Pastel de Nata Workshop at REAL Bakery — Restaurant in Mafra

If you ask Lisboetas or city's more knowledgeable visitors which pastelaria is the best and where the most delicious pastéis de nata are made, there are going to be many different answers, with the most frequently cited champions such as Manteigaria (right across the square of our Pastelaria Batalha), Pastéis de Belém (since 1837 but outside of the historic Lisbon, about 20 minutes' drive), Fábrica da Nata on Praça dos Restauradores (next to Rossio), and several others. Pastelaria Batalha, which is located in the southwestern corner of Praça Luís de Camões is a small family-owned establishment that has been making delicious sweets since 1990. Their regular and vegan options (bean cakes) are really good; salads, sandwiches and empanados are also offered. The inside seating, as small as it is, offers a relaxing respite right outside the hustle and bustle of Luís de...

Skip the national chain across the square and give these local award winning independent bakers a try. The young couple who opened this, their first city branch, just four months ago, own two bakeries in the countryside outside of Lisbon. The husband of the couple is a fifth generation baker. You won't find the same old pastries as found in other parts (palmeras, muffins...). Instead they offer only Lisbon area specialty baked goods, or their own renowned specialties. Their pastries have won fifteen awards including Best King's Cake for the last two years running. They have take-out or a seating area with table service, offer salads and sandwiches, and offer a hot breakfast of eggs...

Brace yourself for a surprise that will amaze you... This is a find you will treasure more than most, they do traditional custard tarts AND vegan versions, yup. And they taste near as bang on the same as the non vegan ones ( I had both to ensure this was correct). As well as that there are a host of other beautiful cakes and such and sweets ( we were greeted by a lovely fellow who asked if we wanted to eat in or out and was very helpful all in perfect English, my Portuguese is far from good). There is also a vegan pie (think chicken and mushroom chip shop pie, only vegan) and it is beautiful. Go there and find a bakery that is...