Where to Drink Coffee in Porto
I'm not one of those people who can resist the allure of a good café. While I don't fit the stereotypical mold of a specialty coffee snob with a handlebar mustache or a fixie bike, I do enjoy the specialty coffee shops and definitely fall somewhere on the coffee-lover spectrum. For me, the best way to explore any new city is to discover the local cafe culture and nearby specialty coffee shops.
Luckily, Porto is a city not without its cafes & coffee drinkers. So, if you take your morning cup-of-joão seriously, we've done the research for you.
I'd also like to thank our special guest contributor & Porto coffee guide: @edgarwerner
Also, be sure to save our Porto Coffee Guide on Google Maps for easy access to all the best Porto Cafés!
The Best Cafes in Porto
1. Combi Roasters
R. do Morgado de Mateus nº29, 4000-334 Porto, Portugal Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2.50
Nestled in Porto's Bolhão neighborhood, Combi Roasters is the perfect spot to kick off your cafe-hopping adventure in Porto. The coffee shop roasts their beans in house, offering a variety of specialty coffee as well as a selection of cakes and salty breakfast items for a light morning feast. Combi cafe's interior feels natural and cozy with warm modern vibe and tons of green plants filling the space.
Café vibe & Co-work: Combi is the ideal coffee hangout to catch up with a friend over cold brew and avocado toast or do some laptop admin. With an open entrance of chairs and benches spilling into the sidewalk of its quiet street location on Rua do Morgado, you can grab a cool seat close to the bar or catch some afternoon sun.
2. Fábrica Coffee Roasters (the one on Rua de José Falcão 122)
R. de José Falcão 122, 4050-315 Porto, Portugal Opening Hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2.80
Fábrica currently houses three locations across the city, all with a different vibe. The one at José Falcão 122 in Porto's Cedofeita neighborhood is housed in a former industrial space and is a must-visit Porto coffee shop. Whether you've journeyed here for some deep work, a cold coffee in the garden, or a quiet refuge from a day of uphill walking, this spacious cafe at Fabrica Roasters is beautifully laid out to accommodate. The café's exceptional coffee and decor make it a great spot for a quick caffeine fix, while the small menu of toasties and pastries will keep you fueled for hours. If you're just looking for a small bite and an espresso, the café's croissants are unmatched.
Café vibe & Co-work: Despite not having WIFI when we were there, this café is still a great place for digital nomads and remote workers. There are tons of different seating options for moving around throughout the day and as the café is quite spacious, there are many quiet areas to call and do deep work.
On top of the great coffee, Fabrica so coffee roasters also sells some cool in-store merch and I've been delighted to see a few people outside of Portugal repping 'Fabrica Coffee Roasters' T-shirts.
3. SO Coffee Roasters (the one on Largo dos Loios 89)
Largo dos Lóios 89 Primeiro Andar, 4050-338 Porto, Portugal
Opening Hours: 10am - 6pm (Closed on Sunday)
Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2 .50
This quiet coffee spot in the Porto city centre is easy to miss. Nestled on the second floor of The Feeting Room on Largo dos Loios 89, SO Café is the perfect place to knock out some boutique shopping while also enjoying a quiet coffee in a cozy loftspace. After a morning of sightseeing in Porto, I was happy to sit with my cappuccino overlooking the square while my partner, Shay, split off to browse their boutique shop.
Café vibe & Co-work: Though this location is less suited to deep remote work, I could definitely see myself editing photos on my Ipad or checking emails with a flat white. With a small selection of snacks including cookies, cheesecake, croissants, and overnight oats, this is not a place to come hungry but is nicely suited to late anyone looking for coffee with a sweet tooth.
For those, in Cedofeita neighborhood, SO Café has two locations, one of which you can find on Rue de Sa Noronha 119, coincidently a block away from another ‘The Feeting Room' location.
4. Majestic Café
R. de Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal Opening Hours: 9:30am - 11:30pm (Closed on Sunday) Cappuccino Cost (CC): €4.50
A true Porto institution, the Majestic Café has been serving up coffee and pastries since 1921. The ornate decor and Belle Epoque atmosphere make it a popular tourist spot and their prices reflect it. Though None the less, it's a beautiful interior and is a famed writing spot of JK Rowling of the Harry Potter series.
If you are a lover of JK Rowling's books, Majestic Cafe and Livraria Lello are both 'bound' to be on your list when visiting Porto. Between the two, I would recommend visiting Majestic Cafe as the wait in line is generally shorter and the cafe is said to have inspired some of the interiors described in her books. If you're eager to visit, come here in the afternoon after you've already had a coffee.
Café vibe & Co-work: The vibe at Majestic Café is definitely touristy. This is a space that receives hundreds of daily visitors who want to sit in a space where JK Rowling sat and admire the interior. While no one would likely confuse this café for a co-working space, it's a great visit for solo travelers who want to enjoy a few chapters of a book or do some writing / drawing.
5. Eleven Lab
R. de José Falcão 138 144, 4050-315 Porto, Portugal Opening Hours: 10:30am - 6:30pm (Closed on Tuesday) Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2.60
Another café for the shoppers and fashionistas. If you're looking for a more boutique café experience, check out Eleven Lab in Porto's Cedofeita neighborhood. Like SO Café, this coffee spot is also upstairs from a Feeting Room store location — LOT (Labels of Tomorrow). However, unlike SO Café, this location is much larger, representing a wider range of global and local fashion designers and curated art.
Eleven Lab's elegant decor (dating back to 1895) and selection of single-origin coffees make it a popular spot for shoppers and other coffee lovers and enthusiasts. This café is relatively quiet and relaxed with a lot of seating space, making it a great place to wind-down, relax, edit photos or search for evening dinner spots.
Café vibe & Co-work: I wouldn't recommend this spot as a great place for remote working. With later opening hours starting from 10:30am and it's array of cocktails, bowls, and breakfast options this space is much more suited to brunch with friends than early morning zoom calls.
6. Café a Brasileira
R. de Sá da Bandeira 91, 4000-427 Porto, Portugal Opening Hours: 7:30am - 12am Cappuccino Cost (CC): €3.40
Another historic café, Café a Brasileira opened its doors in 1903 and has been a gathering place for artists and intellectuals ever since. Today, it's still a great spot to pickup the local vibe over coffee and people-watching, and the outdoor seating area is a popular spot to relax on a sunny day. This spot is less for the 'third wave' coffee folks than it is for the architecturally inspired. Café a Brasileira hosts a grandiose atmosphere and catches beautiful natural light (sunshine and coffee drinks are sold separately).
Café vibe & Co-work: In addition to it's coffees, teas, and hard drinks, the café offers an assortment of traditional cafe foods like tapas, burgers, and soups. Due to lack of outlets, this space may be less suited to remote work but has a great atmosphere and light for a short interview or video call.
7. 7g Roasters
R. de França 52, 4400-174 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal Opening Hours: 8:30am - 6pm Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2.50 - 3.00
The coffee mecca of Porto, 7g Roasters takes quality coffee very seriously & is home to the 2022 Portuguese Barista Champion Rui Pedrosa. Situated just across the water in Vila Nova de Gaia, the cafe offers a rotating selection of single origin beans, as well as pastries and light bites.
For those who love coffee but lack Porto accommodation, just above their favorite coffee shops, ground floor cafe 7g Roasters offers a number of modern apartments for short-term stays. Ideal for couples, singles, and families, these boutique rooms offer a unique stay and comfort with 20% off at the roaster cafe.
Café vibe & Co-work: With abundant space for indoor and outdoor seating, 7g Roasters is a good place for digital nomads and those who want to get a few hours of work in while sipping a single-roast americano. As it's on the Gaia side of Porto away from the city center, visitors can take advantage of quieter hours in the early morning to focus on more serious tasks before the cafe fills up.
8. A Certain Café
R. do Morgado de Mateus 107, 4000-333 Porto, Portugal Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm (Closed on Tuesday) Cappuccino Cost (CC): € - 'We Don't do a Cappuccino but our filter coffee + milk is €3.5'
A Certain Café in Porto is a cozy wine bar that also serves great filter coffee (which is a huge 'plus' for us). With a vintage atmosphere and comfortable seating, it's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee or a glass of wine. Their locally-sourced beans and skilled baristas ensure that every cup of coffee is expertly prepared, while their range of pastries and brunch dishes make for the perfect snack.
Café vibe & Co-work: This little café is less of just a coffee shop than remote work space and really shines as a space for delicious bites and a warm coffee. If you are looking for some sun, this 'Certain Café' has stools and low tables to place outside and catch some rays. If you're looking for a great coffee spot to unwind in Porto, be sure to check out 'A Certain Café'.
9. My Coffee Porto (Speciality Coffee Shop)
Escadas do Codeçal 22, 4000-173 Porto, Portugal
Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm
Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2.70
A hidden gem, My Coffee Porto is a small quiet cafe that acts as a birds nest view of the Douro river and the Luis bridge. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by the inviting aroma of fresh-brewed coffee and the friendly smiles of the baristas. Perched above the city, this space is an amazing brunch or breakfast spot with a wide selection of pastries, smoothies, waffles, and other breakfast items - and will be opening another location later this year!
Café vibe & Co-work: The amount of seating indoors is limited providing an issue for charging and powering laptops but the welcoming atmosphere at My Coffee Porto is perfect for relaxing with a book, catching up with friends, or getting some light admin work done.
10. Protest Kitchen
Rua dos Bragas 58, 4050-359 Porto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Tue - Sat, 10am - 5pm
Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2.90
Protest Kitchen in Porto stands out among the vibrant array as one of the best cafes in Porto, offering a unique blend of culinary excellence and social consciousness. Nestled in the heart of Porto, Protest Kitchen not only serves up delicious dishes but also serves as a hub for those seeking a dining experience with a purpose. As one of the premier cafes in Porto, Protest Kitchen takes pride in sourcing locally, ensuring each ingredient is a testament to the region's rich flavors. From robust coffee blends to artisanal pastries, this cafe caters to discerning palates, offering a variety of healthy options, while fostering a sense of community engagement.
Café vibe & Co-work: The vibe at Protest Kitchen is warm and inviting, creating a perfect space to drink coffee and experience delicious dishes. Though this is maybe not the place to open a laptop, it's definitely a must-visit while you're in Porto.
11. Hakko Bakehouse
Rua do Rosário 313, 4050-522 Porto, Portugal
Opening Hours: Tue - Sat, 10am - 5pm
Cappuccino Cost (CC): €2.80
As a distinguished player in Porto's cafe landscape, Hakko Bakehouse is a haven for bread enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike. The aroma of freshly baked goods wafts through the air, enticing patrons to indulge in a diverse selection of meticulously crafted pastries and bread. With a dedication to quality ingredients and a passion for the art of baking, Hakko Bakehouse has earned its place as a standout among Porto's cafes
Café vibe & Co-work: This relaxed cafe / pastry shop really has it all. From fantastic pastries, delicious healthy dishes, and fantastic coffee Hakko is a great place to meet up with friends or sit for a few hours of work.
12. Rota Do Cha
Rua de Miguel Bombarda 457, 4050-382 Porto, Portugal Opening Hours: 12pm - 7pm Cappuccino Cost (CC): €3.00
For the less coffee-inclined or those staying for multiple days, be sure to check out Rota Do Cha. This cozy tea house serves over 150 different types of tea from around the world, as well as a delicious selection of not-so-small cakes. It's the perfect spot to relax and unwind with friends in the late morning or afternoon over a kettle of tea. The teahouse is also positioned a close walk from a number of design shops (Banema, Daily Day, Earlymade, Materia Prima, etc.)
Café vibe & Co-work: With tons of different seating options and a wide outdoor space for making calls, Rota do Cha is a great space for a few hours of remote work. It's easy to sit and order a few new kettles of tea and if you get hungry they have a diverse menu of items. I loved sitting here with friends and unwinding after a long day of walking.
About Coffee in Porto
Portugal, with its rich cultural tapestry, has a coffee tradition that is both steeped in history and embraced with fervor by locals. The Portuguese have elevated coffee consumption to an art form, with a particular emphasis on the social aspect of savoring a cup. From bustling urban centers to quaint village squares, coffeehouses are integral to daily life. The traditional Portuguese espresso, known as "bica," is a strong and short coffee, often enjoyed with a dash of convivial conversation. As we delve into the nuances of coffee in Portugal, we uncover a delightful journey through time, where each cup tells a story of community, tradition, and the aromatic essence of Portuguese culture. Explore with us as we navigate the unique flavors and rituals that make Portuguese coffee an integral part of the country's identity.
Conclusion
From the historic charm of Café a Brasileira to the modern sophistication of Eleven Lab, these twelve cafés offer something different for each visitor. Whether you're a traveler looking to soak up some of Porto's history or a local in search of your new favorite spot, these cafes are sure to impress. So the next time you're in Porto, be sure to check out one (or all!) of these top-notch coffee shops!
For more Porto recommendations, also be sure to check out our guides to Our 12 Favorite Stores in Porto and Our 5 Favorite Restaurants in Porto!
About today's Contributor:
'The great Café scene of Porto is actually even bigger and will surely lead to another guide that everyone can look forward to!'
Originally, from Germany, Tobi (IG: @edgarwerner) has lived & worked in Porto since early 2022 as a headbarista at Combi Roasters — and more recently has begun overseeing the bean selection and roasting process. This guide is a mix of his expertise & our experiences in exploring the city of Porto — and achieves a good balance between the speciality cafés/roasters and the more classic elegant spots about the city. Be sure to check out Tobi's Instagram for daily coffee photography!
FAQ
Does Porto have good coffee?
One of Europe's oldest countries, Portugal and the city of Porto in particular are well versed in coffee. Though not particularly known for coffee cultivation, the Portuguese are well versed in traditional Italian coffee and also have their own cultural ways of preparing the beverage.