Lisbon is a city for sweet tooths, with pastel de nata as its signature treat. Originating from 16th-century monks, locals enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or a snack. While the ingredients are simple (egg, flour, milk, sugar), each pastry shop claims their recipe is the best, often kept secret. Perfect pastéis should be about four fingers wide and two high, with crispy pastry and not-too-sweet filling. Eater has compiled a list of the top six pastelarias in Lisbon to help travelers find the best spots.
Antiga Confeitaria de Belém
- Address: Rua de Belém 84-92
- Price: €1.30 each
- Known for its long lines and secret recipe since 1837, this shop’s pastries are called pastéis de Belém.
Manteigaria
- Address: Rua do Loreto 2
- Price: €1 each
- Near Chiado, this Art Nouveau spot features a bell that rings when fresh pastéis are ready.
Confeitaria Nacional
- Address: Praça da Figueira 18 B
- Price: €1.10 each
- Open since 1829, it boasts a historic interior and a slightly thicker, sweeter cream.
Pastelaria Alcôa
- Address: Rua Garrett 37
- Price: €1.10 each
- Located in a former tobacco shop, it offers warm pastries throughout the day.
Versailles
- Address: Avenida da República 15-A
- Price: €1.20 each
- A Parisian-style café from the 1920s with a variety of desserts and a charming atmosphere.
Fim de Século
- Address: Rua João Frederico Ludovice 28
- Price: €0.95 each
- A family-run shop outside the tourist center, known for its crispy pastry and flowing filling.