12 Best Cafes in Portsmouth

“The decor and the coffee takes me back directly to Turkiye. Looking to go back and try other things!“

“I love this place. Everyone is just so friendly and warm. It's so nice to be in a place that remembers that I am your consumer. I'm consuming your thaichovski with a little chocolate and a shot (no rum though, weak!)....But I'm also consuming your smiles, your good energy and your kindness. Thanks for keeping me going all day! See you tomm! Love, Wonderwoman“

“I’ve been working for companies at Pease on and off for a dozen years now and Belle Peppers has been my go-to lunch spot for just as long. In addition, my company frequently orders catering from them so I don’t think I go more than a couple of days without eating something from Belle Peppers. The staff is always friendly and I’ve never had a disappointing experience. It definitely gets busy around lunchtime but if you go there regularly like me you know how to get in and get out quickly. Try the spicy chicken sandwich!“

“The pastries were fresh and crisp, the service was phenomenal and the decor was authentic“

“I remember when the cafe was under construction 🚧. I finally had a chance to visit and I am glad I did!
Very friendly service. I had the Upstream with an Asiago bagel 🥯 with smoked salmon, pickled onion 🧅, avocado 🥑 and chive cream cheese. Delicious 😋!
The service really shined when I asked if they had chocolate 🥐 croissants. I was offered a Nutella Croissant which is a croissant sliced with Nutella in the center. Strawberries 🍓 are sliced and placed with it. Also delicious!
The medium roast drip coffee ☕ was really good!
Both my orders were brought to where I was sitting. The inside is nice 👍 with window 🪟 and couch 🛋️ seating.
Update: August 2025; The Cable Asiago Bagel 🥯 Sandwich was delicious 😋! I am not a fan of blueberry 🫐 muffins but the one I had was heated and served with a tasty butter 🧈. It washed down my coffee ☕ rather well!
I was told they are on their third 🥉 year. Congratulations 🎉!
I am going to recommend this cafe!“

“Fine pastries made by chef Sharif and his team… great espresso with a French vibe all the way down to the bistro chairs and marble top tables situated in a picturesque cobblestone alley overhung by ivy and beautiful trees. Portsmouth’s greatest hidden gem that everyone seems to know about.“

“Update - 8:00PM March 8, gave the location another try and had a much better experience. The woman working was friendly and, though there was still a couple minute wait at the window (she looked to be in the middle of something), my coffee and sandwich came out right away. I drove away with a smile.Old - 8:00PM March 7, two brightly lit neon signs that say “Open,” the radio playing music inside, but here I am sitting at the drive through window for over 5 minutes and didn’t even see movement inside. No other customers as far as I could tell. Left without ordering.“

“The service is pretty typical of youth run franchise salad places. The communication is awkward and halting and brusk. They definitely appear as if you've interrupted an important tiktok video and are annoyed at your presence. The salads are good and it works if you are just grabbing lunch and going otherwise it's oddly sterile and unwelcoming“

“delicious.. great food. next time we are in the area we will be back“

“We ate here today for the first time and it was amazingly fresh and delicious. The food was outstanding and the coffee was top notch. The gentleman working the front was very pleasant and friendly. We will be back.“

“I love the convenience of this place. I usually get something to go and it’s always ready within 15 minutes, usually less.“

“I've been to a lot of Paneras and this is one of the Paneras that I have been to.

I have eaten food at a lot of Paneras and the food I had hear tasted like the food I've had at other ones.

It is and does what it says on the tin.“