The Best Pastelarias In Porto Portugal

Eating is one of the best things to do in Porto and no meal is complete without dessert. Before ordering something sweet at your restaurant of choice, however, consider paying for your meal and walking over to one of the city’s many pastry shops, usually called a pastelaria or confeitaria. Never hard to find, there are pastry shops on practically every street, but The Culture Trip recommends sampling the sugary treats from one (or more) of the following spots (of course, you can always try more than these suggestions).

Insider tip: In Portugal, pastries can be salty, salgado, and filled with meats, or sweet, doce. For help on how to order, here is the Culture Trip’s article on How To Order At A Pastelaria.

1. Confeitaria do Bolhão

Bakery, Cafe, Pastries, Portuguese, Dessert, European

The Confeitaria do Bolhão is easily one of the more popular spots for enjoying pastries in Porto and has been since it opened its door in 1896. Located across the street from Bolhão Market, the Confeitaria was once a breakfast stop for Porto’s wealthier residents before they made their way to the traditional market. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, too, but don’t forget to try one of their many pastries including pastéis de nata, croissants, and various cakes. The snack bar is a visual experience as much as a culinary one and decorated with floor to ceiling mirrors.

The traditional Bolhão Market, located across the street from the pastry shop | © Céline Colin / Flickr

2. Tavi - Confeitaria da Foz

Cafe, Patisserie, Restaurant, Portuguese, Pastries, Pub Grub, Coffee

Tavi – Confeitaria da Foz is the name of the locals’ favorite seaside pastry shop that doubles as a restaurant. Located in Foz do Douro, it is a beautiful spot to enjoy a cup of coffee with your favorite Portuguese snack while taking in the breath-taking view of the Atlantic Ocean. Small tapa-like appetizers, called petiscos, and traditional meals are also offered at Tavi, making it a great one-stop-shop for dining out.

4. Padaria Ribeiro

Bakery, Cafe, Pastry Shop, Portuguese, Pastries

It first opened in 1878, in a square that was once called Praça do Pão (Square of Bread), and even though the word padaria means bakery, there is so much more than bread at the Padaria Ribeiro. Today it is located around the corner from the Carmo Church and the locally favorite café called Piolho and offers so many different types of bread and pastries (both sweet and salty) that it might be difficult choosing which to try.

5. Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee

Bakery, Cafe, Ice Cream Parlour, Bar, Pastries, Ice Cream, Portuguese, Dessert, Coffee

Cupcakes and coffee are an excellent pairing.

Spirito Cupcakes and Coffee first opened in the city of Braga but later a few additional branches opened and one is now in Porto. There’s perhaps no doubting that this is one of THE spots for dessert-lovers. As their name suggests, the house specialties are cupcakes and coffee-based drinks, but their different ice cream flavors also steal the show.

6. Moustache

Cafe, Bakery, Portuguese, Pastries, Coffee

Moustache is actually a coffee house but the many cakes, cupcakes, and pies also make it a fantastic place to go for sweet things, too. It’s an excellent place to go solo or with friends with seating offered indoors and outside on the terrace.

7. Pastelaria Tupi

Cafe, Pastry Shop, Pastelaria, Pastries, Portuguese

Located a block from Avenida dos Aliados, Pastelaria Tupi has been serving Porto’s locals since 1987 and although it is now on the radar of the tourists, the venue still has a strong local following. From the fantastic prices to the mouthwatering pastries and meal options, there is plenty to choose from and no bad time to visit.

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