Pastel de Nata Porto: Our Top 4 Spots for the Perfect Custard Tart
- Shal & James
- Dec 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 6
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect pastel de nata Porto moment, you’re in good company. We wandered from bakery to café in the name of “research,” tasting our way through flaky shells and silky custard until we found the ones worth shouting about. Ready to meet the winners?
The pastel de nata—Portugal’s legendary little custard tart—originated in the 18th century at Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery, where resourceful monks whipped up these golden, egg yolk–packed delights to use up leftovers from starching their habits and clarifying wine.
Fast forward to the early 19th century, the monasteries were closed, the secret recipe got sold to a local sugar refinery, and voilà—the world-famous Pastéis de Belém opened its doors in 1837. The tarts were such a hit that the recipe soon hopped across Lisbon’s bakeries and eventually made its way north to Porto, where locals tucked into them alongside their coffee like it was a daily ritual.
Today, the pastel de nata isn’t just a dessert—it’s a sweet little slice of Portugal’s conventual baking heritage that you absolutely need to try (or several, no judgement here!).
1 | FABRICA DA NATA
Porto is home to two Fábrica da Nata spots—the one we couldn’t resist at Praça de Almeida Garrett, and another on R. de Santa Catarina—plus three more in Lisbon and one in Sintra. Step inside any of them, and you’ll catch the hypnotic magic happening right before your eyes: tarts being whipped up fresh, golden custard bubbling in its flaky shell. This place has nailed the quintessential pastel de nata experience, and honestly, no trip to Porto feels complete without tasting at least one—or, in our case, a dozen!
2 | MANTEIGARIA - FABRICA DE PASTEIS DE NATA
If Fábrica da Nata is all about the classic, perfectly balanced pastel de nata experience, Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata takes things in a slightly wilder, more indulgent direction. Their tarts are creamier, more fluid, and more cinnamony—so every bite slides luxuriously across your taste buds. Watch them being piped and baked fresh right in front of you, and suddenly “just one” seems laughably impossible. Honestly, these were Shal's favourite of all the places we tried in Porto. For anyone serious about nabbing the ultimate custard hit, Manteigaria is a must-stop (and yes, a small parade of them is totally justified). Beyond their three spots in Porto, you’ll also find them sprinkled across Lisbon, with outposts in Braga, Madrid, and even Macau.
3 | MAJESTIC CAFE
While this iconic spot doesn’t bake its own pastel de nata, it’s hands-down one of the most atmospheric places to enjoy one—especially paired with a glass of tawny port. Opened in 1922 on Porto’s elegant Santa Catarina Street, the Majestic Café quickly became a beacon of Art Nouveau glamour, attracting the city’s intellectuals, artists, and high society. With its ornate mirrors, plastered ceilings, and leafy conservatory, it has long been celebrated as one of Porto’s most iconic cafés and a living snapshot of La Belle Époque charm.
That said, it’s a serious tourist magnet, and we found the menu ridiculously overpriced compared to the amazing food you can find elsewhere in Porto. Our top tip? Stick to a solid de nata (though don’t expect bakery-level perfection) and a glass of port, and time your visit for 5–7 PM when a live piano player fills the room.
4 | TAYLOR'S PORT CELLARS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
Nestled in a lush rose garden, Taylor’s isn’t just about port—it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pastel de nata with a view. Their custard tarts are a little twist on the classic, with a chocolate-filled base that instantly won James over as his favourite. While the cellars also offer a fantastic tour and tasting of their renowned ports, it’s this serene, elegant setting paired with the indulgent tart that makes Taylor’s a must-stop on any Porto pastry trail.
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