo, perfect for a day trip or weekend escape from the city. If you want to extend your Portugal trip further, read my Madeira travel guide.
Brunch spots in Lisbon: frequently asked questions
What are the best brunch spots in Lisbon?
My absolute favourites are Basílio for the legendary Red Velvet Pancakes, Cotidiano for the passion fruit pancakes and Hygge Kaffe for the creative matcha bar. For a champagne brunch on weekends, Seagull Method is a must. Zenith Brunch and Cocktails is the best option if you want an extensive all-day menu.
Which neighbourhood has the best brunch spots in Lisbon?
Alfama and Chiado are my favourites for brunch. Alfama has the most atmospheric spots like Basílio and Break Café. Chiado and Baixa have the widest concentration of cafés within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore several in one morning.
ALL THE BEST ACTIVITIES IN LISBON
Is Lisbon good for solo brunch?
Absolutely. Lisbon is one of the most solo-friendly cities in Europe and brunching alone raises no eyebrows. Manjerica, Cotidiano and Hygge Kaffe all have counter seating or small tables that are perfect for solo visitors. Bring a book or journal and enjoy the moment.
Where can you get the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon?
Manteigaria is my top pick: less crowded than the famous Pastéis de Belém and just as good, if not better. The locals buying them by the boxful are a reliable indicator. There are several locations around the city so you are never far from a good one.
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