Aug 11, 2025
Top 10 brunch spots near me in Lisboa – A Local’s Guide to the Best Cafés
If you’re searching for the best brunch Lisboa has to offer, you’ll find far more than the typical tourist hotspots. From cozy neighborhood cafés serving locally roasted coffee to stylish venues with creative menus, Lisbon’s brunch scene is as diverse as its neighborhoods. This guide takes you beyond the obvious and into the spots locals truly love — where the coffee is brewed to perfection, dishes are made with fresh ingredients, and the atmosphere invites you to linger. Whether you’re after a quick breakfast, a long weekend feast, or a photo-worthy plate for your Instagram, these top picks deliver both flavor and experience.
Criteria for Selecting the Best Brunch Spots
Our selection process was meticulous — and delicious. We looked for more than just good food. Each café on this list stood out for:
Quality of food and beverages — with attention to freshness and flavor.
Atmosphere and design — spaces that make you want to stay a little longer.
Menu creativity — cafés that go beyond the basics with inventive dishes.
Consistent reviews from both locals and visitors.
Accessibility — brunch should be a pleasure, not a logistical challenge.
Sustainability — bonus points for sourcing locally and reducing waste.
Top 10 Brunch Restaurants in Lisbon
If you’re looking for the best brunch Lisboa has to offer without battling the queues in the busy city center, Nina - Brunch & Speciality Coffee is a standout choice. Just five minutes from the iconic Vasco da Gama Tower / Hotel Myriad and nestled by the riverside in Parque das Nações, Nina blends the warmth of a local café with the quality and presentation you’d expect from a top Lisbon brunch spot.
The seasonal menu, crafted by their talented chef, features fresh, locally sourced ingredients with imaginative twists on classics. From viral Benedict eggs with black garlic hollandaise to their Samurai Toast and one of the juiciest double cheeseburgers in Lisbon, Nina’s dishes are as indulgent as they are beautiful. Their coffee and dishes program rivals Lisbon’s best, and retail beans are available to take home, from local roasters but also the best across Europe.
Nicolau Lisboa is a trendy café located in the heart of the city. Known for its Instagram-worthy interiors featuring lush greenery and cozy seating, Nicolau offers a delightful mix of healthy and indulgent brunch options. From smoothie bowls to fluffy pancakes, this café caters to all tastes. Their avocado toast is particularly popular, topped with perfectly poached eggs and a sprinkle of chili flakes.
Dear Breakfast, as the name suggests, is dedicated to serving the best breakfast and brunch in Lisbon. With multiple locations across the city, it has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The menu features classics like eggs Benedict and French toast, but what sets Dear Breakfast apart is their signature dishes like the truffle scrambled eggs.
Fauna & Flora is a paradise for those who love a good brunch in a beautiful setting. The café is designed with a nature-inspired theme, complete with hanging plants and wooden furniture. The menu is equally impressive, offering a variety of dishes from chia pudding to savory waffles. Their matcha latte is a must-try, offering a perfect blend of flavors.
Heim Café is a charming spot that has quickly become a staple in Lisbon’s brunch scene. Located in the Santos neighborhood, it’s known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious food. The menu features a mix of sweet and savory options, including their famous banana bread and hearty shakshuka. The café also offers a great selection of fresh juices and specialty coffees.
The Mill combines the best of Australian coffee culture with Portuguese hospitality. Located in the bustling neighborhood of Cais do Sodré, this café is perfect for those looking to enjoy a leisurely brunch. The menu features a range of options, from classic avocado toast to more unique offerings like their lemon ricotta hotcakes. The coffee here is exceptional, made from locally roasted beans.
Zenith Brunch & Cocktails Bar is a vibrant spot that offers an exciting brunch experience. The café is known for its creative menu, which includes dishes like Oreo pancakes and eggs Florentine. Zenith also offers a wide range of cocktails, making it a great spot for a boozy brunch with friends. The lively atmosphere and friendly staff add to the overall appeal.
Seagull Method Café, located in the trendy neighborhood of Principe Real, is a must-visit for brunch lovers. The café offers a minimalist design with an emphasis on quality ingredients. The menu features a variety of dishes, including their popular seagull breakfast, which includes eggs, bacon, and roasted tomatoes. Their selection of freshly baked pastries is also worth mentioning.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab brings a touch of Scandinavian style to Lisbon’s brunch scene. The café is known for its sleek design and high-quality coffee. The brunch menu includes a variety of options, from rye bread sandwiches to cinnamon buns. The café also offers a selection of freshly baked pastries and cakes, making it a great spot for a sweet treat.
10. Fabrica Coffee Roasters
Fabrica Coffee Roasters is a haven for coffee lovers. Located in the heart of Lisbon, this café is known for its high-quality coffee and delicious brunch options. The menu features a variety of dishes, including their popular avocado toast and homemade granola. The café also offers a selection of freshly baked pastries and cakes, making it a great spot for a sweet treat.
Unique Features of Each Brunch Spot
Nina – Brunch & Specialty Coffee – Warm, family-like atmosphere with friendly staff, chef-driven elevated brunch dishes, a serene riverside setting with Vasco da Gama Tower views, and artisanal in-house pastries.
Nicolau Lisboa – Lush greenery, vibrant décor, and a menu balancing healthy and indulgent favorites made with fresh, local ingredients.
Dear Breakfast – Sophisticated interiors, high-quality ingredients, and creative twists like their signature truffle scrambled eggs.
Fauna & Flora – Nature-inspired design, health-focused options like chia pudding and matcha lattes, and a welcoming, cozy ambiance.
Heim Café – Relaxed, friendly vibe with standouts like banana bread, shakshuka, and fresh specialty coffee.
The Mill – Blend of Australian coffee culture and Portuguese hospitality, with must-try lemon ricotta hotcakes and exceptional locally roasted coffee.
Zenith Brunch & Cocktails Bar – Energetic setting with creative menu items (Oreo pancakes, eggs Florentine) and a strong cocktail offering.
Seagull Method Café – Minimalist style, quality ingredients, and their signature Seagull breakfast with freshly baked pastries.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab – Sleek Scandinavian aesthetic, high-quality coffee, and fresh baked goods like cinnamon buns.
Fabrica Coffee Roasters – Specialty coffee excellence paired with fresh, locally sourced brunch staples like avocado toast and homemade granola.
Popular Brunch Dishes to Try in Lisbon
Lisbon’s brunch scene offers everything from traditional flavors to bold innovations — and Nina is a perfect example. Their Samurai Toast layers Japanese-inspired flavors onto thick artisan bread, delivering a savory umami hit that’s both unexpected and addictive. The double cheeseburger has earned cult status among locals for its perfectly seared patties and signature house sauce. And their Benedict eggs — finished with a silky black garlic hollandaise — went viral on social media, and it’s clear why once you taste them.
Beyond Nina, classics like avocado toast, eggs Benedict, French toast, smoothie bowls, shakshuka, pastel de nata, and savory waffles remain citywide favorites.
One of the most popular dishes you’ll find on many brunch menus is the classic avocado toast. Often topped with perfectly poached eggs, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, it’s a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Eggs Benedict is another brunch favorite found in many of Lisbon’s top cafés. This dish features poached eggs and ham served on an English muffin, all topped with a rich hollandaise sauce. Some cafés add their own twist to this classic, such as incorporating smoked salmon or spinach.
For those with a sweet tooth, French toast is a must-try. This dish involves thick slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk, then fried to golden perfection. Topped with fresh berries, maple syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for brunch.
Smoothie bowls have become increasingly popular, especially among those looking for healthy brunch options. These bowls are typically made with blended fruits, yogurt, and a variety of toppings such as granola, nuts, and seeds. They’re not only nutritious but also visually appealing, often featuring vibrant colors and beautiful arrangements.
Another popular dish is shakshuka, a Middle Eastern-inspired recipe that has made its way into Lisbon’s brunch culture. It consists of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, often accompanied by bread for dipping — hearty, warming, and perfect for a leisurely meal.
For a taste of traditional Portuguese flavors, try the pastel de nata, a famous custard tart that’s often enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Many cafés in Lisbon bake their own in-house, ensuring freshness and quality.
Finally, don’t miss savory waffles. Often topped with ingredients like smoked salmon, avocado, and poached eggs, they deliver a mix of flavors and textures that makes them a standout option on many brunch menus.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Brunch Experience in Lisbon
All of Lisbon’s top brunch spots shine in their own way, but timing your visit can make all the difference. Weekends often mean long queues in the city center, while weekdays and earlier hours offer a calmer experience.
Nina – Brunch & Specialty Coffee is a prime example: located by the riverside in Parque das Nações, away from the tourist-heavy streets, it delivers a high-quality, relaxed brunch without the stress of long waits.
Whether you’re an early riser looking for the first pour-over of the day or a late bruncher seeking a leisurely meal with a view, Lisbon offers a setting — and a plate — to match your mood.
Photo by Goncalo Correia Gago on Unsplash
