On holiday in Lisbon, it will be difficult for you to resist the Pastéis de Nata, these delicious pastries typical of the city. Here are our best places to eat Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon!
The pastel de nata (pastéis de nata is the plural form) is one of Lisbon’s culinary specialities. And not the least: The Guardian has featured this iconic egg tart pastry on its list of the 50 best things to eat in the world!
Legend has it that the pastel de nata was created at the beginning of the 19th century at the Hieronymite monastery in the Belém district. Today, it is found everywhere in Portugal… And even in China!
There is no shortage of places to eat pastéis de nata in Lisbon. You will find them in most pastelarias (bakeries) for about 1 €. They are often eaten warm, sprinkled with cinnamon, and accompanied by a hot drink. You can eat them at any time of the day… Here is our selection of the best places to eat pastéis de nata in Lisbon!
1. Pastéis de Belém : the first ever Pastel de Nata
The pastéis de Belém is said to be at the origin of the pastel de nata: it was created in this district, in the monastery of the Hieronymites, in 1837. Today, the pastelaria “Pastéis de Belém” has kept its recipe secret and has registered its brand to make sure the original pastel de Bélem can only be eaten here, nowhere else! This is obviously a very popular venue, so be prepared to queue for quite a while… In fact, we strongly advise you to come in the morning, or on the day the monastery of the Hieronymites – located just next door – is closed.
Address: Pastéis de Belém, Rua de Belém 84-92
2. Manteigaria : the Pastéis de Nata made before your eyes
La pastelaria Manteigaria prepares its pastéis de nata behind the counter, just before your eyes. It’s actually quite a nice show to watch! You can taste your pastel of nata at the counter with an espresso, or purchase a few to take away.
Address: Manteigaria, Rua do Loreto 2
Photo credit: Flickr – Hermann Kaser
3. Confeitaria Nacional: the reference in portuguese pastries
The Confeitaria Nacional is one of the oldest bakeries in Lisbon, dating back to 1829! Apart from the fact that this bakery masters the art of pastry making, its quaint decor will make you travel back in time in the Lisbon of yesteryear. Taste your pastel of nata on the spot, or take it away. And by the way, you can taste other cakes too: the Confeitaria Nacional is a reference in the local pastry industry, all categories combined!
Address: Confeitaria Nacional, Praca da Figueira 18B
4. Nata Lisboa : enjoy your Pastéis de Nata on a terrace
Situated right next to Saint George Castle, the pastelaria Nata Lisboa offers very good pastéis de nata, to be enjoyed while relaxing in the small terrace. And if you’re hungry, Nata Lisboa also offers a delicious food menu.
Address: Nata Lisboa, Rua de Sta. Cruz do Castelo, 5 to 11
5. Pastelaria Aloma : the best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon
The entrance of Pastelaria Aloma has a sign that reads: “The best pastel of nata”. And this is not just an alluring expression: this bakery’s pastel de nata was crowned best of the city of Lisbon in 2012, 2013, and 2015. You don’t need any more convincing to get a taste of this one!
Address: Aloma, Rua Francisco Metrass 67
Photo credit: Pixabay – Chakarit
6. Pastelaria Alcôa : the pastry paradise
At La Pastelaria Alcôa, you are in a true pastry paradise. The pastéis de nata are delicious, and you will hardly be able to resist the other sweet delicacies displayed in the shop window… Good to know : Alcôa offers a range of gluten-free pastries.
Address: Pastelaria Alcôa, Rua Garrett 37
7. Fabrica da Nata: the sweet portuguese break
People visit La Fabrica da Nata not only for the pastries but also because of the place’s unique charm: the walls decorated with azulejos (Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic tilework), the blue chairs, the small terrace… This place feels authentically Portuguese!
Address: Fabrica da Nata, Praca dos Restauradores 62-68
8. Pastelaria Versailles: the grand chic of a bygone era
Are you looking for a “kings and queens” type of atmosphere? Visit the Pastelaria Versailles. Opened in 1922, this pastry café exudes the chic spirit of the olden days… Here you can taste a pastel of nata with a good coffee, or even enjoy a full meal.
Address: Pastelaria Versailles, Avenida da República, 15A
And you, where did you eat your best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon?
Main photo credit : Flickr – Marco Verch
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