Aug 7, 2025
5 Hidden Brunch & Coffee gems in Lisbon that locals secretly love
Discover 5 hidden brunch and specialty coffee spots in Lisbon loved by locals. Skip the tourist traps and explore cozy cafés, creative menus, and peaceful riverside views for a true Lisbon experience.
Tired of the same tourist-filled brunch spots in Lisbon? While places like Fábrica, The Folks, Dear Breakfast, or Seventh Brunch are Instagram-famous, locals know there’s a whole other world of cozy cafés and innovative brunch menus hiding in quieter corners of the city.
As we always tell our guests: Lisbon is more than just the city center, and Portugal is more than just Lisbon. Some of the most memorable spots, from neighborhood cafés to independent coffee shops, live just outside the typical tourist trail.
Whether you’re a born-and-raised Lisboeta or an expat who’s made this city home, the real brunch scene lives in the tucked-away gems. These are the places where the flat whites are dialed in, the food is crafted with care, and guests are treated like regulars from day one.
If you’re searching for the best brunch in Lisbon or simply looking to explore where locals actually go, here are 5 hidden brunch and specialty coffee gems that offer a slower, tastier, and more authentic experience.
The 5 Hidden Brunch and Coffee Gems Locals Love
Nina Brunch & Speciality Coffee – A modern twist on brunch, in Parque das Nações
Nina Brunch Cafe has opened in May 2025 and brought on the market a completely new take on what I've seen from the typical brunch spots. A minimalist menu with well thought dishes, artisanal products and menu items that are more elevated than the typical avocado toast or croissant with ham and cheese.
A cozy, family- and pet-friendly brunch spot in Lisbon’s newest neighborhood, Parque das Nações (or as locals call it, Expo). It's position is just steps away from another hidden gem, Parque do Tejo, one of Europe’s largest riverside parks, with an amazing view over Vasco Da Gama tower which you can visit for an impressive view over Lisbon's skyline.
Their viral Samurai Toast (fresh marinated tuna, poached eggs, wakame) and black garlic cheeseburger have been praised in reviews as some of the best brunch dishes in Lisbon. The specialty coffee, roasted by local legends The Folks, pairs beautifully with house-made pastries and local craft beer from Marvila's Dois Corvos.
📍 Nina Brunch Café on Google Maps
🎁 Get a free coffee on your first visit! Join the Nina Rewards Program
Why I love it:
Quiet brunch café by the river, away from the busy streets of central Lisbon
Consistent dishes made with fresh ingredients and artisanal recipes
Just 5 minutes from Oriente Station, FIL, and the Lisbon Oceanarium
Euphoria Brunch & Coffee – Seaside Vibes in Cascais & Carcavelos
One of the first brunch spots in Cascais, Euphoria has earned a loyal following with its cozy, chilled-out vibe. Their second location near Carcavelos Beach continues the same tradition of delicious brunch dishes and specialty coffee into a less touristic area that is preferred by locals.
Why I love it:
Great escape from Lisbon’s tourist core
Comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces
Consistent quality across both locations
Alba – Under-the-Radar Gem in Central Lisbon
Tucked just near the main tourist trail, Alba is a beautifully designed café that takes its craft seriously. While still technically close to the touristic, it’s one of the least hyped brunch spots but my favorite go-to place whenever I'm around the city center. Their dishes impressed every single time with their interpretation, the vibe is relaxed and the coffee always hit the mark.
Why I love it:
Beautiful interior with calm energy
Not the typical brunch dishes, everything has a touch to it
Less crowded than nearby alternatives
Monka – Minimalist Coffee & Brunch Nestled in Estrela
Monka is one of those places you’d easily miss on a crowded map — and that’s exactly why it’s special. Tucked in the charming Estrela neighborhood, Monka blends Scandinavian simplicity with a warm, Lisbon-style welcome. Their brunch dishes are clean, flavorful, and beautifully plated, and the coffee is sourced with care.
This is a place where locals go to slow down, chat with the baristas, and soak up the minimalist atmosphere. It’s also kid-friendly and has a small outdoor seating area that feels like an urban escape.
Why I love it:
Quiet, non-touristy location in Estrela
Simple but refined brunch and coffee menu
Excellent natural light and calming vibe
Calmo Coffee – Bright, Laid-Back Café in Campo de Ourique
Calmo is the kind of café you stumble upon and immediately fall for. Located in the heart of Campo de Ourique, a residential neighborhood known for its relaxed pace and old-school charm, Calmo offers a mix of third-wave coffee, brunch snacks, and positive energy.
I first went there on a rainy morning and the neighbourhood coffee vibe made me fell in love. Although it is quite small, people know each other, joined random conversations and the staff were very walm - excalty the type of atmopshjere you'd expect from a neighbourhood coffee shop
Why we love it:
Typical modern neighbourhood cafe vibes
Strong specialty coffee game
A favorite among locals, creatives, and remote workers
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re staying for a week or a weekend in Lisbon, skipping the crowds doesn’t mean compromising on quality. These five cafés prove that the best brunch spots in Lisbon aren’t always on the main streets — they’re just a few blocks further, waiting to be discovered.
Did I miss a hidden brunch spot that deserves to be in this list? Send us a message on Instagram and let’s keep the local brunch love going.
