A pastel de nata is one of Portugal’s simplest pleasures: crisp, flaky pastry filled with creamy custard, its top browned in the oven. You will find these little tarts in cafés and bakeries across the country, but seeking out a specialist or a well-loved pastry shop can make the experience especially rewarding.
This selection brings together ten places to try in Lisbon and Porto. It is a tasting shortlist rather than a definitive ranking: your favourite may depend on whether you prefer a darker top, a creamier filling or an extra-crisp shell.
10 Best Custard Tarts in Portugal (Pastel de Nata)
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Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon
Making its celebrated pastries in Belém since 1837, this is the classic stop for anyone curious about the history behind Portugal’s custard tarts. The name Pastéis de Belém belongs to the pastries made here using the house’s closely guarded recipe.
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Manteigaria, Lisbon
Manteigaria puts the pastel de nata at the centre of the experience. Its Lisbon locations include Largo do Camões, Rua Augusta and Time Out Market, making it an easy addition to a walk around the city.
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Pastelaria Batalha, Lisbon
Near Largo do Camões, Pastelaria Batalha is another option for a custard-tart stop around Chiado. It is a useful choice if you want to compare a few bakeries while exploring the neighbourhood.
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Aloma, Lisbon
Aloma’s roots are in Campo de Ourique. Pair a pastel de nata with a wander through this residential neighbourhood, rather than limiting your pastry hunt to central Lisbon.
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Pastelaria Alcôa, Lisbon
On Rua Garrett, Alcôa offers a reason to pause during a stroll through Chiado. Alongside your custard tart, take a look at its traditional Portuguese sweets, especially those rooted in convent baking.
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Fábrica da Nata, Lisbon
The Restauradores location is a convenient stop for a pastel de nata while exploring central Lisbon. It is another specialist worth including if custard tarts are a particular focus of your visit.
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Confeitaria Nacional, Lisbon
At Praça da Figueira, close to Rossio, Confeitaria Nacional combines custard tarts with a broader selection of Portuguese pastries. Choose it if you enjoy a historic pastry-shop setting and plenty to browse at the counter.
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Pastelaria Versailles, Lisbon
On Avenida da República, Versailles offers a traditional café setting for a pastry break. It is a good option when you would rather sit down with your tart and coffee than eat on the go.
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Manteigaria, Porto
Manteigaria also has a presence in Porto, including near Bolhão Market. Although it is the same maker listed above, this stop gives visitors to Porto a chance to try its take on the classic.
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Natas D’Ouro, Porto
Natas D’Ouro rounds out the Porto choices on this shortlist. Include it in your tasting route if you would like to compare another maker’s version.
Make the Most of Your Pastel de Nata Stop
Try one plain first so you can appreciate the pastry and custard, then add cinnamon if you like. A freshly baked tart is a treat, but let a very hot filling cool a little before taking your first bite.
Branch locations and opening days can change, so check directly with the bakery before making a special journey.
Which would make your own list? Share your favourite custard-tart stop in Portugal.
