Looking for a café in Lisbon? Nina in Parque das Nações combines specialty coffee roasted by The Folks, espresso prepared on Victoria Arduino equipment and a terrace beside the Tagus. This guide introduces Nina and six other cafés to explore, from historic pastelarias to specialty coffee spots.
Nina – Specialty Coffee and All-Day Brunch in Parque das Nações
If you care about coffee and food in equal measure, Nina is the cafe Lisboa experience worth making a trip for.
Nina is at R. Cais das Naus 2 B in Parque das Nações, near the Vasco da Gama Tower and the river. Arriving at Gare do Oriente? Use our guide to reaching Nina from Oriente. Walking time depends on your station exit and route.
The Coffee
Nina serves coffee roasted in Lisbon by The Folks. Espresso and milk-based drinks are prepared on Victoria Arduino equipment. Our filter coffee is batch brew, brewed in batches; our single-origin cold brew is steeped in cold water for more than 24 hours. See our specialty coffee page for drinks, hours and directions.
The Food
Where most cafes in Lisbon offer coffee first and food as an afterthought, Nina treats both equally. The all-day brunch menu is compact and intentional:
- Samurai Toast (€16) – Fresh marinated tuna, avocado, poached eggs, and wakame seaweed on artisanal bread. A signature dish with Japanese-inspired flavours.
- Black Garlic Double Cheeseburger (€18) – Cult following among locals. Consistently mentioned as one of the best burgers in Lisbon across reviews.
- Eggs Benedict with Black Garlic Hollandaise (€15) – A twist on the classic that keeps people coming back.
- Artisanal pastries – Baked fresh, not bought in. A proper accompaniment to the coffee.
See the current Nina menu for dishes, prices and ingredients.
The Space
The riverside terrace is the main draw – sun-soaked in the morning, calm and scenic by afternoon. Inside is cosy and well-designed, with a warm atmosphere that works whether you’re with family, on a laptop, or catching up with friends.
Nina has a toys corner, a children’s menu and high chairs. Our family brunch guide covers the practical details. Ask the team about ingredients and dietary needs. Dogs are welcome indoors on a leash and on the terrace.
Why It’s Our Top Pick
At Nina, you can combine specialty coffee, brunch during opening hours and a break beside the river. Read current customer reviews on Google Maps and check the current menu before choosing what to order.
Address: R. Cais das Naus 2 B, 1990-304 Lisboa
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00-16:00 | Saturday-Sunday 9:00-17:00
Walk-in only. See the full menu.
Lisbon’s Cafe Culture: A Quick History
To understand the cafe Lisboa scene today, it helps to know where it came from.
Lisbon’s cafe culture dates back to the 18th century, when coffeehouses became gathering places for writers, artists, and political thinkers. Cafe A Brasileira in Chiado, open since 1905, is the most famous example – a literary landmark where Fernando Pessoa used to drink his bica.
For decades, the Portuguese coffee experience was defined by tradition: strong espresso, a pastel de nata, marble counters, and unhurried conversation. That’s still alive in places like Pastelaria Versailles.
The shift started around 2015, when specialty coffee arrived. Roasters like Fabrica Coffee Roasters introduced lighter roasts, single-origin beans, and pour-over methods. The third-wave movement brought a new generation of cafes that cared about sourcing, roasting, and extraction – not just speed.
Today, Lisbon’s cafe scene is a mix of both worlds. You can start your morning at a century-old pastelaria and end it at a specialty cafe with beans from Ethiopia. Nina represents the newest evolution – where specialty coffee meets all-day brunch, crafted food, and a modern community-driven atmosphere.
6 More Cafes Worth Visiting in Lisbon
Fabrica Coffee Roasters (Baixa / multiple locations)
The pioneer of Lisbon’s specialty coffee movement. In-house roasting, single-origin beans, and barista workshops. If your priority is coffee education and craft above all else, Fabrica is a destination. Limited food menu – come for the beans.
Cafe A Brasileira (Chiado)
A Lisbon institution since 1905. Art nouveau interiors, Fernando Pessoa’s statue outside, and traditional bica coffee. This is the historic cafe experience – not for the coffee quality (it’s standard), but for the cultural significance. Best visited once for the atmosphere and the story.
Heim Cafe (Santos)
A neighbourhood favourite with a health-conscious menu. Good for vegan and vegetarian brunch options, homemade granola bowls, and solid specialty coffee. Minimalist design, friendly staff, pet-friendly. Can get crowded on weekends – arrive early.
Cafe Janis (Cais do Sodre)
Mediterranean-inspired brunch in a lively setting. Known for their shakshuka and espresso martinis. The terrace is popular, especially for weekend brunch. Trendy atmosphere with DJ sets on some weekends. Good for a social, energetic brunch rather than a quiet morning.
Hello, Kristof (São Bento)
Scandinavian-inspired, calm, and laptop-friendly. Curated magazine library, artisanal pastries, and a quiet workspace atmosphere. A go-to for digital nomads and freelancers who want good coffee without noise.
Pastelaria Versailles (Avenida da República)
The ornate Belle Époque experience. Display cases filled with traditional Portuguese pastries – mille-feuille, bolo-rei, pastel de nata. An old-world experience that feels like stepping back in time. Best for pastry lovers and anyone who appreciates classic Lisbon elegance.
What to Look for in a Great Lisbon Cafe
Coffee quality. Is the cafe working with a specialty roaster, or serving generic espresso? In-house roasting or a named roaster partnership (like Nina’s work with The Folks) is a strong sign.
Food worth ordering. The best cafes treat food as seriously as coffee. A compact, well-executed menu beats a long one full of generic options.
Atmosphere. Natural light, comfortable seating, a space where you want to stay for a second cup. Outdoor terraces are a Lisbon advantage – look for spots that use them well.
Location. Central Lisbon has great cafes but also tourist crowds and premium pricing. Some of the best experiences are in residential neighbourhoods – Parque das Nações, Santos, Campo de Ourique – where the vibe is calmer and the regulars are locals.
Community. A cafe with loyal regulars is usually doing something right. Loyalty programmes, familiar faces at the counter, staff who remember your order – these are signs of a place that earns its repeat business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cafe in Lisboa?
For specialty coffee and brunch in Parque das Nações, Nina brings together beans roasted by The Folks, Victoria Arduino espresso equipment, batch brew filter coffee and a terrace beside the Tagus. Check the menu and current reviews on Google Maps to decide whether it suits your visit.
Where can I find specialty coffee in Lisbon?
Nina (Parque das Nações) and Fabrica Coffee Roasters (multiple locations) are the two strongest options. Nina pairs specialty coffee with a full brunch menu and terrace setting. Fabrica focuses purely on the coffee craft with in-house roasting and workshops.
What’s the difference between a traditional Lisbon cafe and a specialty cafe?
Traditional cafes (like Cafe A Brasileira or Pastelaria Versailles) serve classic Portuguese espresso and pastries in historic settings. Specialty cafes (like Nina or Fabrica) work with carefully sourced, lightly roasted beans and trained baristas. Both are worth experiencing – they represent different eras of Lisbon’s coffee culture.
Is Nina Brunch Cafe good for remote work?
Yes. Nina has Wi-Fi, a relaxed atmosphere, and a setting (especially on weekday mornings) that works well for getting things done. The terrace and indoor space are both comfortable for longer stays.
Is Nina family-friendly?
Yes. Nina has a toys corner, a children’s menu and high chairs. See the family guide and ask the team about ingredients or dietary needs. Dogs are also welcome indoors on a leash and on the terrace.
Nina information updated on 2 October 2026. Check each café’s current menu for prices and availability. See Nina’s menu | Get directions
Last updated: October 2, 2026
