Where to find the best pastel de nata in Lisbon

As a bakery addict, I made it my mission to eat as many pasteis de natas in Lisbon, Portugal.

From local cafes to popular chains, here is where you can be sure to find a top quality pastel de nata:

But first! A brief history:

What is a pastel de nata and where do these sweet treats come from?

Well, it’s pretty much the greatest food that you MUST try whenever you visit Portugal.

It’s a small pastry of egg yolk custard enveloped in a flaky crust.

Its origins date back to the 18th century when monks at the Jerónimos Monastery (now a UNESCO World Heritage Site) needed a way to use their leftover egg yolks after using the egg whites to starch their clothes.

After the monastery closed, the recipe was sold to the owners of the Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, which opened in 1837.

Now it’s the most famous location to try a pastel de nata in Lisbon, but there are plenty of other places now to try!

Here are my expert recommendations:

1. Alfama Doce

Alfama Doce

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Located in the most beautiful neighborhood of Lisbon, this bakery is truly a must-visit for some of the best, traditional Portuguese pastries — including, of course, an absolutely amazing pastel de nata!

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2. Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata

Manteigaria - Pastéis de Nata Factory

@gottacaseofwanderlust

There are locations across the city of this chain as well as other cities in Portugal. Normally, I don’t love promoting chains, but this place is the real deal. 100% deserving of the hype, the pastel de nata here is one of my favorites — and this opinion is shared by locals as well. Make sure to come here early in the morning to get them fresh and warm !

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3. Santo António Pastelaria Santo António

Santo António

@gottacaseofwanderlust

The custard isn’t memorable but the crust certainly is. It stands out as the crispiest I’ve had — giving an amazing bite to it!

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4. Pastéis de Belém

Pastéis de Belém

@gottacaseofwanderlust

This wouldn’t be complete without the location that started it all — as I mentioned in the intro, this place is worth the hype. I got there right when they opened and there was no line, but be warned there usually is!

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5. Nat'elier | Pastel de Nata

Nat'elier | Pastel de Nata

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Unique options here that you won’t find other places — pistachio and a vegan option (basically almost like the original!) are 2 that stand out!

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6. Castro - Atelier de Pastéis de Nata

Castro - Atelier de Pastéis de Nata

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Another chain that’s popular for a reason. You can see the workers hand making the pastries behind glass! Definitely grab a pastel de nata here!

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7. Fábrica da Nata (Rua Augusta)

Fábrica da Nata - Pastéis de Nata

@gottacaseofwanderlust

Another very good option for pasteis de nata :)

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Thanks for reading :)

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