Simpli Coffee Avenida — Restaurant in Lisbon

EDITED to respond to the restaurant (see reply at the end) Horrendous service.

We were 2 of us waiting for the 3rd person. We sat down on a table with 2 chairs (there were not many tables left) and we took 1 chair from a big rounded table for groups.

The waitress came over and we informed her that we were waiting until the other person parks and comes. She suggested to sit on a different table as we would've been more comfortable with more space. Said table were 2 high tables separated, so 1 should be in one and the other 2 on the other one so we wouldn not be really sitting together. Considering thit and that I'm don't really like sitting in high chairs we decided to stay were we initially chose.

Same waitress came back and took our 3rd chair out without saying a word. As she was welcoming a big group to the table next to us.

We then had to move tables again and we chose another regular one a bit further. We sat down and took a third chair.

The waitress then approached us again rudely demanding that we sit on the high chairs. I told her I don't like it and she was extremely rude saying we couldn't sit there and demanding that we move to the terrace then.

No need to say I left the place.

AVOID.

RESPONSE TO THE RESTAURANT COMMENT:

Hi,

Your stuff, of course didn't share the full story. My first preference was not next to the kitchen. It was next to the big round table at the corner.

This table had perfect space to have the 3rd chair without interrupting the footpath. However, for some reason, your waitress didn't want us to sit in there. Even when later a big group arrived, we could've stay there.

My first big issue, is that after she suggested for us to move to the high table, (I understand if is a suggestion, we are free to accept it or not, and we preferred to remain at the initial table) she returned and took the third chair away quite rudely, without a word.

That is when we decided to change to the table in front of the kitchen.

Even there, the space was absolutely fine, and we could've even acommodate the chairs in a more appropiate way so noone would've been disrupted.

Then she approached us again, with a very rude attitude telling us that we cannot sit there either and demanding for us to go to the high tables.

The biggest problem here wasn't the table. It was the inhability of your waitress to provide a minumum of quality customer service.

The other waitress with longer blond hair was absolutely charming, however, the second one, with grey short hair and glasses, had an utterly nasty attitude and shouldn't be working at the...

Recently I visited Simpli Cafe Avenida, where I had visited once before. On the surface it is a cute cafe presenting a cosy atmosphere.

My second visit revealed otherwise.

I ordered a cafe latte and a pasty. Both were tasty and I had no complaints about the quality of what I received.

I stayed less than an hour, enjoyed my snack, and asked for the check.

The waiter with black framed glasses brought my bill, which was a total of 7,15 euro. As is customary in Portugal and across Europe, I left a modest tip, rounding up to 8 euro which I paid by debit card.

I noticed the waiter seemed to scoff audibly at my gratuity, while he asked if I wanted a receipt. Soon after he walked back to the counter and I overheard him telling the barista (with a long ponytail) how much I had paid.

To my shock and great surprise, when I was leaving the cafe, the barista YELLED at me, saying they expect to receive at least a 5 euro tip.

Countries vary in tipping culture, with some in North America where 20% is normal due to how the staff are compensated, to Japan where any tip at all would be considered an insult. Expecting a 140% tip on basic service for a pastry and coffee is unreasonable anywhere, and demonstrating a complete lack of tact and hospitality surely is not deserving of such a tip.

I have asked native Portuguese friends about this incident and they were also shocked and reassured me that I was right in my thinking.

I get the sense this cafe preys on foreigners' uncertainty about local customs to enjoy an unreasonable level of gratuity payments, and evidently lacks any shame or professionalism in how they go about it.

There are many other cafes to choose from within a short distance. My advice is to...

This may be one of the finest cafes I have visited in Lisbon, excelling in taste, service, atmosphere, and design. The menu features a variety of items, including a delightful yogurt bowl. We ordered an Americana and a flat white, and I was particularly impressed by the accompanying card detailing the coffee’s pedigree. I have always held great respect for individuals who excel in their professions, and this cafe is exemplary in that regard. The taste, consistency, and aroma of the coffee were exceptional, and the yogurt bowl was equally delicious. Notably, the granola is house-made, adding to the experience. The cafe is beautifully designed, offering a sense of tranquility from the moment you enter. Floral touches between tables provide a sense of privacy. I highly recommend this establishment and will certainly visit again when I...