5 Specialty Coffee Places in Lisbon Worth Walking Uphill For
Lisbon has many cafés that call themselves specialty coffee shops, but the reality on the ground is a bit more modest. A lot of places offer nice interiors, brunch menus, and slightly better beans, yet the coffee itself often feels secondary. There is room for growth, and the city is still finding its footing compared to more established specialty scenes.
That said, there are a few places where you can reliably find a decent cup. W You Coffee is the clear standout, and the rest of the list includes venues that at least take coffee seriously enough to make your visit worthwhile. If you want something better than the standard Lisbon brunch cappuccino, these five stops will help you navigate the city with a good brew in hand.
1. W You Coffee – The Standout Best Specialty Coffee in Lisbon
W You Coffee is one of the few places in Lisbon where the coffee clearly comes first. They offer a small but thoughtful selection of beans, including some more interesting origins that are not common in the city. Their V60 is reliable, balanced, and brewed with care. They also serve light brunch items and cakes, which seems hard to avoid in Lisbon, but the café still feels coffee-focused.
The shop is run by the winner of Portugal’s national barista competition, which explains the level of consistency. They now have two locations, and both served us the best cups we had during our stay.
Why Visit: For a good cup of specialty coffee that is brewed with intention.
Two Locations: Santos (R. do Poço dos Negros 104) and Roma (R. Oliveira Martins 19A)
Instagram: @wyoucoffee
Google maps: Santos, Roma
2. The Folks – Brunch Spot With a Better Brew Than Expected
The Folks is a local brunch chain that labels itself as a specialty coffee shop. Normally, this would have pushed it off our list, but the online praise for their coffee made us try it. And to be fair, their batch brew is solid, and they roast some of their own beans.
The experience is still more avocado toast and visiting tourists than barista chat and single-origin exploration. Still, if you want a dependable morning cup while staying near one of their locations, it works.
Why Visit: For a reliable batch brew in a brunch-focused setting, with venues across the city.
Multiple Locations: Santos (R de S. Bento 51), Chiado (R. dos Sapateiros 111), Sé (R. das Pedras Negras 7), Blue Street (R. dos Bacalhoeiros 113), Alfama (R. São Tomé 27)
Instagram: @thefolkslisbon
Google maps: Santos, Chiado, Sé, Blue Street, Alfama
3. Fábrica Coffee Roasters – Local Chain With a Coffee First Attitude
Fábrica is one of the more established local chains and does attempt to put coffee at the center. They roast their own beans and offer a small selection of baked goods and simple food. The venues are sometimes compact, but with a mood that appeals to digital nomads and remote workers.
The atmosphere feels closer to specialty coffee culture, but the coffee itself is fine rather than memorable. Still, it is a practical choice when you want something dependable without too much noise.
Why Visit: For a straightforward cup in a space where coffee is taken seriously.
Multiple Locations: Santos (Av. Dom Carlos I 100 114), Chiado (Rua das Flores 63), Baxia de Lisboa (R. do Comércio 111), Av da Liberdade (R. das Portas de Santo Antão 136)
Instagram: @fabricacoffeeroasters
Google maps: Santos, Chiado, Baxia de Lisboa, Av. da Liberdade
4. Filtrô – A Minimalist Spot With Potential
Filtrô is a newer arrival that has committed fully to the minimalist Japandi look so common in modern specialty cafés. They offer a selection of beans, including some roasted in-house. They also serve cookies and muffins, but the menu clearly leans toward coffee.
One of the most interesting touches is their information cards for hand brews, which include the full pour over recipe plus detailed notes on the beans and farmers. It feels like a café that might improve further as it settles into the scene.
Why Visit: For a clean aesthetic and clear effort toward transparent brewing.
Location: R. das Trinas 102, 1200-860 Lisboa, Portugal
Instagram: @filtro.coffee
Google maps: Filtrô - Creative Lab
5. Baobá – A Neighborhood Café With a Specialty Lean
Baobá is another Lisbon coffee shop that blends brunch and specialty coffee. They offer a variety of beans, including some roasted in-house, and have a wide selection of cakes and breakfast-style dishes. The atmosphere has a neighborhood feel, and it is an easy place to settle in for a while.
They have only a few tables suitable for working, but a coworking café sits directly across the street if you need a longer session.
Why Visit: For a local café feel with a decent range of beans and light food.
Location: Rua de S. Paulo 256 a 258, 1200-430 Lisboa, Portugal
Instagram: @baobacafe.portugal
Google maps: Baobá Café Bica
Conclusion: A Coffee Scene Still Growing
Lisbon’s specialty coffee scene is developing, and it will likely look very different a few years from now. For now, the city offers a handful of reliable options, with W You Coffee clearly leading the way. The rest of the list provides alternatives that keep standards reasonable and show that Lisbon has the potential to grow into something stronger.
Until then, these five cafés will help you navigate the city with some of the best coffee the city has to offer. Come for the historic buildings, pastel de nata, and the tram charm. In Lisbon, good coffee is still emerging, and when done right, it stands out all the more.
