Copenhagen Coffee Lab at Campo Santa Clara – Lisbon (PT)

It might seem odd that a Danish specialty coffee brand is the leading name in Lisbon’s fast-growing coffee scene, but then again, Portugal is always good for a surprise. The friendly Western European nation that straddles Europe’s outermost Atlantic coastline experienced a lot of hardship and austerity following the devastating financial crisis, but rather than succumbing to self-doubt and finger pointing, Portugal sorted out its act and is now reemerging as a manufacturing and startup paradise.

The first Copenhagen Coffee Lab outpost in Lisbon was opened by two Danish sisters who used to work as baristas for the same company back in Denmark and who fell in love with the city and its vibes while they were doing a short stint in Portugal. At the time, specialty coffee was largely unknown and this offered a great opportunity to set up shop in a reemerging city.

Since the start of the year 2018, Copenhagen Coffee Lab has been engaged in a remarkable expansion exercise that has already seen the opening of two new outlets in Lisbon. This particular one is right on the edge of the city’s famous Feira da Ladra, a gigantic flea market that takes place every Tuesday and Saturday.

Apart from Montana Café down by the river, this café has the best view in the city and if you combine that with freshly brewed filter coffees, Danish-style breakfasts and wonderful staff, you’ve got a winning combination. All of the coffees served across Copenhagen Coffee Lab’s café are roasted back in Denmark and offer a unique chance to drink Nordic coffees on the edge of Europe.

If you happen to be strolling past on a Saturday afternoon, make sure you stop here for a perfectly prepared flat white and a locally baked cinnamon bun and take a seat outside to write a postcard to your loved ones at home. You’ll find it hard to leave.