The Best Brunch in Lisbon: Our Top 6 Picks For an Epic Morning Meal

This blog post was originally posted on November 29, 2018 and was updated on September 17, 2020. 

These six spots for the best brunch in Lisbon combine classic treats with some unique Portuguese twists.

At Devour Lisbon, we’re all about tradition—and we’re the first to admit that a big, hearty mid-morning meal is not among Portugal’s classic culinary customs. But we also know that the globalization of certain food trends can be a good thing… and when it comes to brunch, we’re firmly in favor.

All you have to do is get a taste of the best brunch in Lisbon at one of these spots, and you’ll see why!

The brunch trend has arrived in Portugal, and we couldn't be happier. Check out one of these six great spots for the best brunch in Lisbon.

The Top 6 Spots for the Best Brunch in Lisbon

Maybe you’ve just awoken after a long night partying in Bairro Alto or a late-night bar crawl. Or maybe you just want to catch up with some friends and enjoy a long, luxurious meal in the late morning sunlight.

Whatever your mood, brunch is always a good idea—so we’ve sniffed out the city’s best cafés to satisfy every craving.

1. Heim Café

Heim’s vibrant cuisine pops out against a backdrop of chic, minimalist style. Here you’ll find healthy options like quinoa patties and granola… but also the polar opposite.

The “Sunday Breakfast” includes two eggs, pancakes, bacon, sausage, tomato, fried mushrooms and beans—all for less than €9. For something sweet, go for a stack of pancakes topped with berries and coffee cream, or waffles drizzled in homemade caramel sauce.

Other great options at Heim include perusing the “toast bar” for a light snack, and sipping on a galão (Portuguese latte) or flavored lemonade. Your options are endless, and all of them are delicious.

Heim Café's delicious pancakes might just be the best brunch in Lisbon.
Heim’s incredible pancakes are the perfect sweet treat to start your day off right. Photo credit: Heim Café

2. Zenith – Brunch & Cocktails

If you’re in search of variety, look no further. Highlights of brunch at Zenith include beet hummus, Brazilian açaí, and peanut butter and berry croissants, just to name a few.

But the extensive menu also offers eggs and toast with every add-on imaginable; hearty salad bowls; superfood lattes and brunch-friendly cocktails.

Feeling adventurous? Try the francesinha pancake: topped with bacon, chicken, cheese, a fried egg and special sauce to imitate the legendary Portuguese sandwich.

3. The Mill

This cute café offers a unique fusion of Australian and Portuguese fare, complemented by some of the best coffee in Lisbon. Order a plate of poached eggs, avocado, sweet corn fritters and bacon, or go for a lighter treat like chia porridge, Bircher muesli or Vegemite on toast.

Everything at The Mill is made with locally sourced ingredients, and the menu includes local specialties like piri piri chicken and chouriço. Wash it down with a fresh smoothie or a Portuguese Buck’s Fizz (orange juice with a double dose of espumante).

Barista pouring milk into a latte
To pair your brunch with some of the city’s best coffee, head straight for The Mill.

4. Nicolau Lisboa

If you’re a fan of colorful, Instagram-friendly brunch, you’ll love Nicolau. The aesthetic here couldn’t be any cuter, with pastels, pretty patterns and tropical plants galore, and the menu features everything from tapioca crepes to protein-packed “power bowls.”

For €14, the set brunch menu includes a pancake, a yogurt bowl, fresh orange juice, coffee or tea, and toast topped with avocado or smoked salmon and cheese. You can even add a mimosa or Bellini for just €4.

Whether you want to eat clean or indulge (ahem, red velvet pancakes), you’ll leave full and happy.

Trendy brunch café Nicolau
The bar and open kitchen at Nicolau add to the comfy and casual vibes. Photo credit: Nicolau

5. Kafeine – Coffee & Brunch

You might say Kafeine is off the beaten (tourist) path; it’s located in the food court of a shopping mall. But once you’ve found it, you’ll never want to leave.

Despite the fact that it’s below ground level, the atmosphere is wonderfully bright and cozy. Try the eggs Benedict or a trio of shrimp tacos; a gourmet cheeseburger or an avocado croissant. Or go for the set brunch menu: toast with your choice of toppings, yogurt with granola and fruit, a pancake, and orange juice or a hot drink.

No matter what you order, just make sure to save room for what they claim is “Lisbon’s gooiest brownie”!

Are you coming to Lisbon?
Don’t waste a single meal—check out our ultimate foodie guide to
where to eat in Lisbon!

Brunch spread at Kafeine cafe
Brunch at Kafeine is all about color, variety and value. Photo credit: Kafeine

6. Quase Café

To fuel up for a big day, head to Quase Café. The menu is short and sweet, but that won’t make your decision any easier. Choices range from a simple breakfast (smoothie, coffee and croissant) to what might be the biggest and best brunch in Lisbon (smoothie, hot drink, croissant, sandwich, eggs, yogurt, fruit and more) for only €13.

For a more traditional combination, go for a Portuguese-style lunch: soup, savory snacks, coffee, and water or beer. The place itself is cute and comfortable, with mismatched decor and a homey vibe.

Still hungry? Take a look at our ultimate guide to the best breakfast in Lisbon.

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