Café
Pastéis de Belém
Since 1837 this Belém bakery has made its custard tarts by hand to a closely guarded recipe linked to the nearby Jerónimos Monastery.
Confeitaria Nacional
Founded in 1829 on Praça da Figueira, Confeitaria Nacional introduced Bolo-Rei to Portugal in 1875 and still sells pastries from its original recipes.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic patisserie
- Area
- Baixa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- confeitarianacional.com
Good to know
- Tea room
- Take-away counter
Why we recommend it
Confeitaria Nacional opened in 1829 on Praça da Figueira in the Baixa, founded by Balthazar Roiz Castanheiro, and it is one of the oldest patisseries in Lisbon. It has supplied the Portuguese royal house in the past and, according to the house, the Presidency of the Republic today. The shop still occupies its corner of the square, with a traditional counter and display cases on the ground floor and a tea room for sitting down.
Its best-known claim is that it introduced Bolo-Rei, the King Cake, to Portugal in 1875, and that it still makes it to the original recipe. Bolo-Rei is a ring-shaped sweet bread studded with candied and dried fruit and nuts, eaten across the country between Christmas and Epiphany, and the Confeitaria is one of the classic places to buy it. Queues form in December, so go early if you want one during the festive season.
The rest of the year, the counter is filled with traditional Portuguese pastries. Pastel de nata and bolo de arroz, a light rice-flour cake baked in a paper case, are highlights, and there are many other conventual sweets based on egg yolks and sugar, as well as savoury snacks. Order at the counter for take-away, or take a seat and have a coffee or tea with a pastry at a table. It is a good place for breakfast in the Baixa and for picking up a box of sweets to take home.
The Confeitaria suits anyone with a sweet tooth and anyone interested in the history of Lisbon's shops. Prices are reasonable given the location, and service is quick at the counter. It can be busy at peak times, particularly around Christmas, at weekends and in the afternoon, but the turnover is fast. The house also has shops at Amoreiras and in Belém, near Belém Tower, but the Praça da Figueira original has the most character. Opening hours are not published on its website, so check before travelling for a specific purchase.
Praça da Figueira is next to Rossio, a short walk from Rossio and Baixa-Chiado metro stations. Tram 15E and tram 12 stop in the square, and bus 737 to the castle starts nearby, so it is easy to combine a pastry stop with a trip up to São Jorge Castle or a walk through the Baixa.
Confeitaria Nacional FAQs
When was Confeitaria Nacional founded?
In 1829, on Praça da Figueira in Lisbon.
What is it famous for?
It introduced Bolo-Rei to Portugal in 1875 and still makes it to the original recipe.
What else should you try?
Pastel de nata, bolo de arroz and other traditional Portuguese pastries.
Can you sit down?
Yes. There is a tea room as well as the take-away counter.
Are there other branches?
Yes, at Amoreiras and in Belém near Belém Tower.
When is Bolo-Rei available?
It is traditionally eaten between Christmas and Epiphany, when demand is highest.
How do you get there?
Walk from Rossio or Baixa-Chiado metro stations, or take tram 15E or 12 to Praça da Figueira.