The 3 Best Custard Tarts in Lisbon

Pastéis de Belém

Here is the only place where you can have the real Pastéis de Belém, which inspired every pastel de nata recipe. Despite being centuries old, this recipe is still sure to make modern mouths water, judging by the long, neverending lines at the door and the 20,000 pastéis which are produced on a normal day. We say normal because on days of abnormal affluence as many as 55,000 pastéis have been produced. 

Once you're inside, you can either have your pastel at the counter (which might make it faster) or sit at a table and have a plateful with a bica (Portuguese for espresso) - it's up to you.

Address: Rua Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisboa

Open: Everyday from 8 am to 12 pm 

Aloma

Aloma in Campo de Ourique has been making Lisbonites happy since it opened in 1943. This pastry shop quickly became popular due to the quality of their artisanal pastries and sweets. In fact, they're so talented that their pastel de nata has already been awarded the Best Pastel de Nata title three times. And the Portuguese aren't alone in thinking this way.

These pastéis have deserved mentions in such reputable media such as The New York Times and CNN. Still, most of their customers are Portuguese which means the chances you'll find yourself in a queue that goes around the block like in Belém are slim.  

These delicacies are known for being particularly thin and crispy on the outside but light and creamy on the inside. Take an afternoon off to walk around Campo de Ourique and don't forget to make a stop here.

Address: Rua Francisco Metrass, 67, Campo de Ourique, Lisboa

Open: Everyday from 7 am to 8 pm 

Manteigaria

Manteigaria União opened in July 2014. In all fairness, it reopened because the first Manteigaria União dates back to 1900 and used to run in the exact same building as this "new" one. Once you're inside, it might not look like an early XX century building, but we guarantee that those marble walls have been there for much longer than any of us have. 

The splendid limestone Art Nouveau facade has also stood the test of time, and we're so glad it did. We're also glad that not only did the building remain unchanged but also what happens inside it. Here, you are guaranteed to have one of the best treats Lisbon has for you. 

Inside this old bakery, pastéis de nata are pride of place. In fact, this is what Manteigaria is all about, save for coffee, of course. You can see pastéis being made all day behind the counter, right in front of you. And they are splendid. You can have them at the counter or on the go but make sure you take some napkins with you because the creamy filling is bound to overflow once you take the first bite. If you manage not to eat it in a single one, that is. 

Address: Rua do Loreto, 2, Bairro Alto, Lisboa

Open: Everyday from 8 am to 12 pm