If you’re looking for the best pastel de nata in Lisbon, you’ve come to the right place. Over the years, we’ve tasted dozens of these iconic Portuguese custard tarts to create this selection of bakeries that are truly worth visiting.
The pastel de nata originated in Lisbon, more specifically in Belém, where the famous Pastéis de Belém were born. They are the original custard tarts and a must-try for anyone visiting the city. Over time, many other bakeries have created outstanding versions that are also well worth tasting.
This list is based on plenty of research and, of course, many pastéis de nata tasted along the way. We evaluated each one based on the texture and flavor of the custard, the quality of the flaky pastry, the balance between the crust and the filling, and, above all, the overall taste.
There are hundreds of cafés and bakeries in Lisbon selling pastéis de nata. Some are better than others, but if you don’t have time to try them all and want to taste some of the very best, these are our recommendations. We’re confident you won’t be disappointed!
Map of the Best Pastel de Nata Bakeries in Lisbon
This map shows all the bakery locations featured in this guide. Each brand is marked with a different color, making it easy to find the nearest location. Pastéis de Belém is highlighted with a yellow star, as it’s the original bakery and the only place where authentic Pastéis de Belém are made.
Please note that bakery chains may open or close locations over time.
Pastéis de Belém
This is the place to eat pastéis de nata—the benchmark not only in Portugal but around the world. It was here that Pastéis de Belém first went on sale in 1837. This traditional Portuguese pastry was originally created at the Jerónimos Monastery, but after the dissolution of the religious orders in 1834, the recipe was passed on to the Pastéis de Belém bakery, where it is still made today.
Here, these pastries are called Pastéis de Belém. The name is a registered trademark, and the recipe remains a closely guarded secret. Nowhere else in the world can bakeries legally sell Pastéis de Belém—only this bakery may use that name. While pastéis de nata are inspired by the original recipe, the Pastel de Belém is unique. And yes, it’s absolutely delicious—there’s nothing quite like it.
If you’d like to learn more about what sets them apart, be sure to read our article on Pastel de Nata vs. Pastel de Belém.
You’ll probably find a long line outside Pastéis de Belém, but it’s absolutely worth the wait. The pastry is thin, incredibly flaky, and shatters with every bite, with a rich buttery flavor. The filling is smooth and creamy, with sweet egg notes and a delicate hint of lemon. Everything comes together beautifully, creating an unforgettable combination of flavors. Served warm with a cup of coffee, it’s the perfect Portuguese breakfast.
It remains our favorite and the one we recommend every visitor tries at least once. Beyond the pastry itself, visiting this historic bakery, founded in 1837, is an experience in its own right. The interior is beautiful, decorated with traditional Portuguese tiles, and you can even watch part of the baking process.
At €1.60 each (July 2026), you simply can’t leave Lisbon without trying one.
Santo António
Santo António Bakery, located next to São Jorge Castle, is our favorite pastel de nata in Lisbon (excluding the Pastel de Belém) and one of the very best in the city. It even won the Best Pastel de Nata competition in 2019. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, so be prepared to wait in line.
The pastries are served warm and stand out for their light, incredibly crispy flaky pastry. The filling is generous and creamy, with a subtle hint of lemon. It’s the kind of pastel de nata that’s almost impossible to stop at just one. It has everything you could ask for in an exceptional pastel de nata.
At €1.40 each, it’s well worth trying one—or taking a few home after your visit to São Jorge Castle.
Aloma
Aloma’s pastéis de nata are another excellent choice and deserve to be considered among the best in Lisbon. The bakery has won the city’s Best Pastel de Nata competition several times. There are several Aloma locations across Lisbon. We visited the one near Oriente Station, which is especially convenient if you’re arriving in or leaving the city by train.
Their pastéis de nata are wonderfully crisp and buttery. They have a generous amount of filling and even seem slightly larger than average. The custard has a delicate egg flavor and is rich and creamy, with a subtle hint of lemon. The top is beautifully caramelized, just as it should be.
On our visit, they weren’t served warm, which took away a few points from the overall experience. They cost €1.40 each (July 2026). The bakery also offers many other Portuguese pastry classics, including pão de Deus, bolo-rei, and much more.
Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata
Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata is another bakery dedicated almost exclusively to Portugal’s most iconic pastry. Everything revolves around the pastel de nata, featuring a thin, buttery crust generously filled with a smooth custard that has a delicate egg flavor and just the faintest hint of lemon. The filling is slightly runnier than usual, but the balance of flavors and textures is excellent.
Castro has a refined, elegant atmosphere, with Vista Alegre porcelain and carefully considered details throughout the bakery. You can also watch the pastéis de nata being made while you visit. There are two locations in Lisbon and one in Porto. Seating is usually limited, but after tasting one, you’ll probably want to take a few more with you.
The pastéis de nata are served warm and cost €1.70 each (July 2026), making them the most expensive on this list.
Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata
Manteigaria is one of the most famous pastel de nata bakeries in Portugal and around the world. It has several locations in Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and even abroad. The bakery is entirely dedicated to pastéis de nata, serving only drinks to accompany them.
That singular focus results in an almost perfect pastel de nata, with a buttery, flaky crust that’s wonderfully crisp and generously filled. The custard is smooth and delicately flavored, with a subtle citrus finish. Served warm and dusted with a little cinnamon, it’s everything you could hope for in a pastel de nata.
A pastel de nata costs €1.50 (July 2026). The different locations vary slightly—some have seating where you can enjoy your pastry, while others are mainly designed for takeaway.
Fábrica da Nata
As the name suggests, Fábrica da Nata specializes in pastéis de nata, but don’t be fooled—there are plenty of other tempting pastries on display. The bakery also offers some creative combinations, including pastel de nata with pastel de nata ice cream, a pastel de nata milkshake, pastel de nata paired with Port wine, and even pastel de nata with Licor 35.
Fábrica da Nata has several locations across Portugal, including Lisbon, Porto, and Sintra. We visited the one on Rua Augusta in Lisbon and really enjoyed the experience. The bakery has a stylish interior, and through the large windows you can watch the pastéis de nata being made.
As for the traditional pastel de nata, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The pastry is light, exceptionally crisp, and beautifully made—exactly what you’d expect from a great pastel de nata. The custard is thick, rich, and delicious, and the pastries are served warm. They cost €1.50 each.
Nat’elier
Nat’elier is a bakery dedicated to pastéis de nata, with a distinctive brand identity and even its own line of merchandise. Alongside the traditional pastel de nata, you can also try creative flavors such as crème brûlée, Dubai chocolate, tiramisu, and more.
The traditional pastel de nata has a thinner crust with a slightly chewy texture. The filling is sweet, with subtle notes of lemon that never overpower the flavor. They’re served warm, with a lightly caramelized top. They may look a little rustic, but they’re full of flavor.
They cost €1.60 each (July 2026), and the bakery also offers pastel de nata baking workshops, which are a fun experience for visitors. Another nice touch is the stylish takeaway packaging.
Bread and Friends at Marquês
Bread and Friends is a more upscale bakery, café, and brunch spot located inside the EPIC SANA hotel. Its specialty is laminated pastry, which is exceptionally light and crisp, although it also serves artisan bread and a wide variety of pastries.
Their pastéis de nata stand out for their thick, wonderfully crisp crust and excellent flaky pastry. The custard is rich, dense, and pleasantly sweet. We decided to include them on this list because enjoying a pastel de nata with a cup of coffee here is a fantastic experience.
They cost €1.50 each and, unfortunately, are served at room temperature rather than warm. Even so, their outstanding flaky pastry and delicious custard more than make up for it.
This list is, of course, subjective—everyone values different qualities in a pastel de nata. Even so, we encourage you to try as many as you can while you’re in Lisbon, after all, this is where they were born. And don’t forget: they taste even better when served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
We’ll continue updating this list whenever we discover a bakery that deserves a place on it. Lisbon is full of outstanding pastéis de nata, and we always enjoy returning to find new favorites.
The pastel de nata is one of Portugal’s most iconic pastries, but it’s far from the country’s only delicious sweet treat. Be sure to check out our guide to the best traditional Portuguese desserts.
And if you’re also visiting Porto, don’t miss our guide to Where to Eat the Best Pastel de Nata in Porto.