Portugal may be known for its pastries, but it’s also a chocolate lover’s paradise. Here’s our guide to the best chocolate in Lisbon!
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Portugal’s capital is the place for you. From the ubiquitous pastéis de nata to lesser-known local delicacies, Lisbon certainly isn’t lacking when it comes to dessert—or sugary breakfasts. Many popular pastries are based on egg yolks, sugar and flour…but what about chocolate?
Lisbon’s café counters may seem to be dominated by custardy confections, but the city also has plenty of high-quality chocolate if you know where to look. We’ve rounded up the top 7 cafés, shops and bakeries where you’ll find the best chocolate in Lisbon. Bom apetite!
1. Bettina & Niccolò Corallo – Artisanal Chocolate and More
This place is a true shrine to the art of artisanal sweets, and an essential stop for every chocolate addict. Bettina & Niccolò Corallo is a family-run shop in Príncipe Real that specializes in chocolate and coffee—both of which are imported from a family plantation in São Tomé and Príncipe.
Here you’ll find chocolate in its purest form (bars with 75–100 percent cacao) as well as other products that highlight the star ingredient. Try the cocoa sorbet, a fudgy brownie or the incredibly rich chocolate quente (hot chocolate)—no milk needed! You can feel good about indulging; sustainability is at the heart of the business.
2. Landeau – The World’s Best Chocolate Cake
Okay, it might not be the best in the world…but it’s certainly in the running. With two locations in Lisbon, Landeau Chocolate has earned a reputation as the ultimate spot for a decadent snack. There’s only one thing on the menu: a rich, velvety chocolate cake that’s somehow also light enough to keep you wanting more. It has several layers with slightly different textures, from silky ganache to gooey fudge, with a generous dusting of powdered cocoa on top.
Order a slice and an expertly brewed latte for the perfect morning coffee break or afternoon pick-me-up. They also serve some of the best hot chocolate in Lisbon, as well as tea, iced coffee and juices. And if you want to be everyone’s favorite party guest, pick up an entire cake to go.
3. Salamaria – Creative Takes on a Classic Confection
Ever heard of chocolate salami? If not, you don’t know what you’re missing. Salame de chocolate is a traditional Portuguese sweet made of chocolate, crushed cookies and a whole lot of sugar. It’s served in speckled slices that vaguely resemble (but taste nothing like) cured ham—hence the name. Not convinced yet? Let Salamaria change your mind.
This place specializes in upgraded versions of salame de chocolate, featuring flavors like Ferrero Rocher, red velvet and even daring infusions of carrot or pink peppercorn. If you want a truly Portuguese experience, try the one made with figs, walnuts and Port wine. Or just stick to the classic recipe; sometimes simple is better.
4. Confeitaria Nacional – Traditional Treats and Hot Chocolate
If you want to indulge in an authentic atmosphere, head to Confeitaria Nacional. Founded in 1829, this classic pastry shop and café is a local institution in the heart of the city. Here you’ll find handmade truffles, chocolate-covered cookies, elaborate cakes and some of the best hot chocolate in Lisbon.
A steaming cup of chocolate quente is a great way to start any morning; just make sure you pair it with a lighter treat to avoid sugar overload. And although you might be familiar with the Spanish tradition of hot chocolate and churros, you won’t find them here. Churros in Lisbon are more of a summer street food, although some places serve them year round!
Want to hear the history of Portugal’s iconic cafés? Join our food tour in Lisbon for more tips and local secrets!
5. Calçada do Cacau – Handmade Dairy-Free Chocolates
Located near the National Pantheon in Alfama, this artisanal shop produces chocolates by hand, without any butter or cream. Calçada do Cacau’s star products are their cubitos, little cubes of chocolate flavored with Portuguese ingredients. Think oranges from the Algarve, honey from the Alentejo, coffee from the Azores and much more.
Not only is this some of the best chocolate in Lisbon, but it’s also sustainably produced. All the ingredients are acquired from small suppliers and the cocoa beans are sourced through fair trade. You’ll also find chocolate bars, chocolate-covered nuts and, of course, delicious chocolate quente. If it’s too warm out to enjoy a hot drink, order the iced chocolate instead!
6. BrigaDoce Caffé – Brigadeiros and Beyond
Brigadeiros are traditional Brazilian sweets made of chocolate and condensed milk, in the form of small sprinkle-covered spheres. BrigaDoce Caffé takes this concept to the next level—with a Portuguese twist. Try their brigadeiros made with ginja or Madeira, or traditional ingredients like carob and sweet potato. They even have (less chocolatey) versions inspired by pastéis de nata and baba de camelo!
In addition to an infinite array of brigadeiros, you can also enjoy homemade cakes, puddings and more. If you’ve already jumped on the salame de chocolate bandwagon, you’ll be happy to know that they dream up delicious versions of brigadeiro-flavored salames, in addition to salame-flavored brigadeiros!
7. Ginginha do Carmo – Cherry Liqueur in Chocolate Cups
You can’t leave Portugal without trying ginjinha, the beloved sour cherry liqueur that you’ll find all over the country. In many places, it’s served in an edible dark chocolate cup. Just make sure you go to an authentic spot like Ginginha do Carmo, open since the 1930s, to get both the chocolate cup experience and high-quality liqueur.
The idea of drinking ginjinha out of a chocolate cup originated in Óbidos, a village north of Lisbon that’s famous for its locally made liqueur. While this might not be the most traditional way to drink it, it’s definitely delicious. And remember: always drink the ginjinha before biting into the cup, to avoid making a mess!
