Top 3 Brunch Spots in Lisbon’s Bica District

When I go on a city trip I don’t usually book my accomodation with breakfast. I feel like there is just too much time wasted in a hotel restaurant, that I could be spending exploring the city and trying out cool places for coffee, breakfast, brunch and snacks. After all, eating like the locals is part oft he experience if you ask me. To celebrate 25 years of transatlantic friendship, I met my friend from the States very spontaneously on a trip to Lisbon, Portugal and we were not about to spent that valuable time making breakfast at our AirBnB.

So I won’t hold back on my findings of my last trip to Lisbon and my top places to try for a good start into the day! Oh – and if you plan a little different, there’s also recommendations for a little pick me up in the afternoon and a good photo spot as well. Especially if you’re in the area to catch a glimpse of or a ride on Lisbons famous Elevador de Bica, the typical yellow cable cart elevator.

Copenhagen Coffee Lab

Rua de S. Paulo 62, 1200-019 Lisboa // www.copenhagencoffeelab.com

I could have tried this one back home in Germany but only stumbled about this gem here in Lisbon. When you’re on your way to visit the Ascensor de Bica (which you should visit in the morning anyway – you can find more about this in my blogpost about it), this gem is worth to jump in for your breakfast or brunch. The perfect little spot to escape the busy streets of Lisbon, this is just the place to unwind and relax – since this Café specifically asks you to put away your laptop to be present in the moment while you enjoy the delicious food they have to offer.

I opted for the spinach and avocado on some rye bread topped with a poached egg and OhhhMG was that delicious! It was in fact so good, that I did need to go back!

So I also tried their other location – in Alfama by the way. Tucked away, easily to miss so keep your eyes open when you go there.

This location is a little bigger and quite cool because it is below the ground in some old Gemäuer and therefore has even a little more of that cool atmosphere. A special highlight here would be their secluded outside seating area covered by leaves so it is especially nice during the summer, because there is plenty of shade.

Here again I tried the same avocado rye  bread dish I mentioned earlier and while it was good, it didn’t quite live up to the one in the Bica area.

Neighborhood Café

Largo Conde-Barao 25, 1200-163 Lisboa // www.neighbourhoodlisbon.com

This little nook place is a short walk from the Bica station and definitely worth a visit. While this is certainly a good weather spot if you want to stay (seating inside isn’t really available since this place is so small), it’s worth grabbing something to go even on a rainy day!

When I visited, I did notice the very friendly waiting staff, that kept a close eye on everyone’s table and we didn’t have to wait for very long to place our order.

I opted for the Carnitas Benedict and it did not dissapoint. Unfortunately I do not have a picture – I totally forgot to take one because I was very hungry and the food was very tasty! I can highly recommend trying this – if you are a vegetarian though, I heard very good things about the breakfast burritos too!

Just to make you aware, they do not accept cash so be sure to have your card ready to pay here!

Do Beco Santos – Padaria Artesanal & Brunch

Rua de Sao Joao da Mata 18, 1200-849 Lisboa // www.paodobeco.com

If you look this place up online, it might not be your first choice to find brunch here since it looks more like a bakery – you could even order bread on their website! Which in my opinion is kind of cool because their bread was SO GOOD!

But let’s back up here. While it might not be an obvious choice, this place is usually pretty frequented. I got lucky because I was there on a weekday and we got the last table available. They do not offer reservations so you might be in for a little wait.

HOWEVER: It is SO worth it. Since there is no menu online where I could look up what I had I will just try to describe it. Your girl is not a vegetarian so I did opt to try some sort of ham sandwich with a cheese gravy. I do not know how to explain it so the picture will have to suffice but I can tell you: It. Was. GOOD! Portion size was pretty great also and we all were pretty stuffed when we left. They do have a good amount of vegetarian options so you will certainly not be dissapointed.

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Extra Tipps if you are going to hike along the elevator in Bica

I know we all love the amazing photo ops and are doing it all for the gram – so here are some cool little spots you might enjoy also, sorted by working your way UP the hill!

Baobá Café

Rua De São Paulo 256-258,  1200-430 Lisboa // www.fazendabaoba.com.br

This little gem brings a piece of Brasil to Portugal and it is just what you would expect if you think of this South American Country. They have an AH-Mazing Latte with the right mix of strong coffee and creamy steamed milk – tastes like hot Samba in liquid form. This place is definitely worth visiting and getting at least a coffee on the go before walking up the steps or catching the elevator.

Flat Café

Travessa Do Cabral 36, 1200-057 Lisboa // Insta Handle: @flat.cafe.lisbon

This tiny little gem has a very Skandinavian vibe to it with it’s wood and white interieur. And when I say tiny, I mean it – it only has a couple of tables and seats and is a great spot for coffee and maybe breakfast or brunch. And here is why: It is located just at the top of the big staircase of bica (Calcadera bla bla), you can enjoy spectacular views oft he bica elevator with your coffee or meal. This is the right foto spot for you if you’d like to hunt for the perfect picture and want to make sure you have the time for several different shots or the perfect one.

Manolo Bakes

Largo Calhariz 2, 1200-086 Lisboa // www.manolobakes.com

This place is also a chain but definitely a very nice pick me up fort he afternoon, or to take a snack with you while you’re exploring the city. This is a great place to get one of the signature portuguese vanilla pudding tartlets „Pasteis de Nata“ so you can emerse yourself in the very vibrant pastry scene of Lisbon and you should definitely try one of their tiny croissants for a good price at a bite size. My favorites: Lemon Croissant for the sweet tooth but they also had a ham and cheese one with some sort of apricot marmelade. Sounds crazy? Tastes SO good!

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So who would have known that, Lisbon which is known for its beautiful architecture with the tiles and the amazing viewpoints with all those hills, could actually also be a great food spot – even just in that one small part of town right when you’re going to see the famous Bica landmarks.

My recommendation? Get an AirBnB and spend your money on eating like the locals. There’s certainly enough opportunities to do so – away from the traditional (sometimes overpriced) hotel breakfasts. Dare to get lost in all the side streets, there just might be your perfect spot right around the corner.