Great places for your sweet tooth
We spent 6 months in Lisbon: enough time to snoop around to find good places for our moments of sugar craving. I can’t say that those in my list are absolutely the best places to have a dessert in Lisbon (impossible to say: Lisbon has hundreds of cafeterias, bakeries, pastry shops!) but for sure they are my favorite so far and I strongly advise you to give them a go!
Antiga Confeitaria de Belém
Also known simply as Pastéis de Belém, as written in the main entrance, the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém is a historical traditional bakery that, for almost two centuries, has been carrying on the old custard cream tart recipe from the close Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
I tried many custard cream tarts in Lisbon but here it’s something different: you find yourself in a bluish atmosphere of azulejos (Portuguese ceramic tiles) and tea sets, elegant décor of dozens small cozy tables and an irresistible aroma all around.
The pastel is simply delicious: crunchy outside, smooth inside and the sweetness of the cream is perfectly balanced. You need it, I promise!
Landeau
If chocolate is your thing and you desire a dessert in Lisbon, Landeau is what you want. Here chocolate is the king and chocolate cake is the only dessert they make and they make it well; it’s simply perfect and one of the few best I’ ve ever had in my life!
Back in 2011, New York Times reviewed it as “Devilishly good chocolate cake” and since then, its reputation hasn’t changed a bit.
The cafeteria is charming: wooden minimal furniture but yet elegant and comfy, it invites you to stay a bit longer than you should, reading a book or simply enjoying fully your luscious indulgence.
Nós é Mais Bolos
Mercado da Ribeira is the perfect place in Lisbon to taste Portuguese food in all its variations, desserts included. After dinner, approach the stall Nós é Mais Bolos, take a look at the cakes display and you will find yourself spoiled for choice: brigadeiro, cheesecake, apple pie, Sachertorte, Blattertarte, to name just a few.
You can have a slice or a whole cake to take away. They also accept orders for parties and anniversaries.
Here, cakes are baked with premium ingredients and with the best care possible. Delicious, unmissable. A real treat.
Tease
I know cupcakes are not the best example of traditional Portuguese desserts but when I find some really good, I feel to share the tip with my fond-of-sugary-stuff friends!
Tease is the place: the variety of flavors will overwhelm you (chocolate, red velvet, lemon, coffee and dozens of enticing combinations); the charming style of furniture, vintage chandeliers, pretty saucers, and teapots will seduce you.
Not only cupcakes but cakes (Pavlova and Red Velvet to die for!) and a wide choice of lunch break dishes, sandwiches, and soups.
More cafeterias and pastry shops where to enjoy a dessert in Lisbon:
- Confeitaria Nacional, Praça da Figueira 18B. Founded in 1829, I suggest a visit, more for its history and tradition than for the kindness of the staff (three experiences not really pleasant so far); but it worths a try for the quality of the sweets and the charm of the design.
- Cafe A Brasileira, Rua Garrett 120. Opened back in 1905, it’s the first cafeteria in Lisbon to serve the bica (strong espresso). Fernando Pessoa used to be a regular customer. A bronze statue of the writer will welcome you outside.
- Pastelaria Versailles, Avenida da República, Nº 15 – A. Out of the touristic circuit, it’s famous for its desserts but also for lunch dishes and the vintage setting.
Are you from Lisbon or you have been there? Write in the comments your favorite place to have a coffee and cake in town!
Featured image copyright: Tease, Lisboa.
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