15 mei 2025
Join me on a delicious journey through Lisbon, one pastel de nata at a time!
These little custard tarts are a true Portuguese specialty—crispy, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. But where can you find the best ones? Let me take you to my favorite spots in the city, each with its own unique take on this beloved pastry.
1. Castro – A Masterpiece of Simplicity
Our adventure begins at Castro, a small shop tucked away in the heart of the bustling tourist district on R. Garrett 38. Here, they focus on just one thing: perfecting the pastel de nata. The result? A buttery, flaky pastry with a beautifully caramelized top. Simple, classic, and absolutely delicious.
2. Manteigaria – Warm, Fresh, and Perfectly Balanced
Next, we head to Manteigaria inside the Time Out Market. They have several locations around Lisbon, all dedicated solely to pastel de nata. The beauty of this spot? The market is always lively, which means there’s a good chance your tart will be served fresh from the oven. The pastry is crisp, the custard silky, and it’s not overly sweet—just how I like it.
3. Le Boulangerie – A Cozy Stop in Lapa
As we make our way up into Lapa, a must-visit area filled with charming cafés and boutique shops, we stop at Le Boulangerie. Unlike the previous places, this café offers a variety of Portuguese pastries and other treats. I grab a seat on their little terrace and dust my tart with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The verdict? A bit of a dry crust, and for my taste, the custard is too sweet—but that’s all part of the fun of trying different versions!
4. Pastéis de Belém – The Legendary One
No pastel de nata tour is complete without a visit to Pastéis de Belém. This bakery, located a bit outside the city center, is an institution. While you’re here, take time to explore the Jerónimos Monastery, the Discoveries Monument, and the Belém Palace—all worth the trip. Expect a long queue, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Their pastel has the crispiest, flakiest crust of them all, and the custard is wonderfully smooth. A little too sweet for my taste, but undeniably one of the best.
And of course, Lisbon has countless other spots to enjoy these irresistible tarts. The only question left is: with or without cinnamon?