Before we move on to choosing the best pastel de nata in Porto, which will always be a subjective exercise, let’s take a broader look at the popularity of this iconic Portuguese pastry. Pastéis de nata are among Portugal’s most recognised and widely enjoyed culinary specialties, representing a unique gastronomic heritage both in Portugal and around the world. Their crisp, flaky puff pastry perfectly complements the rich egg custard filling and, when served warm, they offer an unforgettable taste of Portuguese tradition. This convent-inspired delicacy has also proven capable of bringing nations together. A great example took place at the 2016 Web Summit in Lisbon, where more than 53,000 attendees from 166 different countries enjoyed an impressive 97,000 Portuguese custard tarts over the three-day event.
The origins of this iconic pastry have never been precisely established, and several theories surround its creation. Some historians point to the earliest known handwritten recipe resembling today’s pastel de nata: the “Pastelinhos de Natta”, recorded in a 1729 manuscript from the Convent of Santa Clara in Évora. Others believe the origins of this beloved Portuguese delicacy can be traced to the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, where the tradition that gave rise to the famous Pastéis de Belém began. What is beyond dispute is that this centuries-old recipe, still surrounded by a degree of mystery, has stood the test of time and continues to win over passionate fans across the globe. Every enthusiast will have their own favourite, and opinions will inevitably differ. Even so, we have taken on the challenge of highlighting the best pastel de nata in Porto or, to be on the safe side, presenting the seven most popular places, leaving the final verdict to those who are willing to try them all.
The 7 candidates to title of the best pastel de nata in Porto
CONFEITARIA DO BOLHÃO
A true journey through history, Confeitaria do Bolhão was founded in 1896 and remains one of Porto’s most iconic historic pastry shops. Located on Rua Formosa, opposite the Mercado do Bolhão, it has carefully preserved the character that made it a landmark of the city. During the restoration of the premises, the current owners made every effort to honour its heritage, incorporating original decorative elements, historic equipment, elegant silver cutlery and the renowned Vista Alegre porcelain that has long been associated with the establishment.
However, it is not only the atmosphere that attracts visitors. Confeitaria do Bolhão continues to stand out for the quality of its homemade pastries, the variety of its selection and its attentive, personalised service. Among its many specialities is a strong contender for the best pastel de nata in Porto, prepared according to a traditional recipe with perfectly crisp puff pastry and a rich, well-balanced custard filling. Visitors can also enjoy an impressive selection of miniature Portuguese pastries, making it possible to sample a wide range of traditional sweets in a single visit. For those who prefer savoury flavours, the pastry shop also offers a selection of miniature cured cheeses and other delicacies that are well worth trying.
NATAS D’OURO
Opened in 2017, Natas d’Ouro was created by Pastelaria Soares, a family business with almost four decades of tradition. What sets it apart from most other pastry shops is its creative reinterpretation of the classic pastel de nata. Inspired by the region’s heritage, the bakery has developed unique variations, including its famous rabelo boat-shaped pastry and a distinctive recipe featuring Port wine in the custard, paying tribute to one of Porto’s most iconic traditions.
Alongside the traditional pastel de nata, Natas d’Ouro regularly introduces seasonal and innovative flavours, including orange, strawberry and even caipirinha, offering a fresh take on Portugal’s most iconic pastry for those looking to try something different.
Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, right beside the Douro River, the bakery boasts a spacious riverside terrace with spectacular views over Porto. For those exploring the city centre, Natas d’Ouro also has a second shop on Avenida dos Aliados.
PADARIA RIBEIRO
Another journey through Porto’s history and tradition, Padaria Ribeiro is located in Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes, formerly known as Praça do Pão, in the heart of the city’s historic centre. Since 1878, this iconic bakery has preserved the finest traditions of Portuguese baking and pastry-making, maintaining the exceptional quality that has earned it the loyalty of generations of locals and visitors alike. Its rich heritage remains very much alive, making Padaria Ribeiro one of Porto’s most celebrated pastry shops.
At Padaria Ribeiro, visitors can expect friendly, attentive service, a pleasant terrace for enjoying its specialities at a leisurely pace, and an impressive selection of freshly baked treats. Its pastel de nata remains a strong contender for the title of the best pastel de nata in Porto, but the bakery’s offerings extend far beyond this iconic pastry. The miniature almond tarts, the famous Pastéis de Chaves, an outstanding selection of puff pastry creations, and a wide range of homemade biscuits and jams are also highly recommended, whether to enjoy on the spot or to take home as a delicious souvenir.
NATA LISBOA
Located on Rua das Flores, one of Porto’s most beautiful and iconic streets, NATA Lisboa welcomes visitors with its well-known motto: “The World Needs NATA”. Over the years, the brand has played an important role in introducing the pastel de nata to an ever-growing international audience, combining a consistent recipe with modern, inviting spaces and attentive service.
NATA Lisboa’s pastéis de nata are renowned for their light, crisp puff pastry and smooth, perfectly balanced custard filling, baked fresh throughout the day. The combination of quality, consistency and a prime location makes it a must-visit stop for anyone searching for a strong contender for the best pastel de nata in Porto. In addition to its Rua das Flores shop, the brand also has a second location on Rua de Santa Catarina, another of Porto’s most vibrant shopping streets.
FABRICA DA NATA
Here, the watchwords are craftsmanship, tradition and elegance. Located on Rua de Santa Catarina, Fábrica da Nata welcomes visitors into a spacious and beautifully designed setting, where its signature blue sofas, stone tables and classic decorative details create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
One of the bakery’s greatest attractions is the opportunity to watch the entire production process unfold before your eyes. From shaping the puff pastry and filling each tart with its rich custard to the final baking stage in high-temperature ovens, everything takes place in full view of customers. The result is a constant flow of freshly baked pastéis de nata, served warm and enjoyed either plain or dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar, ideally accompanied by a perfectly brewed Portuguese coffee. The combination of exceptional quality, consistency and the theatre of live production makes Fábrica da Nata one of the strongest contenders for the title of the best pastel de nata in Porto. In addition to its Rua de Santa Catarina shop, the brand also has a second location in Praça Almeida Garrett, next to São Bento Railway Station.
MANTEIGARIA
Both in Lisbon and Porto, Manteigaria is consistently ranked among the very best places to enjoy a pastel de nata. Its success lies in a simple but uncompromising philosophy: traditional artisan production, carefully selected ingredients and a baking process that takes place in full view of customers. The puff pastry is hand-shaped, and fresh batches of pastéis de nata come out of the oven throughout the day, ensuring every pastry is served at its very best.
The commitment to quality begins with the finest ingredients and continues through the rigorous training of its pastry chefs, who spend several months perfecting every stage of the process. The result is a light, crisp and flaky pastry surrounding a silky, perfectly balanced custard filling. This dedication to craftsmanship has made Manteigaria one of the strongest contenders for the title of the best pastel de nata in Porto. While its original Porto shop on Rua de Alexandre Braga, next to Bolhão Market, remains a must-visit destination, the brand has since expanded and now operates several locations across the city.
Manteigaria
NETA 3
Located in the Batalha area, more precisely on Rua de Augusto Rosa, Neta 3 is a popular local pastry shop that often flies under the radar of more tourist-focused guides, but fully deserves its place among Porto’s best. The modern, spacious and welcoming interior makes it an ideal stop for breakfast, an afternoon snack or simply a freshly baked pastel de nata.
Neta 3 stands out for the quality and freshness of its pastries. Its smaller pastel de nata is particularly appreciated for its exceptionally crisp puff pastry and rich, well-balanced custard filling, and is often praised by customers as one of the best in the city. The selection also includes croissants, bread and a wide variety of freshly made pastries, all complemented by friendly service and an authentic neighbourhood atmosphere. These qualities make Neta 3 a strong contender for the title of the best pastel de nata in Porto.
