Lisbon’s Top Spots for the Best Pastel de Natas

359 As a pastry lover, I was thrilled to hear that Lisbon holds an annual competition to find the city’s best Pastel de Nata (custard tart). It’s no secret that these creamy, crispy pastries are a vital part of Lisbon’s culinary scene. I was excited to find out which bakery was crowned the winner. This year, the winner was Casa do Padeiro in Pontinha, a thirty minutes drive from Cais do Sodre. I’ve heard it’s worth making the special pastry pilgrimage, and it’s on my to-do list someday. In second was Pastelaria Aloma in the central neighborhood of Campo de Ourique, and in third place was Pastelaria Patyanne in the northern suburb of Castanheira do Ribatejo. Having lived in the district of Belém, I got to know quite well the two major bakeries that tourists and locals flock to. Pastéis de Belém and Manteigaria are two of the most famous bakeries in Lisbon, known for their delicious Pastel de Natas (custard tarts). Both bakeries have a long history and are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Manteigaria: The bakery was founded in 2013 by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to create a modern and innovative space to showcase the best Portuguese pastry-making traditions. The founders, who come from a long line of pastry chefs, were inspired by the artisanal methods used by their ancestors to create high-quality pastries. Manteigaria’s Pastel de Natas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are known for their creamy, custardy filling. The bakery has a modern, industrial aesthetic that is popular with younger visitors and is considered a must-visit destination for pastry lovers in Lisbon. Despite being a relatively new addition to the Lisbon pastry scene, Manteigaria has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the best Pastel de Natas in the city. Its popularity has grown through word of mouth and social media. Pros:

• Located in the trendy Chiado neighborhood, known for its shopping and dining options.
• The Pastel de Natas at Manteigaria is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. They are known for their creamy, custardy filling.
• The bakery has a modern, industrial aesthetic that is popular with younger visitors.

Cons:

• Some people find the Pastel de Natas at Manteigaria a bit pricier than other bakeries.
• The bakery can get very busy, especially during peak tourist season.

Pastéis de Belém: The Pastéis de Belém bakery was founded in the early 19th century in the neighborhood of Belém in Lisbon, Portugal. At the time, the area was considered far from the city and primarily accessed by steamboats. The bakery was attached to a sugar cane refinery and a small general store. It was located next to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (the Heironymite Monastery). When all convents and monasteries in Portugal were shut down in 1834, someone from the monastery began selling sweet pastries in the shop to try to survive. These pastries became known as the “Pastéis de Belém.” The grandeur of the monastery and the Belém Tower attracted visitors who came to try these delicious pastries. In 1837, the baking of the Pastéis de Belém began in the buildings attached to the refinery, using an ancient secret recipe from the monastery. This recipe was known only to the master confectioners who handcrafted the pastries in a secret room and has remained unchanged to this day. The Pastéis de Belém is made with a careful selection of ingredients that help to retain the flavor of traditional Portuguese sweets. Pros:

• Located in the historic neighborhood of Belém, a must-see for Lisbon visitors.
• The bakery has been making Pastel de Natas since 1837, so they have a lot of experience and know-how.
• The Pastel de Natas at Pastéis de Belém is regarded as some of the best in the city.

Cons:

• The bakery can get very busy, especially during peak tourist season, with lines to get in that stretch down the street.
• Some people find the Pastel de Natas at Pastéis de Belém too sweet.

Lisbon is home to various exceptional bakeries that serve delicious Pastel de Natas. Whether you prefer the traditional, time-honored pastries at Pastéis de Belém or the innovative, modern creations at Manteigaria, there’s something for everyone. Both bakeries have unique charm and appeal, and it’s up to personal preference to decide which is the best. However, it’s worth noting that the annual competition for the city’s best pastel de nata has crowned three other fantastic bakeries as winners – Casa do Padeiro, Pastelaria Aloma, and Pastelaria Patyanne. If you’re in Lisbon, try these top-rated bakeries and discover your favorite Pastel de Nata. *Disclosure: Hey there! Just a heads-up: some links on this page are affiliate links for products and services I genuinely love and recommend. If you decide to make a purchase or subscribe through them, I’ll earn a small commission for my coffee fund ☕. Don’t worry, I’ll be using that energy to create even more awesome content for you. Thank’s a million for your support! – Melissa