Hello, Kristof — Restaurant in Lisbon

I really need to write a review because almost none of the reviews do talk about the coffee,roasting and brewing. And some are I think misunderstanding the concept in their reviews.

To begin with. Every coffee can be used in any brewing method. Some roasters roast specifically for espresso and for filter. Then you have omni roast that is meant for both espresso and filter brewing.

To label a coffee as espresso roast does not always mean that it's darker roasted. Often it means that the roast development is longer so to mellow out some notes that would be too much of a punch in an espresso shot.

Here I had Ethiopia Deri Fahmi natural as a V60. Labeled as filter roast. Light roast coffee in line with cafes like The Folks but not as light as a Rwanda I had at Fábrica.

Then I had the Guatemala Finca Medina as an espresso. Labeled as espresso and filter roast. Bright espresso with clear separation between acidity and toast almond/spice notes that I really liked but the barista said that he found it too dark roasted but they have to please regular Portuguese coffee drinker. When at home with a bag of it brewing pour over I do get what he is talking about. This truly is a solid medium roasted coffee and not nearly as bright in pour over. I do like that this roast highlights the toasted almonds that gives it a rich and balanced taste. Crowd pleaser.

It's all about what you are aiming for. I do like light roasted coffee(not super light) up to light french roasted(not to the hickory stage you know) for example a blend with many coffees that still shows some floral notes from the Ethiopian coffee but nearly no fruit notes.

The Guatemala Bella Vista I had last December was then more on the lighter side and much brighter than the Finca Medina.

So what I will say from my strolling around Lisboa exploring the coffee scene Hello Kristof stands out for the most range of roasts and coffees that should catch to wide variety of coffee drinkers.

Ps. Loved talking to the head roaster(I believe she is roasting) about the coffees and she even remembered me from last December. Without a doubt one of top 5 coffee roasters in Lisboa.

ps.ps. Google rejects all my photos I try to upload...

Our recent visit to Hello Kristof left much to be desired, particularly in terms of our coffee experience. While the staff was friendly and attentive, the quality of the coffee fell short of expectations. The latte we ordered, brewed on an older version of the LM GS3, lacked the smooth texture and balanced flavor we were hoping for. Instead, it left an unpleasant aftertaste, indicating potential issues with either the beans, milk or brewing process.

Our disappointment deepened when we tried the filter coffee, made with a French brand of beans known for their fermented process and fruity flavors. Despite the barista's recommendation, the coffee lacked any discernible taste of the actual beans, making it undrinkable. This experience raised concerns about the pitfalls of the specialty coffee industry, where emphasis on exotic flavors sometimes overshadows the need for a well-balanced cup.

Unfortunately, when we expressed our dissatisfaction to the staff, we were met with little understanding or accommodation. While we had hoped for a gesture of goodwill, such as a discount or alternative beverage, we were disappointed to find ourselves charged the full amount for our underwhelming drinks.

Though we considered ordering food, the lack of enticing aromas in the cafe deterred us from doing so. In light of this disappointing coffee experience, we opted not to explore the food options further.

While we can only speak to our coffee experience, we felt it necessary to acknowledge the shortcomings of our visit. We've awarded Hello Kristof three stars, based solely on our coffee experience, as we did not sample any of the food offerings. Hopefully, our feedback serves as constructive criticism, prompting improvements in both the coffee and overall dining experience at...

Drinks: The dirty chai latte was well-made, with a sweet chai base and a slightly sour coffee note. It had a Starbucks-like profile, which makes sense considering the other coffee options here don’t really taste like coffee either—more like milk-based drinks with a coffee aftertaste.

The cappuccino was underwhelming. The milk completely overpowered the coffee. It felt more like a generic coffee-flavored milk drink rather than something from a specialty coffee shop.

Pastries: The pistachio soft cookie had a slight crunch on the outside but was mostly soft. Simply adding a few nuts on top doesn’t make it a pistachio cookie—it was filled with chocolate and tasted more like a chocolate chip cookie with pistachios rather than a proper pistachio-based treat.

The vegan brownie was too dry and lacked the gooeyness that makes a brownie enjoyable. It felt like texture was sacrificed just to make it vegan, and honestly, a basic store-bought brownie would have been better.

Overall Impression: The price is unjustified for what was served. The coffee lacks depth, and the drinks cater more to those who enjoy milk-heavy Starbucks-style beverages. If you appreciate actual coffee, there’s nothing for you here. If you prefer milk drinks, Starbucks offers a wider selection for a better experience.

Overpriced and unremarkable. 16.50€ 2 coffees and 2 pastries.

Thank you...