Best Pastel de Natas in Portugal: Top Portuguese Tarts You Must Try
If you’re visiting Portugal, indulging in a Pastel de Nata is an absolute must. These iconic custard tarts, with their crispy, flaky pastry and rich, creamy filling, are one of the country’s most beloved treats. While you’ll find them in nearly every bakery, not all Pastéis de Nata are created equal. I had the pleasure of trying two of the best-rated spots in Porto, and here’s my experience.
Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata
The Reputation
Castro has multiple locations across Portugal, but my first experience was in Porto. With an impressive 4.8-star rating on Google and over 3,000 reviews, it’s clearly a favorite among both locals and tourists.
Taste Test
The pastry was perfectly flaky and crisp, giving a slight crunch as I bit into it. Inside, the custard was light, creamy, and just the right level of sweetness with a hint of cinnamon. Unlike the overly sweet versions I’ve had in Sydney, this one was balanced and deliciously warm. It was so good that I could easily eat more than one in a sitting!
Price & Value
One of the best parts? The price! At €1.60 ($2.75 AUD) per pastel de nata (when I visited), it felt like a steal compared to Sydney, where they can go for $4-$5 AUD each. If you want to take some to go, they offer boxes at reasonable prices:
- Box of 2: €3.20
- Box of 6: €9.60
- Box of 12: €19.20
- Box of 24: €38.40
The Experience
You can either take away or eat in, though seating is limited. Luckily, I managed to grab a window seat. They also offer coffee and, to my surprise, Porto wine for just €5.50. During my time in Porto, I loved it so much that I went back twice!
Location & Details
- Address: Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata, R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 61, 4050-420 Porto, Portugal
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9 AM – 9 PM
- Price: $
Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata
The Reputation
Another must-visit spot, Manteigaria, is also highly rated with a 4.8-star rating on Google and over 3,200 reviews. It has multiple locations across Portugal, Paris, Madrid, and even Macao.
Taste Test
Like Castro, the pastry was light, flaky, and crisp. The custard was soft, warm, and just the right amount of sweet, though I found it slightly sweeter than Castro. It had a more buttery taste, making it extra indulgent. You also get the option to sprinkle cinnamon and powdered sugar for extra flavour.
Price & Value
At €1.30 ($2.25 AUD) per tart, Manteigaria is slightly cheaper than Castro and just as satisfying.
The Experience
Unlike Castro, Manteigaria has no seating, but there’s a standing bar where you can enjoy your tart. One of the highlights is their open kitchen, where you can watch the entire baking process—from rolling the dough to pulling the golden tarts fresh out of the oven. I arrived at 8:45 AM, and there was already a line—proof of its popularity!
Location & Details
- Address: Manteigaria – Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata, Rua dos Clérigos nº37, 4050-205 Porto, Portugal
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM – 12 AM (longer hours than Castro, perfect for a late-night treat!)
- Price: $
Final Thoughts
Both Castro and Manteigaria serve some of the best Pastéis de Nata in Portugal, and I highly recommend trying both to see which one you prefer!
- If you want a slightly less sweet, balanced tart and the option to sit and enjoy with coffee or Porto wine, go to Castro.
- If you enjoy a buttery, slightly sweeter tart and want to watch the baking process in an open kitchen, then Manteigaria is a fantastic choice.
Regardless of which you choose, you can’t go wrong—both are worth the visit!
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