Top 10 Best Dessert Spots in Lisbon: Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Figure 1 - Desserts in Lisbon (Tripadvisor, 2021) 

Lisbon is a city known for its rich culinary traditions, but it’s not just the savory dishes that steal the spotlight. The dessert scene in Portugal’s capital is a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. From the iconic pastéis de nata to decadent chocolate cakes and artisanal gelato, Lisbon offers a variety of delightful sweets that are sure to leave you craving for more. Here’s a guide to the top 10 dessert spots you must visit in the city! 

1. Pastéis de Belém – For Iconic Custard Tarts 

- What to Try: Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) 

- Location: Rua de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisboa 

No dessert tour of Lisbon is complete without visiting Pastéis de Belém, home to the original custard tart recipe. Freshly baked and served warm, these tarts have a creamy custard center wrapped in a perfectly flaky, golden crust. The recipe is a closely guarded secret, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to taste an authentic Lisbon classic. 

2. Manteigaria – Famous for Custard Tarts 

- What to Try: Pastéis de Nata 

- Location: Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108 Lisboa 

If you’re exploring downtown Lisbon, make a stop at Manteigaria, another top contender for the best pastéis de nata in the city. With a slightly crispier shell and a smooth, sweet filling, these tarts are baked throughout the day so you’re almost guaranteed to get them fresh and warm. 

3. Landeau Chocolate – For Decadent Chocolate Cake 

Figure 2 - Landeau chocolate (Lisbon Shopping, 2021) 

- What to Try: Rich chocolate cake 

- Location: Rua das Flores 70, 1200-195 Lisboa 

Landeau is a paradise for chocolate lovers. Their signature chocolate cake, often described as the best in Lisbon, is a rich, multi-layered treat with a velvety texture. It’s not overly sweet, balancing rich chocolate flavor with a hint of bitterness, making it a must-try for dessert enthusiasts. 

4. Santini – For Gourmet Gelato 

- What to Try: Seasonal gelato flavors (like fig, raspberry, or salted caramel) 

- Location: Rua do Carmo 9, 1200-093 Lisboa 

Santini is a legendary gelato shop that has been satisfying Lisbon locals since 1949. With creamy, Italian-style gelato, they offer a variety of flavors that change with the seasons. Whether you crave fresh fruit sorbets or indulgent options like salted caramel, Santini’s artisanal gelato is sure to hit the spot. 

5. Confeitaria Nacional – A Taste of Tradition 

- What to Try: Bolo Rei (King Cake) and Trouxas de Ovos (egg-based pastries) 

- Location: Praça da Figueira 18B, 1100-241 Lisboa 

Founded in 1829, Confeitaria Nacional is one of Lisbon’s oldest pastry shops. Known for its traditional Portuguese sweets, you can’t leave without trying their Bolo Rei, a festive fruit cake typically served around Christmas, or Trouxas de Ovos, an egg yolk-filled pastry that’s soft, sweet, and unforgettable. 

6. Pastelaria Versailles – Elegant and Classic 

- What to Try: Paris-Brest and almond croissants 

- Location: Avenida da República 15-A, 1050-185 Lisboa 

For a more refined dessert experience, head to Pastelaria Versailles, an elegant café with intricate chandeliers and Art Nouveau decor. Their French-inspired pastries, like the Paris-Brest, are beautifully crafted and pair perfectly with a coffee. The ambiance and old-world charm make it a perfect stop for afternoon tea or dessert. 

7. Gelados Conchanata – Vintage Gelato 

- What to Try: Classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or pistachio 

- Location: Av. de Roma 46B, 1000-265 Lisboa 

Gelados Conchanata has been a local favorite since the 1940s. While it may not have the glitz of modern gelato shops, its simplicity and focus on quality ingredients make it a staple in Lisbon’s dessert scene. The flavors are traditional, but the taste is timeless. 

8. Fabrica da Nata – Custard Tart Heaven 

- What to Try: Pastéis de Nata 

- Location: Praça dos Restauradores 62-68, 1250-188 Lisboa 

If you’re craving custard tarts but don’t want to venture too far, Fabrica da Nata offers some of the best pastéis de nata in Lisbon’s city center. Their tarts are known for being extra creamy and perfectly caramelized on top. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven while people-watching in the bustling Praça dos Restauradores. 

9. O Melhor Bolo de Chocolate do Mundo – “The Best Chocolate Cake in the World” 

- What to Try: Chocolate cake (53% or 70% cacao version) 

- Location: Rua Tenente Ferreira Durão 62A, 1350-312 Lisboa 

With a name that sets high expectations, O Melhor Bolo de Chocolate do Mundo delivers with its signature chocolate cake. Made with layers of crunchy meringue and smooth chocolate mousse, this dessert is offered in two versions: 53% or 70% cacao. It’s a dream for any chocolate lover and a must-try on your Lisbon dessert adventure. 

10. Amorino – Beautiful and Tasty Gelato 

-What to Try: Flower-shaped gelato with flavors like mango, pistachio, and hazelnut 

- Location: Rua Augusta 209, 1100-051 Lisboa 

For a sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, head to Amorino. This gelato shop is known for serving their gelato in the shape of a flower, allowing you to mix several flavors in one cone. Whether you opt for fruity sorbets or creamy classics, the visual appeal and flavor make Amorino a delightful stop. 

Lisbon is a city that celebrates sweets, with dessert spots offering everything from traditional Portuguese pastries to indulgent modern treats. Whether you’re a fan of custard tarts, rich chocolate cakes, or gourmet gelato, the city has something to offer every dessert lover. So, as you explore the charming streets of Lisbon, make sure to indulge in these must-try dessert spots! 

Works cited:

“The Best Portuguese Desserts (and Where to Try Them in Lisbon).” Taste of Lisboa Food Tours, 2022, www.tasteoflisboa.com/blog/the-best-portuguese-desserts/. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024. 

“The 50 Best Sweets Spots in Lisbon.” Wanderlog, 2024, wanderlog.com/list/geoCategory/86720/best-sweets-spots-in-lisbon. Accessed 17 Sept. 2024.