Basbousa Cafe

Basbousa Cafe

Campo de Santa Clara 34, 1100-475 Lisboa, Portugal

+351 938 826 777

Restaurant, Bakery, Breakfast restaurant, Cafe, Coffee shop, Sweets and dessert buffet, Halal restaurant, Lunch restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant, Snack bar
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Lisbon’s Campo de Santa Clara, Basbousa Cafe is a rare culinary gem that effortlessly blends Mediterranean, Egyptian, and Tunisian flavors into an unforgettable dining experience. This warm and authentic restaurant goes beyond just serving meals—it offers an inviting atmosphere where every guest feels like part of the family.

Basbousa Cafe specializes in an eclectic menu featuring traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes infused with genuine love and care. Their signature HAWAWSHI, a perfectly baked Egyptian meat pie bursting with rich spices, is a standout—each bite delivers a harmonious blend of fragrant herbs and tender filling that leaves you utterly satisfied. Complementing the hearty fare, the freshly squeezed watermelon and mint juice refreshes the palate with its pure, crisp sweetness, while the house espresso surprises even non-coffee lovers with its smooth, rejuvenating finish.

The cafe also caters generously to diverse dietary preferences, serving vegan and non-vegan options alike, all meticulously crafted to showcase original flavors and textures. Guests often find themselves lingering not just for the food but for the calming backdrop of jazz classics and the attentive, heartfelt hospitality from the friendly owner and staff. Their genuine warmth creates a relaxed, welcoming environment, making Basbousa more than just a place to eat—it’s a sanctuary from the bustle of Lisbon’s streets.

Patrons rave about the careful attention to detail, from customizable spice levels in their freshly cooked Egyptian pies to the delightful assortment of sweets and desserts that round out each meal beautifully. Whether you're stopping by for a satisfying breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a soothing coffee break, Basbousa Cafe promises a deeply satisfying, authentic taste adventure fueled by tradition and passion.

For those seeking a truly unique Mediterranean culinary hotspot in Lisbon, Basbousa Cafe offers a harmonious blend of rich flavors, heartfelt service, and an atmosphere that feels like home. It’s a must-visit spot that leaves a lasting impression on both the palate and the soul.

Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in On-site services
Highlights
Great coffee Great dessert
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Happy-hour food Late-night food Prepared foods Quick bite Small plates Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Toilet Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Credit cards
Children
Good for kids

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Thursday
    07:00 AM - 09:00 PM
  • Friday
    07:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Saturday
    07:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Ahmed Aggour
    2 month ago

    This place is a hidden gem in Lisbon! Everything here feels warm, authentic, and made with love. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming , they truly make you feel like family from the moment you walk in. I tried their HAWAWSHI , and it was absolutely delicious perfectly baked, full of flavor, and so satisfying. The watermelon and mint juice was fresh and refreshing, one of the best I’ve ever had! The atmosphere is cozy, with lovely details and a calm, homey vibe that makes you want to stay longer. You can feel that every dish and every detail is prepared with care. Highly recommend Basbousa Cafe to anyone visiting Lisbon great food, amazing people, and a wonderful experience overall!

  • Barbara Bolt
    3 month ago

    We happened upon Basbousa in Lisbon on a very hot day well into siesta time and were delighted to be welcomed and offered the most delicious food - both vegan and non vegan. The time waiting for the food to arrive was filled well by the delicious lemonade and the dulcet tones of the jazz singer Etta James & the hospitality of host & cook. An excellent dining experience.

  • Mihai S
    3 month ago

    Relaxed atmosphere, friendly owner, and delicious freshly cooked egyptian pies. The owner asked me what spice level i wanted, i asked for 3 and he got that exactly right, so you can trust him. Really loved this place, it deserves the extremely rare 5/5 rating.

  • João Luís Gonçalves
    4 month ago

    Amazing place to have a meal or just a snack during a break in your daily life. Tasty, delicious food including desserts. Original and unique food with arab origins, egyptian and tunisian to be exact. Arab family local business. Whenever you can, if you have the chance make them a visit and try their dishes and desserts, very delicious, made with plenty of love and dedication by the kind owner, Ahmed, wife. It's totally worth it. Very kind, friendly easygoing staff including the owner! They're very cautious with your requests and needs concerning your choice of their distinctive menu. Cheers to Hassan, Ahmed and his wife!

  • Yuan Y
    4 month ago

    The owner was incredibly kind and friendly and the food was delicious! This was our first meal in Portugal after 10+ hours of traveling and was so rejuvenating. Not typically a fan of espresso but theirs went down super smoothly.

  • Jason Z
    5 month ago

    Conveniently located right at the foot of the National Pantheon / Church of Santa Engrácia (with great views from their outside tables).... Is this small and cute little cafe. We were there at 5PM and only one other person there but both staff were very friendly and welcomed us, speaking excellent English and sharing English menus. We had 2 bottles of local beer and shared a Hawawshi Classic (meat, cheese, spices.... think a breadier quesadilla with middle eastern spices)... all for just 12 Euro. Fun logo, cute little restaurant car out front, and a few tables with chairs and umbrellas. I saw one table inside and not sure if they have restrooms. They had a lot of tasty looking desserts but we didn't try this time. Overall friendly place and a great stop for a nice snack and a rest.

  • Anasofia Cano
    5 month ago

    Incredible experience, a must visit in Lisbon!! We ordered the Hawawshi clásico, pistachio basbousa, and a yoyo, and we were blown away by every bite. Flavor and texture of everything is amazing, and coffee was very good too. Decent wait on the hawawshi (20-25ish minutes) but more than worth it. Extremely friendly service as well. Located in a quiet corner next to a stunning church.

  • Luke Evans
    6 month ago

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Basbousa Café is a hidden gem! Ahmed and Manel pour their heart and soul into this tiny spot, and it shows in every bite. The food is authentic, full of flavor, and feels like a real taste of Egypt and Tunisia. You can tell everything is made with love and care — from the warm welcome to the last bite of dessert. It’s rare to find a place that feels so personal and special, but Basbousa Café truly does. A must-visit if you want delicious food and a family-like atmosphere.

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