Best Pastel de Nata Lisbon – Where To Get Pastel de Nata Lisboa

Top 5 Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

Pastel de nata is a beloved Portuguese pastry that you’ve got to try if you’re in Lisbon. It’s a small, round tart filled with a creamy custard and baked until the top is golden and slightly caramelized. They’re usually sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.

The ultimate place to try what is believed to be the best (and original) pastel de nata is Pastéis de Belém. However, over the years, these small custard tarts have gained so much popularity that you’ll find them everywhere, from fancy bakeries to simple cafes. But if you’re in Lisbon and you want the best of the best, here are the top 5 places to get your pastel de nata fix:

Lisbon Top 5 Coffee Shops:

1. Pastéis de Belém By far my favourite place in the whole of Lisbon for Patel de Natas! Pastéis de Belém is often considered the mecca of pastel de nata in Lisbon. It’s the oldest bakery to specialize in these delicious tarts, and it’s been around since 1837. This place is so legendary that many people refer to the tarts themselves as “Pastéis de Belém” instead of pastel de nata. What sets them apart is their secret recipe, which has been closely guarded for generations. Only a few people know how to make the exact custard and pastry. So, when you’re eating one, you’re tasting a bit of Portuguese history. The crust is super flaky and the custard is just the right blend of sweet and creamy. It’s always packed with both locals and tourists, but the lines move fast. The tarts are often still warm from the oven, and you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of powdered sugar if you like. A visit to Lisbon isn’t complete without stopping by Pastéis de Belém to try one of their iconic tarts. Address: R. Nova da Piedade 10, 1200-192 Lisboa, Portugal

2. Manteigaria – Time Out Market Manteigaria is a popular spot in Lisbon. It’s located in the Time Out Market, which is a foodie paradise in itself. What’s cool about Manteigaria is that they make the tarts right in front of you, so you can see all the care that goes into each one. They even ring a bell when they pull a fresh batch out of the oven, so you know you’re getting it at its best. The crust on their tarts is super flaky, and the custard is creamy and just the right amount of sweet. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Lisbon and craving some top-notch pastel de nata. Address: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa, Portugal

3. Aloma Aloma is another go-to spot in Lisbon for pastel de nata lovers. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Campo de Ourique, this bakery has been around since the 1940s, so they know a thing or two about making great custard tarts. They’ve even won awards for their pastel de nata, which tells you they’re doing something right. The tarts here are known for their rich, eggy custard and the crust that offers a satisfying crunch. What sets Aloma apart is their attention to detail and consistency. Each tart looks and tastes as perfect as the last, making it a reliable choice for some of the best pastel de nata in Lisbon. Address: R. Francisco Metrass 67, 1350-139 Lisboa, Portugal

4. Confeitaria Nacional Confeitaria Nacional is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most iconic bakeries, founded way back in 1829. It’s located in the busy downtown area, making it a convenient spot to grab a pastel de nata if you’re out and about exploring the city. This place is not just about the food; it’s also about experiencing a piece of Lisbon’s history. The interior has a vintage vibe, complete with antique mirrors and wooden counters. When it comes to their pastel de nata, they stick to traditional recipes. The custard is creamy and not too sweet, and the pastry is flaky and golden. It’s a more old-school take on the tart compared to some other places, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re looking to enjoy a pastel de nata in a setting that’s as authentic as the treat itself, Confeitaria Nacional is the place to go. Address: Praça da Figueira 18B, 1100-241 Lisboa, Portugal

5. Café com Calma Fábrica da Nata is a newer addition to Lisbon’s pastel de nata scene, but it’s quickly made a name for itself. It’s got a modern vibe but they take their custard tarts very seriously. One cool thing about this place is that they make the tarts right in front of you, so you can watch the magic happen while you wait. The pastry chefs work behind a glass wall, so you can see them rolling out the dough and filling the little cups with custard. The end result is a tart with a perfectly crispy and flaky crust, filled with smooth, rich custard. The top is slightly caramelised, adding a bit of texture and flavour. They’re served warm, which makes them even better. Because of its growing reputation, it can get crowded, but it’s worth the wait. And if you’re a fan of trying new twists, they also offer a version topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Address: Rua do Açúcar 10, 1950-242 Lisboa, Portugal

History of Pastel de Nata Lisbon

These custard tarts were actually created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in the Belém district of Lisbon. Back in the day, the monks used egg whites to starch their clothes, so they had a lot of leftover egg yolks. They decided to use them to make pastries, and that’s how pastel de nata was born. When the monastery fell on hard times, they started selling the tarts to make some money.

The recipe was eventually sold to a sugar refinery, and that’s how the Pastéis de Belém bakery started in 1837. The place is still up and running and is one of the most famous spots to get pastel de nata. They keep the original recipe a secret, so you can only get the exact same taste there. But as you can see above lots of bakeries in Lisbon make their own delicious versions.