The rise of Specialty Coffee in Lisbon: from traditions to Third Wave

Lisbon’s café culture has long been a part of the city’s social fabric. From historic coffee houses that once served Portugal’s greatest poets to modern specialty cafés that draw digital nomads and coffee aficionados alike, the capital has undergone a quiet yet flavorful revolution.

From Bica to Barista: A Brief History of Lisbon Coffee

Coffee in Lisbon is more than a beverage - it’s a ritual. For decades, the go-to order was a bica, Lisbon’s take on the espresso: short, strong, and often served standing at the counter. Iconic establishments like Martinho da Arcada, which opened in 1782 and famously hosted Fernando Pessoa, were places where ideas were exchanged over countless tiny cups. The name comes from the phrase "beba isto com açúcar" which translates to "drink this with sugar", a recommendation made to balance the bitterness of the espresso

But this tradition, while beloved, left little room for innovation. Enter the third wave of coffee.

The Arrival of the Third Wave

Around the mid 2010s, a handful of pioneers began reshaping Lisbon’s coffee scene. They introduced lighter roasts, traceable beans, and brewing methods that emphasized flavor over speed. This shift mirrored global trends, but with Lisbon’s unique charm and pace.

Places like Fábrica Coffee Roasters, Hello Kristof, and The Folks started popping up in different neighborhoods, each bringing a blend of minimalist interiors, globally sourced beans, and a passion for education around coffee.

Specialty coffee in Lisbon now means more than just a good cup. It’s about understanding origin, process, and technique. It’s common to find baristas explaining flavor notes and pour over methods to curious locals and expats alike.

Specialty Coffee Meets Lisbon’s Modern Lifestyle

Lisbon’s transformation into a global hub for creatives, remote workers, and lifestyle seekers played a key role in the specialty coffee boom. These cafés became more than just coffee spots. They turned into modern “third places” where people meet, work, and relax.

This evolution also ushered in the integration of brunch culture into Lisbon’s café life. Once limited to hotel buffets or weekend only menus, brunch has now found a home in cafés that also take their coffee seriously.

Nina Brunch & Specialty Coffee: A New Generation of Coffee and Community

One of the freshest examples of this evolution is Nina Brunch Café, a riverside spot in Lisbon’s Parque das Nações. Here, brunch and specialty coffee aren’t just complementary. They’re central to the experience. From espresso to slow brewed cold brew, every cup is crafted using equipment like Victoria Arduino and beans roasted by Lisbon’s own The Folks, alongside a wide variety of coffee bags to-go not only from Portugal but also from Romania and others.

What sets Nina apart is how it combines the values of third wave coffee with a welcoming atmosphere that’s family and pet friendly. Their signature brunch dishes like the Samurai Toast with marinated tuna or the black garlic cheeseburger pair effortlessly with their specialty coffee offerings.

📍 Nina Brunch Café on Google Maps
🎁 Join the Nina Rewards Program to get a free coffee on your first visit!

A Growing Scene Worth Exploring

As Lisbon continues to grow and evolve, its specialty coffee scene is keeping pace. Cafés are no longer just places to refuel. They’re destinations in themselves. Whether you’re sipping a V60 in Santos, enjoying a flat white in Alfama, or discovering brunch in Parque das Nações, Lisbon offers a rich and diverse coffee experience.

Stay tuned for our next article where we explore the best specialty coffee shops in Lisbon from hidden gems to beloved classics.