If you’re heading to Lisbon and love a good brunch (who doesn’t?), then you have to check out Chiado. This stylish central neighborhood is packed with cafés, pastelarias, and Instagram-worthy spots to grab your avo toast or a perfect cappuccino. On my last trip, I tried two of the most popular brunch places: Dear Breakfast and Breakfast Lovers. Both are within walking distance of each other in Chiado, and both promise a dreamy start to your Lisbon day. But which one is the best brunch in Lisbon and worth your time (and euros)? Here’s my honest take.
Dear Breakfast (Chiado)
Dear Breakfast is basically brunch heaven in Lisbon; minimalistic, chic, and designed to make your flat white look amazing on Instagram. But it’s not just about the looks, the food actually lives up to the hype!
The food: I went for the Halloumi Bene: a dream plate with brioche, poached eggs, hummus, avocado, grilled halloumi, hollandaise sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and a side of crispy potatoes. Rich, balanced, and so satisfying. To drink, I had an iced blueberry matcha: fruity, refreshing, and such a fun twist on the classic matcha latte.
The vibe: Think bright, modern interiors with lots of natural light, the kind of space that instantly puts you in a good mood. It’s stylish but still feels relaxed, perfect for catching up with friends or enjoying a solo brunch with a book.
Price point: Like most trendy brunch spots in Lisbon, it’s a little pricier than a pastel de nata and coffee at the corner café, expect around €12-15 for a plate and drink. But the quality and atmosphere make it worth it!
Perfect for: Brunch with friends, Instagram-worthy meals, or if you just want something fresh and a little fancy.
Practical Info: The Chiado location is super central, but Dear Breakfast also has other branches around Lisbon, like Alfama and Bica. They’re generally open from 9am-5pm daily.
Breakfast Lovers (Chiado)
If Dear Breakfast is all about chic minimalism, Breakfast Lovers leans more cozy, think warm vibes and colorful tiles that instantly make you feel at home. It’s the kind of spot where you can settle in, enjoy a long brunch, and not feel rushed.
Their specialty? Eggs Benedict. And not just one or two options… they’ve got at least eight different variations! From classic to creative twists like salmon, avocado, or even octopus Benedict, it’s heaven for egg lovers.
The food: I went for the Eggs Benedict King, which came with baked salmon on brioche, perfectly poached eggs, silky hollandaise, and a side of crispy potatoes. Rich, satisfying, and absolutely worth it. To go with it, I ordered an iced strawberry matcha: refreshing, fun, and just a little different from your usual brunch latte. The menu is full of classics with creative twists, so there’s something for both sweet and savory brunch lovers.
The vibe: It felt welcoming and relaxed, less polished than Dear Breakfast, but in a really cozy way. Service was warm, the crowd was a mix of locals and tourists, and it had that unpretentious charm that makes you want to linger over a second coffee.
Price point: Very similar to Dear Breakfast, expect around €10-15 for a plate and drink. It’s not the cheapest option in Lisbon, but you’re paying for quality ingredients and a central location.
Perfect for: When you want a hearty brunch in a friendly, cozy space.
Practical Info: The Chiado location is super central, making it an easy stop during sightseeing. Breakfast Lovers has several other locations around Lisbon too. They’re usually open from 8am-4pm daily (but times can vary slightly by branch. I recommend checking online).
Dear Breakfast vs. Breakfast Lovers – Which One Wins Best Brunch in Lisbon?
Honestly? There isn’t a clear winner here, both spots are solid choices for brunch in Lisbon. The menus are quite similar, the prices are in the same range, and everything we tried was delicious.
For me, a few little things stood out at each place:
- Dear Breakfast: I preferred their Eggs Benedict combo (especially the potatoes!), they hit the spot without feeling too heavy. The vibe is a little more “Instagram café,” but that does mean there’s usually a line out the door in the mornings. Luckily, as a party of two, we got seated right away, but it’s definitely a popular spot.
- Breakfast Lovers: My Eggs Benedict with baked salmon was beautifully fresh and well-seasoned, but honestly a bit too much for me at breakfast, more like a dinner plate. (Also, my white-ass friend found it a bit spicy). What I did really love here were the small details: the ceremonial grade matcha, the cozier decor, and slightly friendlier staff. Plus, no queues when we walked in, and our food came out a little quicker.
The matcha showdown: Both cafés served high-quality matcha, but Breakfast Lovers edges ahead for using ceremonial grade. Still, my iced blueberry matcha at Dear Breakfast was such a fun twist, I’d order it again in a heartbeat!
So in the end? It depends on your vibe. If you want the trendy, bright Lisbon brunch spot, go for Dear Breakfast. If you want something a bit more relaxed, with a cozy interior and slightly quicker service, Breakfast Lovers might be your place.
Either way, you’re in for a good brunch. Lisbon really doesn’t play when it comes to breakfast food!
Xo Bug Girl
Instagram: @thebuggirladventures
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