Best Cafes in Lisbon 2025 - Where the City’s Coffee Scene Is Heading Next

shakar coffee - Minimalist espresso lab with serious buzz

shakar coffee is the kind of place you hear about from a barista, not a billboard. Tucked into a compact, design-focused space, it leans hard into specialty coffee without feeling intimidating.

Why it is trending:

• Strong growth score and steady review momentum show word-of-mouth is kicking in.
• Locals praise the consistent espresso and filter brews, especially for light and medium roasts.
• The space hits that sweet spot of clean, minimalist design with just enough warmth to linger.

Vibe and crowd:

• Calm soundtrack, lots of solo guests reading or working for a short burst.
• Bar seating and a few small tables keep it intimate rather than hectic.
• Feels like a neighborhood secret, even with a solid rating and over a thousand reviews.

What to order:

• A flat white or cortado to taste how they balance milk and espresso.
• A rotating single-origin filter if you want to explore lighter profiles.
• A small pastry or cookie as a sidekick rather than a full meal.

Best for: Coffee purists, quick meetups, and anyone who wants a focused coffee experience without the brunch chaos.

Café Janis - All-day cafe with late-afternoon energy

Café Janis sits right at the intersection of cafe, bar, and brunch spot, which is exactly why it keeps trending. It is lively from breakfast through aperitivo hour, with a terrace that pulls in both locals and visitors.

Why it is trending:

• High review volume and a strong rating show it has staying power, not just hype.
• It nails the all-day concept: great coffee, colorful brunch plates, and cocktails later on.
• The location near the river and central Lisbon sights makes it an easy meeting point.

Vibe and crowd:

• Bright, Mediterranean-inspired interiors with plants and patterned tiles.
• Mix of remote workers in the morning and groups of friends by mid-afternoon.
• Outdoor seating creates a constant street-level buzz that feels very Lisbon.

What to order:

• Specialty coffee or iced latte if it is a warm day.
• Brunch favorites like shakshuka, eggs, and grain bowls that photograph as well as they taste.
• A spritz or natural wine if you stay into golden hour.

Best for: Brunch with friends, people-watching, and a smooth transition from coffee to cocktails without changing venues.

Zenith - Brunch powerhouse with a cult following

Zenith is one of Lisbon’s big brunch names, and its numbers prove it. With thousands of reviews and a strong rating, it has become a destination cafe that still manages to feel fun rather than formulaic.

Why it is trending:

• Massive review count with a solid growth score shows constant discovery by new visitors.
• Social media friendly dishes keep it in constant rotation on Instagram and TikTok.
• It helped set the standard for Lisbon’s modern brunch culture, and people still line up.

Vibe and crowd:

• Lively and often busy, especially on weekends, with a young, international crowd.
• Industrial-chic interior, big tables, and a soundtrack that keeps the energy up.
• Staff are used to high volume, so service stays fairly smooth even when it is packed.

What to order:

• Pancakes or French toast stacked with toppings if you want full comfort food.
• Eggs Benedict or savory bowls for a more balanced brunch.
• House specials like signature lattes, fresh juices, or a brunch cocktail.

Best for: Big brunch cravings, groups, and anyone who wants a high-energy cafe experience that feels like an event.

NUMA CAFÉ - Creative corner for remote workers and locals

NUMA CAFÉ flies slightly under the radar compared with the mega-brunch spots, which is exactly why regulars love it. It blends specialty coffee with a relaxed, creative vibe and a menu that works all day.

Why it is trending:

• Solid rating and steady growth show it is building a loyal base rather than chasing hype.
• It is popular with digital nomads looking for a comfortable place to work for a few hours.
• The menu balances good coffee with satisfying food, so you can settle in.

Vibe and crowd:

• Casual and friendly, with a mix of laptops, sketchbooks, and conversation.
• Thoughtful interior details and warm lighting make it feel like a neighborhood living room.
• Staff are typically relaxed and chatty, which keeps people coming back.

What to order:

• Espresso-based drinks or a batch brew for long working sessions.
• Toasts, sandwiches, and simple brunch plates that are easy to eat while you work.
• A sweet treat to pair with an afternoon coffee when you hit the energy dip.

Best for: Remote work days, low-key meetups, and anyone who wants a comfortable base between exploring Lisbon neighborhoods.

Curva - Neighborhood cafe with elevated taste

Curva may have fewer reviews than some giants on this list, but its rating is one of the highest. It feels like a refined neighborhood spot where the focus is on quality over volume, which is exactly why it is gaining traction.

Why it is trending:

• Excellent rating and strong growth score show a high satisfaction rate among guests.
• Word-of-mouth is driving a steady stream of curious locals and in-the-know travelers.
• The space and menu feel carefully curated, from coffee to plating.

Vibe and crowd:

• Calm, design-conscious interior with a few well-placed details instead of clutter.
• A mix of locals from the neighborhood and visitors who have done their research.
• Quieter than the big brunch hubs, ideal if you want conversation without shouting.

What to order:

• Specialty coffee drinks that showcase quality beans and careful extraction.
• Seasonal dishes or small plates if available, often with an eye for presentation.
• A dessert or pastry to linger over in the afternoon.

Best for: Couples, slow solo mornings, and anyone who prefers a refined cafe atmosphere over a crowded hotspot.

How to choose the right Lisbon cafe for your day

• For pure coffee focus: Head to shakar coffee for precision brewing and a minimalist vibe.
• For social brunch energy: Zenith and Café Janis are your go-to picks.
• For a work-friendly base: NUMA CAFÉ offers a relaxed, laptop-friendly setup.
• For a quieter, elevated feel: Curva balances design, flavor, and calm.

Lisbon’s cafe scene is still evolving, and these spots are shaping what comes next. Use MapsBuddy to track which places are trending, spot rising neighborhoods, and find your next favorite cafe before it hits every guidebook.