Confeitaria Nacional (National Pastry Shop), Lisbon

National Pastry Shop is one of Lisbon’s most historic pastry shops, with a legacy dating back to 1829. For nearly two centuries, it has combined Portuguese confectionery traditions with international pastry influences, creating sweets that are closely tied to celebration, memory, and everyday pleasure. Its long history is also marked by awards and distinctions, but its greatest heritage remains its recipes, carefully preserved and followed through generations.

The house is especially associated with Bolo Rei, the traditional Christmas cake said to have been introduced to Portugal by Confeitaria Nacional’s founder, Balthazar Roiz Castanheiro. Alongside this festive classic, the pastry shop prepares exclusive creations of its own, including Africanos and Meias Luas, as well as seasonal limited editions, festive cakes, and personalised creations for birthdays, weddings, baptisms, and other special occasions.

Visitors will also find a wide selection of traditional Portuguese cakes and assorted pastries made with ingredients such as egg, butter, and almond. These are suited for a morning coffee, afternoon tea, or a sweet gift to share. National Pastry Shop is not only about desserts, however; it also serves traditional Portuguese savoury snacks, including codfish cakes, croquettes, and shrimp rissoles, as well as lunch and brunch options for those who want to enjoy a fuller meal in one of Lisbon’s classic culinary institutions.