Natas: Where to find the best Portuguese tarts in Montreal
Where can you find the best pastéis de nata in Montreal? With their crisp puff pastry, silky custard and beautifully caramelized tops, these little Portuguese custard tarts have everything it takes to lure us off our path. A coffee, a still-warm nata, a few crumbs on the table: that’s a plan we happily sign up for.
A quick note before the first bite: it’s one pastel de nata, several pastéis de nata. In Quebec, they’re also simply called “natas.” Behind these few syllables lies an iconic Portuguese pastry whose history leads to Belém, a neighbourhood of Lisbon. The famous Pastéis de Belém has been making its tarts there since 1837, following a recipe from the Jerónimos Monastery that it still keeps secret. While pastéis de nata are now enjoyed far beyond Portugal’s borders, Pastéis de Belém remain the specialty of this historic bakery.
In Montreal, Portuguese bakeries and pastry shops thankfully let us satisfy the craving without crossing the Atlantic. What are we looking for? Flaky pastry that crackles at first bite, a creamy filling and a bake that leaves those signature brown spots on top. The balance of textures is what gives this treat its charm, as enjoyable at breakfast as it is for dessert or with a coffee break.
Some prefer them plain; others add a hint of cinnamon. We have a soft spot for natas served slightly warm, when the contrast between pastry and custard is at its most satisfying. As for whether to order one or two, experience has taught us to plan ahead.
From Portuguese pastry shops to neighbourhood bakeries, here are our favourite spots for the best pastéis de nata in Montreal. The hardest part may be waiting until you get home to open the box.
Café Vasco da Gama
Café Vasco de Gama is a sandwich shop that offers delicious natas to accompany your take-out meal!
Montréal
Campo Poulet Portugais
Look no further than Campo for the best Portuguese specialties! You’ll find delicious grain-fed Portuguese chicken, as well as other tasty comfort food, including, of course, Portuguese pâtisseries!
Montreal
Ferreira Café
Café Ferreira is a chic Portuguese restaurant that offers classic dishes in addition to excellent Portuguese desserts, including natas.
Montréal
La Bête A Pain
Located in the Ahuntsic neighbourhood, Bête à Pain Fleury makes homemade breads and very good Portuguese pâtisseries!
Montréal
Les Anges Gourmets
This St. Laurent Boulevard pastry shop is known for its delicious natas. Take them to-go and enjoy them right away at the nearby Parc du Portugal.
Montréal
Les Anges Gourmets
Cette pâtisserie du boulevard St-Laurent est connue de tous pour ses savoureux natas. Emportez-les et dégustez-les directement au Parc du Portugal situé tout près.
Montréal
