The Best Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

Flaky, caramelised, still warm, with a dusting of cinnamon: the pastel de nata is Portugal’s most famous treat, and Lisbon is where to eat it. You’ll find them in every café, but some are much better than others. Here’s where to find the best in Lisbon, from the 1837 original to this year’s award winner.

Quick answer: Manteigaria for the best all-rounder in the centre, Pastéis de Belém for the historic original (go inside, skip the takeaway queue), and Aloma, which won Lisbon’s official Best Pastel de Nata contest again in September 2026, for its third year in a row. Expect to pay about €1.30–1.60 each.

Pastel de nata or pastel de Belém?

Same idea, different recipe. The custard tart was created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. When the monasteries closed in the 1830s, the recipe was sold to the bakery next door, which has made pastéis de Belém since 1837 to a secret recipe. Only they can use that name. Everywhere else they’re called pastéis de nata.

The best pastel de nata in Lisbon

Manteigaria

Many locals’ favourite, and ours. Crisp, buttery pastry and a just-set custard, straight from the oven all day. There’s only one thing on the menu, and a bell rings when a fresh batch comes out. The original is in Chiado (Rua do Loreto), with branches including Rossio, Belém and the Time Out Market. About €1.30.

Pastéis de Belém

The original, since 1837, and a must at least once. Huge, tiled, and baking thousands a day. The trick: skip the long takeaway queue outside and walk in to find a table in the rooms at the back, where service is usually quick. Add cinnamon and icing sugar from the shakers on the table. About €1.60. Combine it with the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower.

Aloma

The award winner. Aloma won Lisbon’s “O Melhor Pastel de Nata” contest in 2024, 2025 and 2026, and six times in total. The main shop is in Campo de Ourique, a lovely, local neighbourhood to wander, and you’ll find it in a few other spots around town.

Pastelaria Santo António

A former contest winner, tucked into the lanes of Alfama near the Santo António church. A perfect stop on the way up to the castle.

Confeitaria Nacional

Not just natas: this grand old pastry shop on Praça da Figueira has been going since 1829, with a beautiful interior and a counter full of traditional cakes. Great for trying more Portuguese sweets.

How to eat it like a local

• Warm, if possible. Ask if there are fresh ones (“Tem quentinhos?”).
• Cinnamon (canela) and icing sugar on top, or plain. Your choice.
• With a bica: Lisbon’s name for an espresso. Standing at the counter is cheaper than sitting.
• Morning or afternoon (around 4pm, the lanche snack time) are the classic times.
• One is never enough. Order two.

Taking them home

Most shops sell boxes of six. They’re best eaten the same day, but survive a short flight. Reheat for a few minutes in a hot oven, not the microwave.

Learn to make them

A pastel de nata baking class is one of the most fun things to do in Lisbon, especially with kids or on a rainy day. You make the pastry, fill the cases and eat your own warm natas. See pastel de nata classes. Or try a Lisbon food tour, which usually includes a nata stop along with cheese, wine, ginjinha and more.

More Portuguese food

Read our guide to what to eat in Portugal, plan your days with our 3-day Lisbon itinerary, and find a base in where to stay in Lisbon.

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