How to Order Coffee in Portugal: A Local’s Guide
Ordering coffee in Portugal comes down to a handful of Portuguese words: tell the barista which drink you want (a bica, a galão, a meia de leite, and so on), say “por favor,” and you're set. It sounds simple, but with more than a dozen ways to order coffee, it can get confusing fast, especially the first time.
In Portugal, coffeehouses and pastry shops are an institution, not only for the specialties they serve but also for their history and decoration. And like many other metropolitan cities, they once were the favorite haunt of some of the most famous literary figures in history.
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I first wrote this guide back in 2012, the year I fell in love with Portugal during a month-long stay in Lisbon. These days I live here, and I order coffee almost every day, so consider this the local's version of that original guide, updated with everything I've learned since I stopped being a visitor and started being a regular.
Table of Contents
What Coffee To Order in Portugal
Here are some of the most popular Portuguese coffee drinks. Don’t stay with espresso; try them all!
One quick regional note before we get into it: the same coffee can go by different names depending on where you are. A shot of espresso is “uma bica” in Lisbon and “um cimbalino” in Porto, and you'll sometimes hear an abatanado called an “americano” the further north you go. Order by whichever name is local where you're, and you'll fit right in.
Um café/Uma bica
This is a shot of espresso, similar to Italian espresso. Very tasty and perfect before a long walk through Lisbon streets. In northern Portugal, in Oporto (Porto), it is known as “cimbalino”.
Um abatanado
This is the closest you'll find to a traditional Americano, with the same amount of coffee as a cafe that is poured longer and served in a larger cup. Ask for it “cheio” if you want it topped up with even more hot water, or simply order an “americano” if that's what the locals around you are calling it.
Um café cheio/curto
Um “café cheio” is an espresso filled with a bit of hot water. Still quite strong. The “curto” is even more concentrated. They are both served in espresso cups.
Um Café Duplo
This is simply a double shot of espresso in one cup, twice the coffee in the same size cup as a regular café. Order this one if a standard bica isn't going to cut it.
Um café com elite / Um pingado
Pingado coffee is an espresso with a few drops of milk. Also served in an espresso cup.
Um garoto
Garoto coffee is a hint of coffee filled with milk and served in an espresso cup. Garoto means kid in Portuguese, as this was the coffee kids drank before they were allowed to have a proper coffee.
Un Carioca
This coffee has a copious amount of water, resulting in a weaker brew. In some places, you can also find carioca de limão, which isn't coffee but a lemon infusion.
Uma meia de leite
With almost equal portions of coffee to milk, this coffee drink is served in a standard coffee cup. If you want it a bit stronger, ask for ‘escura' when ordering.
Um galão
Similar to ‘meia de leite‘, this coffee is larger and served in a glass instead of a coffee cup. It’s ideal for breakfast, especially with a pair of the famous ‘pasteis de nata’.
Café com cheirinho
Cheirinho means “smell” as it has a blend of “bagazo”, a Portuguese liquor. It’s the perfect option after a hearty meal.
Café com Beirão
This is café com cheirinho's cousin, made with Licor Beirão, a herbal liqueur that's something of a Portuguese institution, instead of the more traditional aguardente. You won't find it on every menu, but plenty of cafés keep a bottle behind the counter if you ask.
Um descafeinado
This is the decaffeinated coffee option. Just ask for “um descafeinado” and specify whichever style you'd normally order; a decaf bica or a decaf galão are both completely normal.
Um Café com Gelo
If you are looking for an iced coffee, this is likely the only version you’ll find outside of Starbucks. You’ll get a cup of coffee and a separate cup of ice to combine yourself.
In some places, the coffee is served with a cinnamon stick, which you can use to stir the coffee or drink it with the stick as a straw.
Um Mazagran
A cold, sweet coffee that actually didn't start out Portuguese at all; it was created for French troops stationed in North Africa in the 1840s and made its way here over time. It's espresso served over ice with fresh lemon and usually a little sugar syrup, sometimes with a splash of rum in the more grown-up versions. Refreshing on a hot afternoon and a nice change from a plain café com gelo.
Tea, Juice, and Other Café Options
Coffee is the star, but a Portuguese café menu has plenty of other options too.
- Um Chá: If coffee isn't your thing, or you've had enough for the day, tea is always on the menu. Ask for “um chá preto” for a basic black tea, or check for herbal options like camomila (chamomile).
- Um Sumo de Laranja: Fresh-squeezed orange juice is a classic Portuguese breakfast pairing, and honestly some of the best you'll have anywhere. Portugal grows excellent citrus.
- Um Copo de Leite: Simply a glass of warm milk, popular with kids or anyone who wants the café experience without the caffeine.
Quick Reference: Every Drink at a Glance
| Drink | Coffee-to-Milk | Served In | Closest US/UK Equivalent |
| Bica / Café | All coffee, no milk | Espresso cup | Espresso |
| Abatanado | All coffee, more water | Larger cup | Americano |
| Café Cheio / Curto | All coffee, touch of water | Espresso cup | Long shot |
| Café Duplo | All coffee, double | Espresso cup | Double espresso |
| Café com Leite / Pingado | Mostly coffee, a few drops of milk | Espresso cup | Espresso macchiato |
| Garoto | Mostly milk, a little coffee | Espresso cup | Weak cortado |
| Carioca | All coffee, heavily diluted | Espresso cup | Watered-down espresso |
| Meia de Leite | Half coffee, half milk | Coffee cup | Small latte |
| Galão | Mostly milk, a little coffee | Tall glass | Latte |
| Café com Cheirinho | Coffee plus a splash of liquor | Espresso cup | Espresso corretto |
| Café com Beirão | Coffee plus Licor Beirão | Espresso cup | Espresso corretto, Portuguese style |
| Descafeinado | Decaf, any style | Varies | Decaf espresso |
| Café com Gelo | Coffee poured over ice | Two cups | DIY iced espresso |
| Mazagran | Coffee, ice, lemon, sugar | Tall glass | Iced coffee lemonade |
Portuguese Coffee Culture
Coffee is an important part of daily life in Portugal, but that doesn’t mean everyone grabs a coffee to go on the way to work.
Now that I live here full time, I can tell you this isn't an exaggeration. My own day genuinely doesn't start until I've had that first coffee at my local cafe, and most Portuguese people I know feel exactly the same way.
Instead, it’s much more common to begin your day with a coffee or at least take an afternoon coffee shop break. People typically enjoy coffee at a cafe while catching up with friends or the news. Think of a coffee date as the equivalent of grabbing a beer to catch up with friends in the US.
Coffee has played a huge role in Portuguese history; the Portuguese first got coffee beans in 1727, thanks to Francisco de Melo Palheta. The coffee plantations were originally in Brazil, with the beans shipped to Portugal for roasting. Or so the story goes! There are, of course, many different versions of how exactly coffee came to Portugal.
The Portuguese take their coffee seriously and buy only top quality. A good way to get up to speed is to join the locals for breakfast in a typical café or “pastelaria.”
Once you enter a coffeehouse, you’ll probably be overwhelmed with the wide variety of pastries on offer, but if you thought the coffee options would be easier, you were wrong! Coffee in Portugal is a science, and they have so many options. You will need a bit of practice to figure out what you like and what you want.
Don’t stay with espresso; try them all!
To order your coffee at a cafe, you’ll need just a few words of Portuguese – bom dia (“good day”), the type of coffee you want, and por favor (“please”.
For example, you might say: Bom dia, um café cheio, por favor.
Coffee Etiquette in Portugal
A few etiquette notes that will make you look like a regular. Milky coffees like a galão or meia de leite are considered a morning drink; order one after a big lunch or dinner, and you might get a curious look from the waiter (coffee drinks like a bica are fine any time of day). If you're in a hurry, or just want to save a few cents, order and drink your coffee standing at the counter, “ao balcão”, rather than sitting down at a table. It's very normal in Portugal, and usually a little cheaper too.
Best Coffee Shops in Portugal
There are many, many places to get your coffee, but here are a few favorites in Lisbon and Porto. You are likely to find all these options in all the coffeehouses in the country, but if you are looking for the most loved and popular option for your next visit, check out these spots:
Best Coffee Shops in Lisbon
Cafe Brasileira
Located in one of the most charismatic parts of the city, next to Praça Camões. This famous café opened in 1905. On one of the outside tables, you will find the bronze statue of the great Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, sitting beside his inseparable cup of coffee.
But don’t forget the inside of the bar, where you will be able to admire the magnificent Art Nouveau decor. They say the coffee here is the best in Portugal, so if you have the chance, don't miss it.
Address: Café Brasileira is located at Rua Garrett, 120.
Café Nicola
This is a popular spot among Lisbon locals, so you know it’s good! The perfect place to relax while enjoying views of the D. Pedro IV square. It is also the home of one of Portugal's most popular coffee brands!
Address: Café Nicola is located at Praça Dom Pedro IV 24.
Fábrica Coffee Roasters
If you’re looking for a flat white or cappuccino, this is the place to go, with an extensive menu ranging from Portuguese espressos to international favorites.
They also roast their coffee beans on-site.
Address: Fábrica Coffee Roasters has 2 locations in Lisbon: R. das Portas de Santo Antão 136 and Rua das Flores 63.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab
This is a franchise, but Mr. Misadventures and I had a lovely meeting with our friends, Mindy and Daryl, from 2FoodTrippers, and I had an excellent cappuccino (well, 2 actually) there, so I would be remiss not to mention it!
Address: There are 6 in Lisbon, but I had my coffee at Rua de S. Paulo 62. Other locations include:
- R. Nova da Piedade 10
- Escolas Gerais 34
- Campo de Santa Clara 136
- Rua Prior do Crato 1a
- Av. Álvares Cabral 13C
Jeronymo Café
Right outside the apartment in Campo de Ourique we were staying in while visiting Lisbon for a month was a really cool Jeronymo Café; it was huge, and we started every day with a coffee from this Portuguese franchise.
There is also a good one at the Estação do Oriente train station, which we stopped at a few times.
Address: You can find Jeronymo Café all over Lisbon; check their website (in English) for a location near you during your visit.
Café Jardim da Estrela
For a quick coffee while you are waiting for Tram 28 near the Estrela garden, or if you just visited the Basílica da Estrela and want a breather, then pop into the Café Jardim da Estrela or Banaba Cafe for a quick coffee.
Linha d'Água (My Favorite)
Not a coffee shop per se, but a great place to get coffee. Their coffee is solid- nothing to complain about- a good cup of coffee, but you cannot beat the view and the location in Jardim Amália Rodrigues. Nothing like chilling beside the water on the large terrace (or hanging on the lounge chairs) with a fountain and mini-lake. I recommend late morning or afternoon as it can be busy at lunchtime.
Address: Jardim Amália Rodrigues, Rua Marquês de Fronteira (not too far from El Corte Inglés department store).
A few other spots in Lisbon to consider:
- Bettina & Niccolò Corallo: R. da Escola Politécnica 4
- Buna Specialty Coffee Shop: R. do Poço dos Negros 168
- Give It a Shot (Time Out Market): Rua Dom Luís I 22
- Heim Café: R. Santos-O-Velho 2 e 4
- Hello, Kristof: Rua do Poço dos Negros 103
- Melbourne elouera: Rua do Possolo 52
- Milkees: R. Filipe Folque 7B
- Neighbourhood Coffee: Largo do Conde Barão 25
- Simpli Coffee Roasters & Bakery: R. Braamcamp 64
- SO Coffee Roasters: Calçada do Sacramento 30
- Tease: R. Quintinha 70B
- The Mill: R. do Poço dos Negros 1
- Wish Slow Coffee House (in LX Factory): Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103
Best Coffee Shops in Porto
Fábrica Coffee Roasters
This is the same roaster that is in Lisbon. The Porto location is a very large space with old brick, vintage touches, modern decor, gorgeous ceilings, and plenty of seating. You will love the natural light through the windows, plus the really cute outdoor patio/hidden garden filled with plants. They do pour-overs, which can be rare!
Address: Fábrica Coffee Roasters is located at R. de José Falcão 122.
Mustache
Mustache Cafe is located near the Lello bookstore and other shops and restaurants. People call it hipster, but judge for yourself! It has a nicely lit, spacious interior with lots of outlets, comfy chairs, and big tables. They have four seating areas, including an upstairs loft lounge and an outdoor terrace/patio.
Address: Mustache is located at Praça de Carlos Alberto 104.
Majestic Café
Have you even been to Porto if you haven't visited the Lello library or had coffee in the Majestic Café? The Belle Époque café opened in 1920; its Art Nouveau style was fashioned after Parisian cafés. It is expensive, and there will be a long wait, so just like the Lello library, it is up to you to decide if it is worth it!
Address: Majestic Café is located at Rua Santa Catarina 112.
A few other spots in Porto to consider:
- Café Guarany: Av. dos Aliados 85 89. Another Belle Époque café opened in 1933
- Café Piolho: Praça de Parada Leitão 45
- C’Alma Specialty Coffee Room: R. de Passos Manuel 44
- Combi Coffee: R. do Morgado de Mateus 29
- Confeitaria do Bolhão: Rua Formosa 339 – 100 years old!
- Mesa 325: Av. de Camilo 325
- My Coffee Porto: Escadas do Codeçal 22
- Nicolau: Largo de Alberto Pimentel 4
- Noshi Cafe: R. do Carmo 11 12
- Senzu Coffee Roasters: Rua do Rosário, 211
- So Coffee Roasters: Rua Sá de Noronha, 119
- Confeitaria Tavi: R. da Sra. da Luz 363. Coffee with an amazing view!
We stayed at this lovely hotel on Rua das Flores for the weekend and also had coffee at Jeronymo Café.
7g Roaster
Technically not in Porto, but rather across the river in Gaia, this spot is too cool not to mention! 7g Roaster is a specialty coffee roaster and coffee shop with a beautiful terrace with an Insta-worthy vertical garden. I love the modern aesthetic, and the coffee is great!
Address: 7g Roaster is located at R. de França 52 in Gaia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ordering Coffee in Portugal
How much does coffee cost in Portugal?
A bica typically runs about €0.70 to €1.20 at a standard neighborhood cafe, sometimes as low as €0.60 in small towns and as high as €1.50 or more in touristy spots right on a main square. Milkier coffees like a galão or meia de leite cost a bit more, usually somewhere between €1.20 and €2. Ordering at the counter instead of sitting at a table will usually save you a few cents too.
Do you tip for coffee in Portugal?
Not really; tipping isn't expected at a cafe. Rounding up to the nearest euro is a nice gesture if you want to leave something, but nobody will blink if you don't.
Is Portuguese coffee strong?
Yes, a standard bica is a full, strong shot of espresso, closer to an Italian espresso than the more watered-down “coffee” you might be used to elsewhere. If you want something gentler, ask for an abatanado or a milkier option like a galão.
What's the difference between a galão and a meia de leite?
They're both milk coffees, but a galão has more milk relative to coffee and is served in a tall glass, while a meia de leite has closer-to-equal parts coffee and milk and comes in a regular cup. A galão is the closest thing to a Portuguese latte.
When do Portuguese people drink milky coffee versus black coffee?
Milky coffees are mostly a morning thing here. A bica or other black coffee is fine any time of day, including right after lunch or dinner, but ordering a galão after a big meal will get you a curious look from most Portuguese waiters.
What do you call an espresso in Porto versus Lisbon?
In Lisbon you'll ask for “uma bica.” Head north to Porto, and the same drink is called “um cimbalino.” Order either one anywhere in the country and you'll be understood, but using the local word is a nice way to sound like you've done your homework.
I hope this little guide will help you with the ins and outs of ordering coffee in Portugal! Coffee has been part of my life since I was very little, and I share all the details in My Coffee Story. I update this guide every so often as I learn new words and find new favorite spots, so bookmark it and check back before your next trip (or your next coffee run, if you live here too).
How about you? Have you ever tried any of these coffees in Portugal? Do tell!
If you are a fan of coffee and travel, you might also like:
San Francisco has no shortage of great places for coffee, and my Where to go for Coffee in San Francisco has plenty of details.
I fell head over heels in love with Tom Greenwell, a fourth-generation coffee farmer at Greenwell Coffee Farm in Hawaii. Farmer, food scientist, and coffee champion, after spending several hours with Tom, I had a whole new appreciation for Kona coffee.
I have spent a lot of time in Paris, my hubby even more, but despite that fact, ordering coffee in Paris can be daunting even for us! I put together a post on How to Order Coffee in Paris to help. And in case you need help ordering breakfast, here are all the details of a typical French breakfast.
Illustrations commissioned from Linden Eller.
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OMG they all sound sooooo delicious!
@AndiP, I am sure that you have experienced a lot of great coffee in Latin America. I remember posts about you visiting coffee plantations…
The closest I got to Portugal was Spain, where they also take their coffee and pastries seriously. Nothing better than taking a break in the afternoon with a foamy, dark cup of coffee and something sinfully sweet. 😉
@Carolyn, the coffee is amazing in a lot of places in Europe!
I would love to go to Portugal someday
Delicious!I love coffee and Portugal serves it nicely. 😉
Sounds like a place for my husband…he loves coffee and wants it strong! I never thought of drinking coffee through a cinnamon stick. Interesting!
@Sherry, I am thinking a piece of black licorice might be interesting too!
Thanks for sharing … Brings back fond memories I have of studying in coffee shops while studying abroad in Vienna, Austria 🙂
I’m not a huge coffee drinker, however, I think I really want to go to Portugal and just drink coffee 🙂
Thanks for sharing. If you went to a cafe and wanted to order coffee ? How to talk in English when you are at a cafe. Watching this video and learn how to order a coffee. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyoDt3egGHg&feature=plcp)
Wow, they all sounds so tasty. I’ve never been to Portugal, but that looks like a good reason to go. The Carioca sounds amazing. Lemon and coffee is a very different combination to me.
Congratulations, well done, but you forgot “the mazagran” also been known as sweetened “Portuguese iced coffee or summer coffee”.
It is prepared with strong coffee or espresso served over ice with lemon.
Sometimes rum is added, and it may be sweetened with sugar syrup.
@Carlos, thanks for the addition, I will have to update my post!
Love this comprehensive guide to coffee drinking in Portugal. Hopefully can put it to practice soon!
@Jessica, you’ll love Portugal, I was so surprised by how much I loved it!
I would love to visit Portugal. What a great experience that would be. I also enjoy a great cup of coffee. Thank you so much for sharing
@Linda, Portugal is an excellent place for great coffee!
We spent a month in the greater Lisbon area. At first, it was tough to not be able to just get a black cup of coffee that i could linger over. Nope. Too strong! I dealt with this by just doing what most Portuguese do. Espresso. My husband dealt with it by getting galao. I got used to it (and the high octane buzz!), and enjoyed it. So did he. Loved ALL the pastries from the git-go! Portugal is a treasure!
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Each way of ordering coffee sounds so exciting – it definitely adds more color to your meals throughout the day!
Oh my goodness – I love the sweet little introductory illustration. Did you make that?
You are absolutely right, Portuguese do like a good coffee.
This is actually such a helpful post and I do think it is confusing to order coffee in other countries!! Definitely saving this for later!
I would love to visit Portugal. This is such an interesting blog. Being a coffee lover, will definitely try all of the above..
Next time I go to Portugal I’ll use your excellent coffee guide for sure! Thanks for sharing!
These coffees look so delicious!! I’m not sure which ones I would order but Um garoto look so good that might be the first one I tried.
Lovely! I love coffee and surely would like to try them in Portugal, as you recommended.
Great post! It’s always little things like ordering a coffee in a foreign country that you never think much about or realize might be confusing until you get there 😁
I would try the Um Galao! That looks yummy and the perfect dessert coffee!!
I love this! Ordering Coffee in Singapore is just as Astrophysical to understand with a hundred and one different local terms 😅 – this is such a wonderful idea to ease travellers into the ‘art of ordering coffee’ and I love that it comes with a visual! ☕️
I don’t drink coffee but my hubby does. Thanks!
Fascinating post! I’d never heard of those coffees before I read your post so thanks for sharing. I also love your illustrations!
AWww man, this post is really making me wish I liked coffee!
I looooove the smell of coffee, but it’s way too bitter for me. I will happily visit a coffee shop in Portugal with a coffee lover and order for them though!
When I lived in the Algarve, I loved my bica in the morning and my galão during the day, especially with a pastel de nata. I was so disappointed when I went back last year and asked for a bica and a galão and was offered an Americano and a latte instead.