It’s always time for a pastel de nata: where to find the best Portuguese pastries in London

It’s always time for a pastel de nata: where to find the best Portuguese pastries in London

Credit: Santa Nata/ Cafe de Nata

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It’s always time for a pastel de nata: where to find the best Portuguese pastries in London

By Amy Beecham

2 years ago

2 min read

A taste of Lisbon without leaving the country? Yes please. Here are six of the best spots across the capital for sampling pastéis de nata, aka Portuguese custard tarts. 


If you’re a foodie with a particularly sweet tooth, you’ll be more than familiar with delicious desserts from across the world: Italy’s creamy gelato and tiramisu, Japan’s dorayaki and mochi, Mexico’s churros and halwa from the Middle East. And when it comes to Portugal, none other than the pastel de nata.

With crispy puff pastry and a signature burnt custard topping, these bitesize delights (known as pastéis de nata if you’re ordering more than one) have been around for centuries but only took the UK’s culinary world by storm relatively recently. The most popular dessert in Lisbon and now, it seems, in London, here are our favourite spots across the city to enjoy a pastel de nata for yourself.


Madeira London

The place that started it all. Under the railway arches near Vauxhall station in an area known locally as Little Portugal, you’ll find Madeira – the first Portuguese pastelaria that helped popularise the pastel de nata in Britain.

Expect classic plain pastéis de nata made using an original recipe created in the late 17th century, as well as blueberry, raspberry and vegan variations.

Address: Railway Arch, 83 Goding St, London, SE11 5AW

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Cafe de Nata

Café de Nata

With locations across the city, Café de Nata is the perfect place to grab a quick bite while on the go. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with its apple and cinnamon, coconut chocolate and passionfruit pastéis.

Address: locations in South Kensington, Hammersmith, Soho, Camden Town and Knightsbridge

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Taberna do Mercado

This Portuguese eatery in Spitalfields may be best known for its tapas, cheese and charcuterie, but don’t pass over a fresh and flaky pastel de nata for dessert.

Address: Old Spitalfields Market, London, E1 6BG

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O Português Cafe Deli

For an old-school authentic Portuguese deli experience, head to this unassuming but delicious bakery in Camberwell. No frills, but an absolute delight.

Address: 11 Camberwell Church St, London, SE5 8TR

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Santa Nata

Santa Nata

Around the corner from Leicester Square, Santa Nata is a bakery that prides itself on only serving authentic and traditional pastéis de nata throughout the day, every day, handmade by artisan pastry chefs using the finest quality ingredients.

Address: 7 New Row, London, WC2N 4LH

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A Portuguese Love Affair

Head to Hackney for all things Portuguese from the traditional to contemporary, as well as the self-proclaimed “best pastel de nata in London”.

Address: 326 Hackney Rd, London, E2 7AX

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Images: Cafe de Nata/ Santa Nata

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