Thank You Mama — Restaurant in Lisbon

Thank You Mama Café is a magical place, a precious oasis hidden (still, but not for long I believe!) in the heart of Lisbon. “But why?” You ask me… I can tell you why!

For sure the coffee is delicious, carefully brewed and prepared from the quality of the water to the final drop in the cup! They work with high quality products and have really (reeeeeally) good baristas, people that live for coffee… yes, I mean it!

Ok: pastries. GOD! They have the most amazing bagels in the city… go, have a taste and try to prove me wrong… The dishes/sandwiches they serve on those bagels are delicious and the “Babka” (a chocolate layered bread) is something made in heaven!

And last, but definitely not least: the people. Thank You Mama Caffe is all about people, community, connection. I first met them when they were receiving donations for Ukraine refugees arriving in Lisbon. Yes, the owners are Russian, but I am mortified each time I see ignorant people making hurtful comments and bad reviews without even knowing these wonderful women. They’re are two of the most amazing, kind, funny, intelligent, hardworking and compassionate people I know, and they do not deserve to be treated like that.

Thank You Mama Caffe is a place to be with friends, talk to the baristas, laugh with the owners and play with the many dogs that visit the place (did I mentioned that TYMC is pet friendly?)… Drink good coffee, eat great food, read a good book, do some work, you choose… TYMC have a place for...

I am aware that the place gleams with praise in the eyes of many, so maybe my own impression was shadowed by a series of quiet letdowns.

The staff struck me as calm and distant, their manner tinged, perhaps, with an Eastern European reserve—a contrast to the warm Portuguese spirit I had lately encountered.

I requested a chocolate chip cookie to pair with my coffee, only to find it bereft of any trace of chocolate—either a grievous flaw in its making or a deliberate omission, in which case the barista ought to have enlightened me and confirmed my order.

The coffee itself was good, though maybe not the experience you'd hope for at its three-euro price -or maybe I'm used to the marvelous ones at 1,80eur in Milan and Rome.

Still, the locale bore a certain charm, its hypstery air aglow with neon light, the decor stark, practical, and spare. I admired the absence of laptops at the front, a pleasing touch, while a room at the rear offered refuge for work, blessed with swift...

The first time I stepped foot into this cafe, I felt instantly accepted. After speaking to the owner, she told me that her mission behind this coffee shop is not just the coffee (although she is definitely OBSESSED with the quality of her shop's coffee and food) Her commitment is to use this space for community. The coffee is set up in the front, while there is a gallery space in the back, used to represent artist, used for yoga classes, and hosts speakers and other community gatherings. The amount of love and attention put into this business is unbelievable. How many coffee shops do you see the owner working at the machine, serving you your latte, ensuring it's highest quality? Also the employees go the extra mile to make sure the guests have an amazing experience and feel seen and special.

This shop is a gift. I am grateful it exists and brings people together....