The 6 Best Pastel de Nata in Porto

Pastéis de nata, the esteemed Portuguese custard tarts, might be rooted in Lisbon, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find some incredible varieties in Porto. The original recipe for these indulgent morsels came from the Jerónimos monastery in the Belém area before spreading north to Porto.

A long-standing feature on each of my Porto food tours, egg custard tarts are the sweet snack of choice for many locals. Their puff pastry crust and luxurious filling set them apart from other confections, and they’ve become a symbol of Portuguese cuisine.

Uncover the bakeries and cafes whipping up the best pastel de nata in Porto with this round-up of local favorites tested first hand by myself!

Manteigaria

Photo credit: Manteigaria

Manteigaria is arguably the best-known chain of pastry shops in the country, and they’ve got a terrific branch in Bolhão that I stopped by the last time I was in Porto.

I’ve heard many people say that Manteigaria has the best pastel de nata in the city, and after visiting this stylish, high-ceilinged store, I can see why. They had hundreds of pastéis de nata on display, and the chefs were constantly replenishing the shelves with fresh batches.

I picked up two pastéis de nata and paired them with some port wine. Although the aromas of the coffee inside were phenomenal, I had a hankering for a glass of port. It was fragrant and full of robust flavors, with strong notes of berries, cinnamon, and chocolate.

These custard tarts were even more impressive. The rich, silky filling had a subtle touch of lemon, while the pastry was slightly salty and beautifully crisp. There was a choice between icing sugar or spicy cinnamon on top, but I went for the latter to bring out the flavors of the wine.

Manteigaria (€) – R. de Alexandre Braga 24, 4000-049 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.  

Fábrica da Nata

Photo credit: Fábrica da Nata

I don’t doubt you’ve heard of Fábrica da Nata before. This place has numerous stores in various pockets of the country, but if you’re visiting Porto, I suggest checking out their fabulous Santa Catarina location beside the famous Bolhão market.

First, let me start by saying the setting of Fábrica da Nata is nothing short of picture-perfect. The gorgeous decor blends old and new features, including a mix of plush bright blue leather and wooden seating alongside opulent chandeliers and faded stone walls.

This place is pretty renowned for its port selection, too, but it was a little too early for wine when I got here, so I was keen to try some of the fresh orange juice instead. While the croissants and various other European pastries tempted me, I kept it classic and went for some Portuguese tarts.

Each piece was cooked to perfection, with its signature, lightly burnt crust. The custard oozed out with every bite, and the thick, oh-so-sweet filling enhanced the mild flavors of the pastry. There were some gentle citrus notes inside, complementing the zesty, refreshing orange juice.

Fábrica da Nata (€) – R. de Santa Catarina 331 335, 4000-451 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata

Photo credit: Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata

Speak to any Tripeiro, and they’ll tell you that Castro prepares some of the finest pastel de nata in Porto; don’t just take my word for it. I came upon this Ribeira spot a few months back as I was on my way to explore the nearby Palácio da Bolsa, and wow, what an experience it turned out to be!

The store itself is stunning, from the slick black tiling and gold finishes to the vibrant atmosphere inside. These guys take their pastries seriously; I could tell from the moment I spotted the pastry chef at work towards the back of the seating area.

As I was beginning to feel a mid-afternoon slump, I decided to order a flat white to accompany my pastel de nata. It had the ideal balance of sharp, bitter coffee and soft, milky flavors that made for a comforting but revitalizing cup of joe.

While the coffee was excellent, the tarts were the highlight. My favorite part had to be the creamy custard filling, as it had delicious hints of vanilla and the most velvety consistency. Of course, the crust was also sublime, with its layers of flaky, almost savory pastry.

Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata (€) – R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 61, 4050-420 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Nata Lisboa

Photo credit: Nata Lisboa

Nata Lisboa is super close to São Bento station. In recent years, it has become a necessity for me to stop here to pick up a fresh batch of pastéis de nata before catching the train.

The interior is perfectly Portuguese, with patterned blue and white tiling and rustic wooden tables. However, if I’m not rushing past, I love to grab a seat outside on the patio, which is quite the people-watching spot on a sunny day.

They have a pretty great brunch menu that I’m eager to try, but my current go-to order from Nata Lisboa is a couple of tarts and a shot of espresso. I’m not sure whether it’s the intense nutty flavors or the smooth texture, but something about their espressos here is so addictive.

What is even more irresistible is their pastéis de nata. No matter how many I’ve tried, each one has the most delectable crispy pastry and a tangy but saccharine filling that feels decadent without being too heavy. For a little extra kick, I like to add some musky cinnamon powder.

Nata Lisboa (€) – R. das Flores 291, 4050-267 Porto, Portugal – Open every day from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Confeitaria do Bolhão

Photo credit: Confeitaria do Bolhão

Confeitaria do Bolhão is one of the most beloved spots in Bolhão for on-the-go fare, but I recently found out for myself that their Portuguese tarts are easily their most popular offerings.

This place is elegant and chic while still feeling low-key and easygoing. In the front are rows of pastéis de nata and other mouthwatering baked goods, while the back section boasts a spacious dining area with huge mirrors and traditional furnishings.

If you get a chance, I recommend trying some of their other confections and sandwiches, too, but if you’re not particularly peckish, a pastel de nata or two from here should take priority! I also ordered a cappuccino, which made a lovely accompaniment to these pint-sized treats.

The consistency of the tart filling was impeccable. It wasn’t too dense or too runny, but it had a buttery texture packed with delicate, lightly sweet flavors. On the outside was a melt-in-your-mouth flaky pastry that was firm but airy.

Their cappuccinos were also a delight. Each sip of earthy, fragrant coffee was sweetened by the layers of soft foam and warm steamed milk on top.

Confeitaria do Bolhão (€€) – R. Formosa 339, 4000-252 Porto, Portugal – Open every Monday to Friday from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Natas D’Ouro – Baixa do Porto

Photo credit: Natas D’Ouro – Baixa do Porto

Between Baixa and Ribeira lies the Natas D’Ouro, known for their special recipe with secret flavors and a crispy base that you’ll find hard to come by anywhere else in Porto.

One early morning, I nipped out for a walk around Baixa while in Porto for a weekend break, and the whiff of custard from down the street took me by surprise. And low and behold, I came across Natas D’Ouro, and I knew it was too good to resist.

The interiors were drenched in black, with an expansive landscape photo of Porto spread across the wall. As I got to the counter, the chef was loading the glass cabinet with his next batch of pastel de nata, and you better believe me, I was pumped.

I ordered one piece with an espresso for a little pick-me-up, and what a combo that was. The pastel de nata came out on the plate scorching; the exterior was extra crunchy, and the smooth, velvety sweetness of the filling was absolutely divine.

After I finished the pastel de nata, down the hatch, went the espresso: strong, bitter, and with a slight creaminess on top; I was more than ready for the day ahead after a breakfast like this.

Natas D’Ouro – Baixa do Porto (€) – R. de Sá da Bandeira 115, 4000-427 Porto, Portugal – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm

Conclusion

There are endless pastry shops selling pastel de nata in Porto, but that doesn’t mean they’re all worth visiting. It’s easy to get caught up in all the overpriced cafeterias near all the main tourist attractions, but the quality tends to be below par.

As someone who’s indulged in more Portuguese egg tarts than I can count on my many trips to Porto, these are the spots you’ll want to squeeze into your itinerary!