Just returned from a wonderful whirlwind tour of Lisbon and stumbled across some delightful cafes that would be a pleasure to have as my own local haunt back here at home.
Wei my travel companion told me I had a special skill at finding hidden cafe treasures while we were overseas - it was a skill much needed too because the blog world had not revealed these specials to me unlike Paris! So I promised I would add these to our blog instead.
The first to mention was a true accidental find as we scurried through the tres chic shopping district of Chiado in the rain looking for a brunch venue. We had attempted a few of the 'tourist' hot spots written about in the Lonely Planet but we were completely ignored by the staff (which I have to say is very unusual for the friendly and hospitable Portugese!) Furthermore, in keeping with the pattern thus far, that guide book has far from revealed the trendy side of Lisbon and hence we left two cafes in our wake!
But then we struck gold.
Kaffeehaus is an Austrian cafe tucked away off the main drag in Chiado, near the Metro and the Teatro San Carlos. It wasn't even open yet when we hurried inside away but they were happy to let us sit by the window as they continued preparations and we read the specials on their menu.
Within minutes of our seating, locals began to spill in for their Saturday brunches and we knew we had found a great place to eat and drink coffee.
Wooden interiors with minimalist decorative features like study table lamps on the walls and the occasional red coloured chair amongst the mix 'n match seating make for a spacious but cosy dining area.
Food selection consisted of the staple Portugese breakfast items with croissants or sandwiches, juices and coffees. Wei tried the big breakfast and it was very impressive with muesli, scrambled eggs, huge serves of cheese and meats with bread. They also have a brunch special which looked equally impressive. The house drink was a homemade lemonade which came in a variety of different blends. And I couldn't leave without trying one of their freshly baked cakes and pastries - the apple strudel was delicious!
Overall a lovely and affordable meal and a perfect spot for savouring life in a beautiful city like Lisbon. Plenty of people watching opportunities too with everything from yummy mummies tending to their fashionably attired infants to sweet older couples sharing desserts over coffees. A perfect Saturday morning to finish off my time in Portugal.
Kaffeehaus
Rua Anchieta 3
1200 - 023
Chiado, Lisbon
tel 210956828
Open brunch/lunch/dinner/bar
tues - sat 11am - midnight
sun 11am - 8pm
kay
