Best Articles

The Best Custard Tarts in Lisbon: Exploring Lisbon’s Culinary Delight

By Gonzalo

Posted on October 2, 2023

Discover the Delightful World of Lisbon’s Custard Tarts

Are you ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through the streets of Lisbon? Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors as we delve into the world of custard tarts, also known as “pasteis de nata.” Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal, is renowned for its exceptional custard tarts, and we are here to guide you to the best spots in the city to try this delectable treat.

The History of Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon

To truly appreciate the significance of custard tarts in Lisbon, we must delve into their rich history. These delectable pastries have their origins in the 19th century, when they were first created by monks in the monasteries of Lisbon. As monastic orders began to decline, the monks sought ways to support themselves, and thus the recipe for custard tarts was born.

The Iconic Pasteis de Belem

No exploration of Lisbon’s custard tarts would be complete without a visit to the iconic Pasteis de Belem. Situated in the picturesque neighborhood of Belem, this historic establishment has been serving its famous custard tarts since 1837. The recipe has been closely guarded and remains a secret to this day. The tarts from Pasteis de Belem have a creamy and sweet filling encased in a flaky, buttery pastry that melts in your mouth. Be sure to savor every bite as you soak in the charming atmosphere of this legendary bakery.

Manteigaria: A Modern Twist on a Classic

For those seeking a more contemporary take on custard tarts, a visit to Manteigaria is a must. With multiple locations in Lisbon, including the trendy Time Out Market, Manteigaria has gained a reputation for its exceptional custard tarts. The secret behind their success lies in their dedication to using high-quality ingredients, including real butter, which adds a rich and indulgent flavor to their tarts. Be prepared to be transported to custard tart heaven as you bite into the crispy pastry and savor the creamy custard filling.

Exploring the Hidden Gems: Natas de Lisboa and Casa Dos Pasteis De Nata

While Pasteis de Belem and Manteigaria steal the limelight, Lisbon is also home to several hidden gems when it comes to custard tarts. Natas de Lisboa, with its multiple locations across Portugal, offers a range of mouthwatering pastries, including their award-winning custard tarts. The filling is velvety smooth, and the pastry has the perfect balance of flakiness and crispness. Another hidden gem is Casa Dos Pasteis De Nata, located in the Areeiro neighborhood. This unassuming bakery serves up custard tarts with a rich and creamy filling encased in a light and crispy pastry. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your custard tart cravings away from the bustling tourist crowds.

The Age-Old Tradition at Pastelaria Santo António

Nestled in the charming Alfama neighborhood, Pastelaria Santo António offers a unique experience for custard tart lovers. This elegant bakery combines traditional Portuguese tiles with contemporary decor, creating a sophisticated ambiance. Their custard tarts are a true delight, with a creamy filling and a perfectly crisp pastry. As you indulge in one of their tarts, take a moment to appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity that characterizes Lisbon’s culinary scene.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Options: Fábrica da Nata and Zarzuela

For those with dietary restrictions, Lisbon has not forgotten about you. Fábrica da Nata, located in the vibrant Cais do Sodré neighborhood, offers gluten-free custard tarts that are just as delicious as their traditional counterparts. The creamy filling and buttery pastry will satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary needs. Meanwhile, Zarzuela, a popular cafe in Campo Pequeno, serves vegan custard tarts that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. These plant-based pastéis de nata are a testament to the city’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation in its culinary offerings.

A Taste of Hollywood at Pastelaria Aloma

Step into the world of Old Hollywood at Pastelaria Aloma, located in the Campo de Ourique neighborhood. Inspired by the 1941 adventure film “Aloma of the South Seas,” this bakery combines nostalgia with exquisite custard tarts. Aloma’s pastéis have consistently ranked highly in blind tastings, thanks to their creamy custard filling and perfectly baked pastry. The elegant atmosphere of the bakery adds an extra touch of sophistication to your custard tart experience.

O Mercado do Peixe: A Hidden Gem

Nestled in the Ajuda neighborhood, O Mercado do Peixe may be named after the fish market, but it is home to an award-winning custard tart. This Portuguese restaurant surprises visitors with its exceptional pastries. As the winner of Lisbon’s Best Pastel de Nata in 2018, O Mercado do Peixe guarantees a culinary experience that will leave you wanting more. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor their delicious custard tarts while exploring this charming neighborhood.

Pato Real: Supersize Your Custard Tart

If you’re a custard tart aficionado looking for a unique twist, Pato Real has something special in store for you. Their “natões,” or supersized tarts, take the custard tart experience to a whole new level. These giant custardy delights can be found at various locations throughout Lisbon. Visit Pato Real in Campo Pequeno and indulge in a larger-than-life custard tart that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.

The Birthplace of Custard Tarts: Pastéis de Belém

Finally, we return to where it all began – Pastéis de Belém. This historic establishment holds the key to the original custard tart recipe. With its elegant blue and white tiled interior, it provides the perfect backdrop for indulging in this iconic pastry. Take a stroll through the beautiful neighborhood of Belém and immerse yourself in the history and tradition of custard tarts as you savor the unparalleled taste of Pastéis de Belém.

Plan Your Culinary Adventure in Lisbon

Now that you’ve discovered the best custard tarts in Lisbon, it’s time to plan your culinary adventure. Explore the vibrant streets of Lisbon, hopping from one bakery to another, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary heritage. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend booking a private tour of Lisbon with Portugal Magik Tours. Discover the highlights of the city while indulging in its most iconic treat. Book your private tour today using the following link: Private Tour of Lisbon – Portugal Magik Tours.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to taste the best custard tarts in Lisbon and create lasting memories of your culinary journey through this vibrant city. Lisbon awaits, ready to delight your taste buds with its exquisite custard tarts. Bon appétit!

–

Author
Recent Posts

Gonzalo

Founder & Owner at The Lisbon Guide

20 Years Experience
Travel Advisor & Passionate for Portugal

to send me a message

Passionate traveler, travel planner, private tour guide, and travel article writer in Portugal.
Owner of The Lisbon Guide with more than 250.000 pages visited every year (5 million views in 12 years)

I'm based in Lisbon/Portugal and experienced in travel planning, tour guiding, and entrepreneurship since 1996, and guiding customers for over 20 years across Portugal. Helping customers from all over the world, planning their stay in Portugal. I'm also an avid TripAdvisor user level 6 with more than 300.000 readers worldwide, assisting thousands of travelers yearly to plan their perfect trip.

*Disclaimer: All articles on this website express solely my opinion, and some services can be provided directly by myself, or through any partner.