Located in one of the trendiest and most vibrant areas of Lisbon, Green Beans  and Sapato Verde have been the lifeblood of the Lisbon vegan scene for the last 10 years. A unique café and mini-grocery store, it’s the only spot in Lisbon to offer the full vegan lifestyle in one place—a place where you can enjoy a coffee and cake while picking up your essential supplies of plant milks, vegan cheeses, chocolates and tofu. It’s a welcoming oasis in a world awash with animal products, offering a much-needed break from the reminder that we do not live in a cruelty-free world.

This fully vegan mecca, a café filled with sweet and savoury treats and a store packed with groceries, beauty and health products, clothing and shoes, is easily reached by train, bus, tram or just a 10-minute walk from the bustling Baixa-Chiado metro station.

In the early days, Sapato Verde was a vegan shoe shop and Green Beans an online vegan grocery store. Alexandra and Mario met, the two businesses combined and the rest is history.

It’s a spot for everyone—even the Sea Shepherd crew can often be seen shopping here when docked in Lisbon, stocking up on plant-based essentials before embarking on their next sea-life-saving expedition.

A safe space for vegans

For many members of the vegan community in Lisbon, Green Beans and Sapato Verde have become a safe space in the city—a little vegan retreat, a place to meet friends and to be surrounded by the warmth and love of two passionate business owners. At the end of every visit, you can leave with bags full of cruelty-free goodies, a tummy full of delicious food and a huge smile on your face.

Their awesome menu

Green Beans

Mario is an exceptional cook, always experimenting, striving to offer the best food at the most affordable prices. From the most amazing empadas (pies), folhados (savoury fillings wrapped in puff pastry), sandwiches, stuffed croissants and toasties, to a range of vegan pizzas, Green Beans café also offers some of the most mouth-watering desserts you’ll find. Mario makes his own sweet ‘crème’ for the croissants and other delicious pastries. His plant-based versions of the Palmier and Napolitana are quite literally to die for. Oh, and he also happens to make the best pastel de nata in Lisbon.

In fact, many of the café’s customers are not vegan—a testament to the quality and flavours, which also makes for some nicely placed activism and saved animal lives.

Our absolute favourite of the meals we’ve tried at Green Beans has to be the ‘No Chicken’  Sandwich. A soft, floury bolo do caco, filled with the most delightfully marinated chicken-style pieces. It’s hard to resist such a full, rich taste. Combine it with a bowl of salad, beautifully presented with a subtle yet tasty dressing, and you’ve got the perfect lunch combo.

If you’re a pizza lover, you’ll adore the ‘bacon’  and mushroom option, which is our favourite. The pizzas strike just the right balance between ‘cheese’  and toppings, with the perfect dough base and crispy crust. If you’re in Lisbon on 23rd November, you absolutely cannot miss the VegClub X Green Beans Pizza Night.

Be sure to finish off your meal with a traditional Portuguese pastry—the pastel de nata or the chocolate-filled Napolitana. And if you can’t make it in person, you can easily have it delivered via Uber Eats or Bolt. No need to wait for that treat you’ve been craving.

Shoes and more

Sapato Verde

With the aim of presenting fair, ethical alternatives, Sapato Verde offers a wide variety of quality, organic products that respect sustainability. Here, you’ll find a full top-to-toe experience.

From solid shampoos and conditioners made by local Portuguese brands, to shower gels, facial creams, and even the popular American all-in-one soap Dr Bronner’s, you’ll find everything you need for an eco-friendly beauty regime.

Read more How this restaurant in Carcavelos is shifting views on veganism

With shoes from top vegan brands, including NAE, Natural World, Lemon Jelly and 8000 Kicks, you can dress your feet without worrying about leather or animal-based glues. From sandals to boots, there’s something for every season. You’ll even find socks to keep your feet comfortable year-round. A small range of clothing and bags is also available. Why not check out the range online before visiting in person?

Stock up your cupboards

It’s a wonder how such a small store can contain so many amazing things. We were impressed by the range of cold groceries, including fresh tofu, tempeh, plant-based hot dog sausages, seitan and a selection of vegan cheeses.

Our sweet tooth was satisfied when we spotted Vego, Doisy & Dam, plus many more tasty chocolate bars and sweets on the shelves. You can also buy plant milks, soya pieces, nutritional yeast and other daily essentials.

There’s no need to buy these essentials from supermarkets when you can buy them from a fully vegan business. For convenience, you can even shop online and won’t have to carry anything uphill!

Our love for Green Beans & Sapato Verde

Sapato Verde

During our many visits, we’ve fallen in love with the concept and the amazing space that Alexandra and Mario have created for the Lisbon community. It’s just wonderful to see such a fabulous vegan spot in the centre of Lisbon.

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out balancing business, family and the vegan boom: Lessons from purpose-driven entrepreneur Ryan Moore. Perhaps take a look at so young and so vegan: Ryan Spänhoff—’The Junior Chef’ on how he became vegan. Or explore 8 European outdoor brands that use organic cotton.