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“

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

“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!“

“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!“

“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.“

“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“

“I was at Aroma Joe’s the other day and I had a great experience. The girl working was so nice to me and made my drink and food so well. She even asked me about my vacation and we bonded over it and realized that we were at the same resort in the Bahamas. My hot chai was steamed to perfection and she even added my dairy free milk. She was the cutest thing I had to add a tip to her. Hats off to this lovely young woman in our society.“

“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.“

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

“delicious bagels. nice people.“

“Brendan was extremely helpful. We went in on a Sunday and it was pretty busy, we ordered, got our food to go, went out to the car and when we opened the bag we were disappointed to see that the soup we got was half full, missing the baguette, and the 2 bagels were cold. I walked back inside and Brendan greeted me again and I explained to him our issue. With 0 issues he walked back into the kitchen, got my girlfriend a new FULL soup as well with a baguette, and also tossed a cookie in the bag for us. Customer service 10/10 more people need to be like Brendan! Thank you again.“