Last week, in the first part of the Lisbon Hipster & Coffee Guide (click here), I already told you about the guest house, gave you a few ideas for shopping and recommended two coffee places to you. This week, I will take you to Portugal’s capital for a second time and start with a place which is right on the water front.
Since Lisbon lies in a bay on the Atlantic Coast, you can discover part of Lisbon by walking along the shore. I especially liked the creative Montana Café. It belongs to the art brand of the same name and contains a store and a small street art exhibtion. The café itself has an outside terrace with a wonderful view over the passing pedestrians and ships. And not to forget the food and drinks: various bagels, soups, and small snacks, as well as several kinds of coffee and beer.
Montana Café
Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa
armazém A nº 20, Cais do Sodré
1200-450 Lisbon
As my friend Jenny, with who I was travelling, is vegan several vegan places also made up part of our list. At this point, I would like to tell you a bit more about one of them, namely the Food Temple. This alternative restaurant is only open in the evening between 7:30 and 11 pm. In my opinion, even if you are not vegan, a visit is definitely worth it for the fresh food and the welcoming atmosphere are unique. The Food Temple is located at a beautiful tiny square at the foot of a hill which leads to the São Jorge Castle. Especially during the summer the food collective is easily recognizable since all its tables in front of and the stairs next to the restaurant are packed with guests in the evening. Next to a choice of tapas the Food Temples also offers a dayly changing menu.
The Food Temple
Beco do Jasmim 18
1100-289 Lisbon
Thanks to Fabric Coffee Roasters, there is at least one café among all the places on my Lisbon list that as its own roastery. With of its cosy ambiance and its good coffee this coffee spot scored many points with me. The coffee which is roasted on-site can also be bought here and so can several t-shirts and bags. After my flat white I fell in love with one particular t-shirt which is why I did not leave the café without it. Next time I will be in Lisbon, I will certainly come back here for breakfast!
Fabrica Coffee Roasters
R. das Portas de Santo Antão 136
1150-265 Lisbon
My last recommendations for today are located on the city’s outskirts – in the LX Factory to be precise. The story behind this particular place is the following: After being vacant for a long period of time a former textile factory has been redesigned and is now the most creative venue in the whole city. Many different stores, cafés, and artists have come together on this urban factory site and changing expositions, concerts, parties, and workshops invite you to spend your entire day here.
LX Factory
R. Rodrigues de Faria 103
1300 Lisbon
What I liked most about the LX Factory, next to the abundance of art, was the Wish Slow Coffee House. It is half concept store, half café. Lots of small details are visible in the decoration of both places‘ interior. Next to coffee there is a vast breakfast menu and a small choice of snacks. I was primarily impressed by the cool paper cups – maybe the the coolest ones that I have ever discovered in a café. They read many varying slogans such as „everything gets better with coffee“.
In that moment I exceptionally tucked away my awareness of environmental issues and orderd a coffee to go. The fact that the barista behind the counter offered me to take a few more cups, since I liked them so much, made me twice as happy. With tasty coffee in one hand and a nice paper cup in the other is how I left this magnificent place and Lisbon – you will most certainly see another few of the slogans on my Instagram very soon!
Wish Slow Coffee House
Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103
1300-501 Lisbon
Click here for part one of the Lisbon guide!