Where to Eat Acai Bowls in Lisbon

Where to Eat Acai Bowls in Lisbon

If you’re traveling to Portugal for the first time, the food can sometimes be a bit of a culture shock. Aside from a ton of fish, the Portuguese make some unusual dishes; cow hoof with chickpeas sound’s fun, no?

When you’re craving the familiar, or simply in need of some anti oxidants, there are many cafes in the city center offering açaí bowls made the same was as in the rest of the world.

by Sara Dubler – Unsplash

The healthy eating movement in Lisbon is taking over, slowly but surely. It feels as though there is a new trendy cafe around the corner each week. In health cafes, açaí bowls come standard. Here’s where to go in Lisbon to find a good one!

Nicolau Lisboa in Lisbon

Nicolau Lisboa is a cafe that I eyed out for a while before actually setting foot inside. I noticed it regularly while on free guided walking tours through Chiado, and was always put off by the long lines that appeared to be outside the door.

Indeed, you’ll wait in line at Nicolau Lisboa if you show up during their brunch rush. But you’ll find the experience of dining here well worth it.

Nicolau Lisboa in Lisbon – by Nicolau Lisboa – Sourced from their Facebook

Their açaí bowl can be ordered at any time of the day and it is delicious. They don’t blend anything into the berry pulp, it is served frozen just like the Brazilians would do it. They top their bowls with banana, granola and fresh fruits of the day.

The rest of the Nicolau menu is equally as impressive. The restaurant caters to vegans, vegetarians and meat eaters.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 8:30am to 8pm

ADDRESS: R. São Nicolau 17, 1100-547 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Baixa-Chiado

Poké Bowls in Lisbon

I found this açaí bowl by accident while in desperate need of something tasty but quick to eat in Chiado.

This is a poke bowl cafe, and that was my initial cuisine intention when I walked into the welcoming space. To my delight they have an açaí making machine behind the counter and serve on-tap (and generous) portions of the berry for just €6.

They top it with some banana, granola and your choice of strawberries, kiwi or mango. You can always ask for a little extra if need be, the staff are very kind in Poké Bowls.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 10am to 11pm

ADDRESS: R. Tierno Galvan 4, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Rato

Dear Breakfast in Lisbon

As the name suggests, Dear Breakfast does breakfast and they do it well.

Whether its fruits, eggs, oats, toasts or açaí you’re hungry for you’ll find it on the menu.

Their açaí bowls are well portioned, flavored and topped with declines fresh fruits of the day. They also offer coconut as a topping which I’ve struggled to find in most açaí cafes in Lisbon.

Dear Breakfast in Lisbon – by Dear Breakfast – Uploaded by them

You intention when you sit down in Dear Breakfast may be açaí, but once you’ve had a look at the menu and seen multiple dishes sent out to the diners around you you’ll find it hard to resist ordering an extra dish or two just to taste.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 9am to 4pm

ADDRESS: R. Gaivotas 17, 1200-719 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Santos

Verde Lima in Lisbon

Verde Lima is a lovely outdoor cafe in the far north of Lisbon’s center. It is situated amongst the corporate office blocks in a public park space. If you are visiting the Museu Calouste Gulbenkian then this would be the closest açaí bowl in proximity to the museum.

The menu at Verde Lima is simple; cocktails, ice creams, açaí bowls or salads.

Verde Lima in Lisbon – by Verde Lima – Uploaded by them

Rumor has it that they make the best açaí in town, and having tried it once I am inclined to agree other than the fact that there was not nearly enough to full a person at lunch time.

Verde Lima does fresh squeezed fruit juices which are great to enjoy while you wait for your meal.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Sunday – 11am to 9pm

ADDRESS: R. Cardeal Saraiva 1070-045, 1070-075 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Praça de Espanha

Liquid in Lisbon

Liquid is a juice bar that focuses mainly on smoothies and açaí bowls.

While the açaí here is a bit thinner than what I usually enjoy, they make up for it with their abundance of toppings and fresh fruit options. They also make great homemade granola that comes as a standard on each bowl.

Liquid in Lisbon – by Liquid – Sourced from their Facebook

The store itself is a visual pleasure, situated in a quiet alleyway resembling some sort of fairytale hideaway. The vegan and vegetarian locals of Lisbon love this spot as it is yet to be completely overrun by the tourists.

Because it is still largely unknown the prices are unbeatable as well!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Monday TO Saturday – 9am to 7pm

ADDRESS: R. Nova do Almada 45, 1200-094 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Baixa-Chiado

Frutaria in Lisbon

Frutaria is another gem of a health cafe just outside of the Alfama.

The menu has everything you’d expect from a good bunch restaurant, including some of the best pancakes in Lisbon.

Frutaria in Lisbon – by Frutaria – Sourced from their Facebook

Their açaí bowl left me wanting more in the best possible way. I found the bowl to be slightly too small for both the açaí and the toppings, a wider bowl would portion the dish better in my opinion but, regardless, the product is delicious and noticeably authentic.

Take a stroll over to the Jardim do Castelo de São Jorge from here, it’s a short walk east .

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday TO Sunday – 9am to 8pm

ADDRESS: R. dos Fanqueiros 269, 1100-232 Lisboa, Portugal

METRO STATION: Rossio