My Complete No-Nonsense Guide to Pastel de Nata Cafes in Porto

During my time in Portugal, I followed one major mission: to find the best pastel de nata cafes in Porto. After all, Porto’s reputation as a Pastéis de Nata heaven is legendary and the popular custard tarts can’t be missed on any trip. For my research I scanned the internet high and low; dug through countless blog posts and consulted food publications. The same names popped up continuously so I assumed they must be any good, right? WRONG!

I often found these pastel de nata connoisseurs had only been to one place and offered zero comparisons. Just because a place pops up numerous times doesn’t automatically mean it’s any good. So the idea for my no-nonsense guide to pastel de nata cafes in Porto was born. For ten days, I ate my way around Porto. In the hope I can spare you from disappointment and show you where you can actually find quality natas, these are my results from my food tour:  

Please Note: This guide focuses on pastel de nata cafes in Porto and not on Lisbon. I’ve never been to Lisbon, nor do I have any plans in future to visit. Pastel de nata is a Portuguese tart that is enjoyed all over Portugal and the rest of the world. You are allowed to eat them outside of Lisbon. Besides, brands such as Manteigaria, A Brasileira and Castro operate not only in Lisbon, but also in Porto. Again my no-nonsense guide focuses on pastel de nata cafes in Porto.

Pastel de Nata Cafes in Porto Today

Pastéis de nata, or the Portuguese custard tarts, are just as famous as the Ponte Luis in Porto or the yellow trams down in Lisbon. It’s a classic puff pastry filled with a silky-smooth sweet custard which has become everyone’s favourite treat whilst on holidays.  

• Porto has an abundance of cafés to choose from
• Queuing to get into cafés in Porto is normal and can take up to 30 minutes
• My research & selection is based on travel blogs, must-eat places for pastel del nata and own selection via Google Maps & review readings
• “Pastelarias” are bakeries and are not considered in my research
• There are still a lot of “old-skool” cafés with outdated furniture and plastic chairs
• Cafés aren’t really designed for “sitting around”. This is more a concept of North Europe, but not so common in the South

• Wifi is available but you’ll have to ask for the password
• “Belem” is the name of a pastel if it has been made according to a very specific recipe. “Nata” refers to any recipe alteration. Pastel de Belem can only be found at Pastellaria de Belem in Lisbon. Again, this post focuses on pastel de nata cafes in Porto
• The average price for a pastel de nata in Porto is 1.10€
• “Pastéis” is the plural form, “pastel” is singular
• The average diameter of a nata is 6cm. The pastry shell is flaky with up to 14 distinctive layers
• Up to 2000 natas are produced in one single factory (fabrica). The quick turnaround allows for freshness, but those cafés can be noisy and feel like a “train station”
• Zumo naturale (orange juice) are always pressed freshly with a cold press
• Porto is not famous for coffee and the quality is very low, so please don’t expect too much. Often it is very thin and very acidic
• It’s not common to serve water with your coffee

My Quality Check For Tasting Pastel de Nata in Porto

I always ordered two pastéis to ensure uniformity and assess quality based on consistency. Often, the second tart gave me a better understanding of the flavour profile and confirmed my first impression.

To evaluate the quality of my pastéis de nata tasting, I looked at the following criteria:

• Price
• Size
• Colour
• First Impression
• Quality of my second tart
• Texture Base: flaky, layers, crunch
• Texture Filling: smooth, curdled
• Taste Base
• Taste Filling
• Verdict

Best Pastel de Nata Cafes in Porto

These were my personal favourite pastel de nata cafes in Porto which I’ve revisited a couple of times. Their pastéis were always fresh with a flaky pastry shell holding a delicious creamy dreamy custard filling. All pastel de nata cafes in Porto are within walkable distance unless otherwise stated.

Castro

This brand-new addition to Porto has only opened its doors last year. Castro’s chic pastéis de nata atelier oozes Parisian flair and sophistication from the moment you step in. There’s an elegant glass counter displaying fresh tarts. In the back are marbled stone bistro tables inviting you to sit down and relax for an hour or two. All tables have an excellent view of the atelier which produces over 2000 fresh tarts daily.   

Why You Should Come Here: Castro is not only mega chic, elegant & clean, it also offers an air-conditioned tearoom with first-row seats to their atelier. Two chefs skilfully craft the pastry dough into the baking moulds to ensure uniformity, whilst another one stirs the custard to smooth perfection. There’s no queuing or “train station” feel here. The menu is simple: pastéis and a small selection of drinks. The simplicity is also embraced in its 1920s branding with navy blue colours and geometric gold application. 

Castro’s Pastel de Nata Review: 1.10€ per nata | 3.70€ water

My picture-perfect pastéis are 6cm in diameter with a 2-3cm height. I can see distinctive layers which are close together. I can tell the pastry shell is thin and the custard will be the star. The golden-brown colour, its nice glaze and shine on top scream “Eat Me”. There are little bubbles on the caramelised bits which further excite me. There’s a nice crunchy sound upon my first touch. The flakes come away easily and my first bite goes straight through. There’s no soggy bottom, so this pastel is fresh AF. My taste buds welcome a silky-smooth custard that holds well together. Its vanilla flavour is light and delicious. 

My second tart counts 13 distinctive layers which are fine and delicate. It’s perfection. The custard combines well with the pastry shell. Great hold and again a lovely crunchy sound upon my first touch. The custard is soft and has a thin layer of shiny skin. 

I loved Castro’s pastel de nata because all components of my custard tarts were perfect. The intimate vibes and timeless interior made this experience exquisite from the moment, I stepped in. Add in the opportunity to see them in the making and you’ll have me coming back regularly for more. These are very good pastéis – on par with Manteigaria’s products. I prefer Castro though, as Manteigaria’s pastéis de nata tend to be a bit greasy. 

Good To Know: The dinnerware was designed in partnership with Vista Alegre. The branding with gold and navy blue 1920s geometrics is intentional to represent tradition and pay homage to the great Portuguese households. Wifi is available upon request. 

Mercador Café

This independent family-run café in the heart of the historic Flores area opened in 2017. Their inspiration comes mainly from traditional Portuguese cuisine with elements of other countries. The café serves first and foremost brunch, such as toasts and waffles, but also offers pastéis de nata.  

Why You Should Come Here: Mercador Café is popular for its breakfast and brunch menu. This Porto café has friendly staff, serves delicious food and is charmingly decorated. You can even buy some crockery and quirky decorations here. Even though Mercador tends to be busy, the food is excellent and not to be missed. 

Mercador Café Pastel de Nata Review: 1.10€ per nata | 2.90€ cappuccino | 3€ zumo

I can count an impressive 13 layers on both of my tarts. Their flakes and great size look very appealing to me. The golden-brown pastry holds a lovely yellow custard inside. Both tarts look uniform to me. 

The first pastel holds well together upon my first touch. I can actually feel the heaviness of the custard so I can tell the shell is filled to the brim. My first bite goes straight through a crumbly pastry with an ear-shattering crunch. The layers are paper-thin and perfect. There’s no soggy bottom and the flakes haven’t crumbled apart. It all holds together firmly. The custard is smooth with a slight hint of vanilla flavour. This is a fairy-tale treat. 

The bottom has only two layers and I’m surprised how well it holds the custard given how heavily filled it is. My second pastel doesn’t disappoint either. I bite through its paper-thin layers with ease. It holds together without any hint of collapsing in my fingers. The custard is silky smooth but it’s not spilling or dribbling. 

I loved Mercador Café’s pastel de nata because the tarts were uniform and full of custard deliciousness. The attentive staff are extremely welcoming although they rotate like clockwork. Food gets dished out left, right and centre-front, but the quality is top-notch. I came here a few more times and even though I had to queue, the staff made sure I was seated promptly. 

Good To Know: This pastel de nata café in Porto gets very busy as soon as it opens at 9:30am. I came here a bit later, at around 10:30-11am when the first round of brunch goers left and found it much quieter. Wifi is available upon request. 

Manteigaria

Originally from Lisbon, Manteigaria has two pastel de nata factories “fabricas” in Porto. The one in Rua Formosa sits close to Porto’s classics Confeitaria do Bolhao and the Majestic Café. A coincident? Maybe, because the quality of Manteigaria’s pastéis de nata is top-notch and can easily put the other two into shade. 

Why You Should Come Here: Manteigaria is THE café for quality pastéis de nata in Porto. There’s no shadow of a doubt. The café is clean, modern and offers you the chance to see the tarts in the making. Manteigaria shares its generous space with the Delta Coffee experience, a speciality coffee roastery. What’s not to love about quality coffee and custard tarts? It is touristy and loud, yes, but the quick turnaround ensures freshness and top-notch quality. Pastéis de Nata can be ordered for takeaway or dine-in. You wouldn’t be able to work here as the constant come and go create a “train station” buzz. 

Manteigaria’s Pastel de Nata Review: 1.10€ per nata | 2.80€ cappuccino | 3€ zumo

My pastéis look fresh and super attractive. The crust is golden with soft brown spots. The yellow custard inside has caramelised spots on top. I do notice their flat height and the bottom leaves a greasy mark on my napkin. The fresh smell and pleasant crunchy sound upon my first touch excite me. I bite straight through the thin layers and meet velvety smooth custard. The taste is not sickly, but its sweet aftertaste lingers delightfully for a while. There’s no soggy bottom. 

These pastéis de nata are best enjoyed with coffee. My cappuccino has a lovely artisanal flower decoration. The ratio of foam to drink is well-balanced, although I notice there’s a bit more milk than coffee. I’m having a bigger sip and can taste the coffee’s subtle existence. Its discrete profile compliments the sweetness of the tarts. A nice and well-balanced combination! 

During a revisit, I notice the petite-ness of the pastéis, so the delicate pastry and smaller size are a signature of Manteigaria’s tarts. The pastry shell is golden-brown without distinctive layers. The pale-yellow custard fills it nicely. Both tarts are still warm. I can bite straight through its shell and taste a lovely caramelised custard. The consistency is smooth, and I want more with every bite.  

I loved Manteigaria’s pastel de nata because even though this pastel de nata cafe in Porto is touristy & loud, the place strives for quality. The table tops are solidly marbled, and a quick turnaround ensures freshness. The business concept of having a speciality coffee experience alongside custard tarts works well. They are delicious and were consistently phenomenal. 

Good To Know: The fast Wifi is available and won’t require a password. Another smaller branch can be found near the Clerigos tower but won’t offer any seating.  

Maison Gourmet

Maison Gourmet is located inside the historical food market Mercado Bom Sucesso. The brand has one more location in town located at Campus São João. The offering includes pastéis de nata, pastries, milkshakes and freshly pressed zumo.

Why You Should Come Here: a bit outside of the tourist-overrun center, Bom Sucesso is worth checking out. The prestigious market has been running since 1952 and was recently extensively renovated. Today, the modern and chic food market is home to over 40 shops, 26 food stalls and a stellar entertainment area. It’s actually the finest food market I’ve ever been to. There are generous seating areas and lots of interesting food stalls to choose from. I loved the modern and classy look. It was definitely a place visited primarily by locals and Portuguese visitors, making it less of a tourist magnet than Mercado Ferreira Borges.

Maison Gourmet’s Pastel del Nata Review: 1.20€ per nata | 2€ zumo

My two tarts are massive. These are the biggest ones I’ve had in Porto. I measure an impressive 8cm diameter and 4cm in height. I’m so excited as this means more custard. Both pastry shells flake in 14 distinctive layers and make a great first impression. The custard has a nice yellow colouring.

I bite into my first pastel. It is flaky and has still a great crunch to it. I can taste though, that it is slowly going stale. I can forgive this because I got to Bom Mercado during the evening and pastel de nata o’clock is long gone for today. The custard is light and soft. The vanilla flavour is lovely and not sickly sweet. The shine on top is appealing and there’s no soggy bottom. The pastry shell and custard blend perfectly together on the edge. My second pastel is just as enjoyable as the first one and confirms, that these would be outstanding if I would have come here earlier.

I loved Maison Gourmet’s pastel de nata because they provided me with some much-needed comfort. I stumbled upon the food market by accident when I found refuge during a heavy thunderstorm. The food market really impressed me, and the atmosphere was just right for me. I usually don’t enjoy these food markets as they tend to be overrun by tourists, but this one appealed to me with its sophisticated flair and relaxed atmosphere.

Good To Know: Mercado Bom Sucesso is located in the Boavista area. It’s a short walk from Casa da Musica and shopping mall Cidade do Porto.

Average Pastel de Nata Cafes in Porto

These pastel de nata cafes in Porto are not necessarily “known” for their custard tart quality, but offered other attractive incentives for a visit. May it be a quirky environment to sit in, friendly staff, delicious brunch or simply a relaxed vibe. Some tarts were good but not as good as the ones listed in my previous section.

Majestic

A Porto classic since 1921, Majestic Café enjoys a high reputation and popularity amongst visitors. The original art nouveau tearoom with its kitschy fat angel decorations, pastel pink coloured walls and high mirrors is well-preserved. It was originally named “Elite” but changed into “Majestic” to sound more French and therefore appeal to a wider audience.

Why You Should Come Here: This pastel de nata cafe in Porto has a rather unusual design for a South European café, as it pays homage to a traditional Viennese tearoom. The interior is well-made. It’s atmospheric and the service is high-end. Their custard tarts are good, too. If you don’t mind the long queues from 8:30am onwards and are prepared that this is more of a tourist experience rather than a casual café visit, then please follow your curiosity and check it out.

Majestic Café Pastel de Nata Review: 3€ per nata | 6.50€ cappuccino

These pastéis are slightly bigger than any of their competitors. Golden flakes and visible layers excite me and confirm my positive first impression. The colour of the custard looks a bit dull and the glaze seems dry. My initial concerns that these may indicate staleness are waived at upon my first bite. The pastry shell crunches delightfully and despite its appearance is fresh and tasty. There are no chewy bits, but the shell is crisp and delicious. The filling is softly sweet and creamy.

My second pastel has a phenomenal crunch to it, too. Again, lots of visible, distinctive layers and there are no greasy spots from the butter. The custard is smooth and delicious. You can’t stop eating it – especially when in combination with the coffee.

My cappuccino has a rounded flavour profile, a super creamy foam and a balanced ratio of foam to drink. My first couple of sips feel like a warm wake-up kiss on a lazy Sunday morning. Its pleasant aftertaste leaves me slowly but I’m already looking forward to my next sip. The quality is on par with the Hamburg coffees, but I expect that high level if I pay 6.50€ for a coffee. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stay warm for too long in its China, so I better be quick with taking pictures.

Can I come here for natas? Yes, but it’s touristy AF and always busy. I went to Majestic because it’s the most hyped café in Porto and I had to judge for myself. I personally don’t rate it and wouldn’t rush back here. There are nicer pastel de nata cafes in Porto.  

Good To Know: Long queues from 8:30am. Tourist prices. Wifi is available upon request. One of the rare art nouveau buildings preserved in Porto. Designed by Joan Queiros.

Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Fabrica started out as a small, independent family-run business with the pioneering mission to introduce speciality coffee to Portugal. The brand has now five locations across Lisbon and Porto and offers subscription boxes.

Why You Should Come Here: the branch located in the trendy and laid-back Vitoria area doesn’t require queuing. Exposed brick walls, a light airy feel, plants and solid wooden tables will draw you in. The roastery smells of freshly grounded coffee and excites for its breakfast, too. The vibe is friendly, and you could work here for a few hours undisturbed. 

Fabrica Coffee Roasters Pastel de Nata Review: 1.50€ per nata | 2.80€ cappuccino

Both custard tarts are big and wide, but they are flat in height, similar to Manteigaria. I count 7 distinctive layers which are pale with a light brown edge. The custard looks a bit dried out and the tarts may not be as fresh. Let’s find out!

The first pastel has a great hold and it’s easy to bite through the very flaky and crispy shell. The custard is a bit lumpy but luckily not curdled. The flavour is good and there’s no grease from the butter. Despite my initial concerns, the pastel is fresh and I look forward to my second.

The second tart has a great hold, too. The custard sits firmly in its flaky shell. I can taste a first hint of staleness and the bottom is slightly chewy on this one. The taste of the sweet vanilla flavour is pleasant and I enjoyed that!  

Can I come here for natas? The custard tarts are solid, but would I come here specifically for the pastéis? No, that right is reserved for Castro but with Fabrica you’ll mainly come here for the laid-back atmosphere. I also had a nice brunch and the coffee is good, too. The strict no WiFi policy didn’t keep me too long here.

Good To Know: The roastery offers a subscription service and has a strict no WiFi policy.

Garden Café Porto

This independent and fun brunch spot advertises itself with “Food out of this world”. Quite the statement, right? Once inside, you will have left Porto’s busy main road and entered a wild jungle. The place fully embraces the theme and dishes are decorated accordingly.   

Why You Should Come Here: even though the café is located on a busy corner, you are in a different world once inside. At 9:40am you can walk in without queuing. The generous space is charmingly decorated with plants, solid wooden tables and memorabilia from Australia without coming across as pretentious. Crates upon crates with fresh oranges add to the authenticity. I couldn’t stop smiling from the moment I stepped in. The team are easy going and fun to talk to. You are invited to work here, as there’s free Wifi, subtle Latino music, sockets and the generous tables fit all your stuff and food, too.  

Garden Café Porto Pastel de Nata Review: 1.20€ per nata | 1.90€ cappuccino | 3€ zumo

The tarts needed a while to arrive, but I reckon they were in the oven. The whole café smells delightfully of sweet vanilla custard. When they arrive, they are burnt but it’s no hassle to exchange them. Still, the colour is on the statement side with the new ones.

I know they’ll be fresh and so I tuck in. I bite straight through the 6 distinctive layers. Because this tart is baked “well done”, there’s an ear-shattering crunch. No soggy bottom, no chew and this is how you know the quality is top. The size at 6cm diameter and decent height are what I expect from a pastel. The pale-yellow custard combines well with the shell. Onto the second one, shall we?

The second tart with its caramelised spots and shiny glaze looks attractive. It smells properly vanilla-ry and because it is a bit burnt, there are little caramel bubbles. My taste buds welcome a velvety smooth custard that holds well in the pastry shell. There’s a lightness to the custard that makes me want more of it. Very light, sweet and enjoyable!

Can I come here for natas? Yes, the tarts will be fresh and tasty. I wouldn’t come here specifically for the custard tarts, but the brunch, fun interior and friendly atmosphere motivate me to visit again in future.

Good To Know: Wifi is available, but ask for the password. Come here at around 9:40am to avoid queuing. Garden Café Porto also has a generous outdoor space all around the corner that it occupies.

Confeitaria Do Bolhao

Another Porto “classic” is Confeitaria do Bolhao (pronounced “bouleone”). The café has been running since 1896 and is older than Majestic. Confeitaria started as an exclusive Porto café for the elite to enjoy their breakfasts. Today, visitors can still enjoy food in the original tearoom. An in-house bakery sits at the front and caters to the increased foot folk.  

Why You Should Come Here: Bolhao is often named alongside Majestic and A Brasileira. It is a classic Porto institution with a long traditional history. Unlike the other two, its service is way laxer, but Bolhao has also fallen victim to mass tourism. The tearoom has been kept in its original state with some modern additions. I’m not too sure about the flat screen TV which degrades it slightly to a canteen. Other than that, you can appreciate the details, the generous mirrors and the former sophisticated style.

Confeitaria do Bolhao Pastel de Nata Review: 1€ per nata | 2.10€ cappuccino

The coffee is a straight fail. The foam is flat, there’s no artisanal pattern or any efforts made with its presentation. The drink is piping hot, but I’m not a fan. The taste is overly acidic with a bitter and lingering aftertaste. It’s so aggressive, that I can’t finish the coffee without feeling poorly. Let’s hope the pastéis are better!

My first impression of these two tarts is positive. Their shiny glaze reflects the light of the tearoom. The puff pastry sheds in 10 distinctive layers. They fulfil the standard size of 6cm diameter, with a nice height and golden-brown spots on the top. My tarts are served with cinnamon. 

These pastéis de nata are very fresh, as I can bite straight through them. It’s easy and the layers do not crumble apart. There’s no chew or a soggy bottom – only crunchy bits that hold a tart filled to the brim with custard. Secretly, the pastry is the star of Confeitaria do Bolhao’s tarts. 

The custard is firm but not as smooth as Manteigaria or Castro. The vanilla is very subtle, and the sweetness is gone quickly with not much aftertaste. I can taste the cornflour which is used to thicken and stabilise the custard. There’s a starchy layer to the taste which I don’t mind, but it is a reason why these tarts are not in my top spot for pastel de nata cafes in Porto. 

My second pastel is of solid quality, too. It delivers with a fluent composition of custard and pastry shell. The base is flaky with a golden-brown colour. It holds the filling. Again, the pastry overshadows the custard which has again a starch tint in its flavour profile. 

Can I come here for natas? Yes, it’s a safe address but I wouldn’t bother too much with the actual tearoom. It is nice but lacking in charm and quality. I felt that Bolhao wasn’t embracing its exquisite heritage enough. It’s loud and echoey in there, plus the service is rather basic in comparison to Majestic. The tarts are good but could do with a hint more of vanilla flavour for my likening. Fetch a few tarts from the bakery at the entrance for takeaway instead.

Good To Know: Wifi is available, but ask for the password. Unlike other cafés nearby, Bolhao focuses on foot folk, so the tearoom is most likely available without having to queue. 

Combi Coffee

Gonçalo and his brother Francisco started in 2014 with a coffee van. Back then they would supply festivals and markets with speciality coffee all over Portugal. Last year they finally settled down in the Bonfirm area and transformed a garage into a hipster roastery. The signature products are espresso, cappuccino, flat white or macchiato, and filter coffees, made in V60, French press or Aero press. 

Why You Should Come Here: the garage-turned-cafeteria is a lively, unfuzzy and well-visited spot in Bonfirm. The owners are mega friendly and always happy to chat about all things coffee. The coffee is top quality (think Hamburg coffee quality). You can work here, enjoy the industrial design of Combi or simply meet interesting (and quirky) people. 

Combi Pastel de Nata Review: 1.90€ per nata | 3€ cappuccino 

This is the only time when I had one pastel, but two coffees. Let me explain why!

My tart delivers on the size (6cm in diameter and nicely risen) and layers. I can count an impressive 11 flaky layers. The yellow of the custard blends well with the pastry shell and has an appealing shine to it. It looks fresh and has “eat me” vibes. Let’s go!

The tart is fresh, but it is its last minute before it’ll get slightly chewy. The bottom is golden-brown and not soggy. The custard is lumpy and not as smooth, but luckily it isn’t curdled. The layers of the sweet pastry break away like thin paper and complement the filling. Ok, but nothing special. 

Special is the coffee though. My first cappuccino has a nice creamy top, but the taste is weird. Rebellious as I am, I went against the waitress’ suggestion to order it with oat milk. Instead, I insisted on almond. I’m having another sip, but the taste irritates me. The flavour profile is interesting, but the lingering bitterness confuses me. 

My waitress just smiles at me when she sees my face. “Told you!”. It won’t take a minute and she comes over with a second cappuccino. This time made with Oatly. What a difference!

My second round is creamy. The drink is strong but pleasant. It harmonises well with the milk and develops a full body. No lingering aftertaste, just insanely good quality coffee. Would have never imagined, that milk alternatives can alter a flavour profile that much. Learnt something new today. 

Can I come here for natas? Hm, pastéis not so much but defo for the coffee. Combi sources the custard tarts externally and knowing that I would rather go directly to any other pastel de nata cafe in Porto. Seek out Combi if you’re after quality coffee and a charming environment.  

Good To Know: Wifi is available. Combi sources their coffee from a variety of different suppliers from all over the coffee world. On my visit, the coffee came fresh from Nicaragua. 

Worst Pastel de Nata Cafes in Porto

To provide 360° feedback and transparency on pastel de nata cafes in Porto, I have decided to include the cafés, that served scrambled eggs instead of a traditional Portuguese custard tart. A place may have a well-known name, but it doesn’t make it automatically a “quality” place. I feel it is important to not just show the yellow glossy side of pastel de nata cafes in Porto, but also to spare you from any disappointment and instead enjoy the real experience somewhere else.

Please Note: It could have been a bad batch day, so please do check other review sites for their latest and most up-to-date information. I made my decisions on the quality of the product and the general atmosphere of the place. In case a product wasn’t of high quality, other deciding factors for a revisit such as friendliness of staff, welcoming atmosphere and general vibe were taken into consideration.

Café A Brasileira

A Brasileira opened in 1903 and was run by Portuguese emigrant Adriano Telles. He married the daughter of Brazilian’s largest coffee producer. His idea for the Porto café? Make it a sampling place for the new drink. Soon it developed into a hotspot for intellectuals, artists and political activists. A Brasileira still hosts occasional exhibitions today and coined the term “bica” (shot of espresso) in Portuguese. 

Why You Should Come Here: the tearoom is stunning and feels authentic. Its circular interior has gorgeous mosaic flooring, generous mirrors and intricate details such as stucco and carvings. You feel transported back in time when the VIPs came here and discussed the big world-changing ideas of their time. The history of this place is ingrained in every detail. The café exudes a sophisticated flair and embraces its long-standing heritage. They also do breakfast. 

Café A Brasileira Pastel de Nata review: 1.50€ per nata | 3.40€ cappuccino

My coffee comes without any artisanal decorations and the foam has collapsed. The presentation is poor. The drink is dominant with a strong character but refuses to blend with the milk. I give it a good stir, but it made the taste even more bitter. It has become horrible to drink and I don’t want to intoxicate myself. 

My custard tarts look appealing. They have the standard 6cm diameter and are risen to 4-5cm in height. They are shaped in the form of a funnel, so it means more custard. There’s a lovely shine on top which amplifies the custard’s yellow colour. Too late do I notice that it is an extra glaze. The gloopy liquid drips all over my fingers upon my first bite. It is sticky and I struggle to get rid of it even after using a wet wipe. 

The pastry is flaky and has a lovely crunch. There’s no soggy bottom, so this one is fresh. However, the sticky glaze makes me uncomfortable. The custard is not as smooth as expected. It has a grainy texture and lies a bit heavy in my stomach. The hopes lie now on the overall taste. The vanilla flavour can rescue only so much that I finish it without giving it another thought.  

My second tart has 5 distinctive layers. It’s not as fresh and already chewy. The custard is grainy and curdled. It’s unpleasant and does not feel right at all. I won’t finish this one. 

I was disappointed by A Brasileira and their pastéis de nata weren’t good. This Porto café is meant to be a top address. Even though I loved the tearoom and its flair, the service ignored me most of the time. There was no check-in at any point. They took the tarts off my final bill but did so with an eye roll when I pointed out the curdled disaster.  

Good To Know: Even though Porto was the first branch, the brand took off in Lisbon in 1905. Back then coffee used to be very bitter. Many customers weren’t acquired to its taste yet, so they spat it back out. Tellers installed a sign reading “Please do not spit on the floor” which still hangs today. 

7G Roasters

Tugged away in Vila Nova Gaia on the other side of the river, 7G is not just a café & restaurant, it is also a coffee roastery and apartment hotel. They offer speciality coffee and create individual blends for their clients. You can also take part in coffee tastings and courses. 

Why You Should Come Here: 7G is tugged away from the busy waterfront and allows for a quiet space to relax. The generous terrace is partially roofed and provides enough sun and shade. It’s connected to the inside which has an open front so everyone can enjoy the gorgeous summer weather. It’s lovely to sit here and chill out. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. The coffee is not too bad either. 

7G’s Pastel de Nata review: 1.20€ per nata | 3€ cappuccino 

Oh, both tarts don’t make the best first impression. The edges are burnt, and the custard has either dried out or escaped in the baking process. The heavily sunken custard looks sad. In parts, it has split from the pastry shell. Luckily the custard has preserved an attractive yellow colour. My tarts fulfil the standard height and I can count 7 distinctive flaky layers. There’s a lovely crunch upon my touch and I can see my first pastel has not left a greasy mark on the napkin Let’s tuck in! 

The pastry is crumbly and has a buttery taste. Something must have gone wrong in the baking process because there’s more pastry than custard. The bottom of the pastry shell is dense. The little bit that is left from the custard is heavily curdled and grizzly grainy. I have to leave this one unfinished. 

The second pastel looks more promising. There are 9 distinctive layers and fewer burnt bits on the tart. Maybe the first one was an accident? The moment I bite into the tart, the custard collapses in the middle. The pastry is fresh and crunchy but again the bottom part feels dense. The custard developed an air pocket which collapsed the moment I bit into it. The little that is left is a curdled tight scrambled egg. Bugger!

My cappuccino is much nicer. I’m served a Brazilian blend with artisanal heart decoration. The drink is hot and super creamy. My first sip meets a strong coffee, but it marries well after a good stir with the milk. The acidity is for a fleeting moment, and then the full body and round profile take over. I enjoy it very much.

I was disappointed by 7G’s pastel de natas because they looked alright but sadly, turned out to be a curdled mess. My waiter tells me they outsource the pastéis from a third party and it’s no hassle to take these off my bill. He invites me for coffee and because I enjoyed the overall relaxed and friendly atmosphere decide 7G deserves a second chance.  

Good To Know: Wifi is available upon request. 7G is one of the few Porto cafés that offer a lighter, finger-food cuisine. A nice change from the constant wine and heavily-centred seafood.

FAQs About Pastel de Nata Cafes in Porto

I understand this is quite a lengthy post and you may have some quick questions about pastel de nata cafes in Porto. You can, of course, always come back to any section of my post and read in more detail what you’d need for your trip. If you have questions or need help, please get in touch and I’m happy to assist. 

How much costs a Pastel de Nata in Porto?

The average price for a pastel de nata in Porto is 1.10€. The price bracket ranged from 1€ to 3€ as per my visit, May/June 2022.

Where are the best Pastel de Nata Cafes in Porto?

The best pastel de nata cafes in Porto are within walking distance of the city centre. It makes sense, because fabricas, such as Manteigaria or Castro rely heavily on a high volume of customers each day. This can’t be achieved if they were located in a far-away neighbourhood. The fabricas produce a high volume of tarts daily. They only sell pastéis de nata and the quick turnaround guarantees freshness and quality. Often they are still warm. You can come here late in the day and get a fresh custard tart.

Cafés in Porto tend to outsource their custard tarts and use pastelarias which deliver supply in the morning. Therefore, the quality reduces over the day and you may end up with a stale tart in the afternoon.

Pastelarias produce batches of pastéis de nata over the day but aren’t producing as regularly as the fabricas. They usually have a fresh batch early in the morning and depending on demand, produce more shortly after lunch. Keep in mind pastelarias sell other baked goods, so the custard tarts can sit there all day before they get bought.

Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed the post and would like to support my blog & research, you can do so via Buy Me a Coffee.

Till next time,

Carolin

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