We decided to keep the name “croissants” as it is, because that makes it even more chic , but we ended up creating versions for all tastes, in various sizes and even in the most unusual colors.
It ‘s really hard to say which are the best, but we accepted the challenge and chose a few places in Lisbon where they make the most delicious ones , the kind that make your mouth water just thinking about them.
You can agree, disagree and give your opinion, but you really have to try them all. Enjoy!
Table Of Contents
Benard
The croissants from the historic Benard pastry shop are almost as famous as the statue of Fernando Pessoa outside.
An authentic Chiado institution, they’re always coming out of the oven and the hardest part is choosing between so many varieties.
Chocolate, egg jam, strawberry or raspberry are some of the fillings available (always in industrial doses), but there are also mixed ones or ones with fresh cheese, just to give a few examples.
Address: Rua Garrett 104 (Chiado)
Pastelaria Careca
It used to be called Pastelaria Restelo, but nowadays it’s better known as Pastelaria Careca.
Some people cross the city from one end to the other just for the croissants (yes, we’re among them) and when you taste them you’ll understand why.
Sugary (very sugary!) and undercooked, they ‘ve already been copied by other pastry shops in the city, but nobody beats the originals.
As well as croissants, this pastry shop (open since 1954) also sells some of the best palmiers and king cakes in Lisbon.
Address: Rua Duarte Pacheco Pereira 11D (Restelo)
The Best Croissant on My Street
Every street in Lisbon should have an “O Melhor Croissant da Minha Rua” (The Best Croissant on My Street), a place known for its delicious half-moons that has already opened in 14 locations in Greater Lisbon alone, from Setúbal to Carcavelos.
The various flavors and the special and limited editions make this one of our favorite croissant stores.
How can you say “no” to a croissant with Nutella or one with curd cheese, pumpkin jam and walnuts? Impossible, isn’t it?
For World Croissant Day, you can try two new editions: Queijo de Seia, Apple & Cinnamon with Walnuts, the perfect contrast between sweet and savory; and Creme de Pasteleiro, Frutos Vermelhos & Pistácio, lovingly thought out in anticipation of Valentine’s Day.
Address: various locations in the city (see map below)
Manolo Bakes
With more than 40 stores in Spain, Manolo Bakes finally arrived in Lisbon in May 2024, and is one of the most renowned pastry stores in terms of innovation and quality.
It brought with it the famous “Manolitos”, which are none other than the most renowned mini-croissants on the Iberian Peninsula , through their sweet and savoury flavours.
One of the highlights of these pastry shops is that you can take one of their boxes, choose the quantities and flavors you want, and go out and taste each one on the street.
Address: Largo Calhariz 3 (Chiado/Bairro Alto); Avenida de Roma 27C (Roma)
maat Café & Kitchen
If you’re already familiar with the restaurant located in MAAT, but haven’t yet tried its Parisian-inspired brunch, then it’s time to make your reservation now.
Very crunchy in the dough and velvety in the creams and toppings, these four croissants promise an authentic journey through space and an explosion of flavors.
The Romeo and Juliet Toast croissant combines guava jam, cream cheese, avocado, fresh tomato and poached egg; the Iberian Ham Textures croissant brings together a very fine ham, garnished with creamy guacamole, low temperature egg and chives; the French Puff Pastry croissant is filled with cream cheese and sundried tomatoes, smoked salmon and cherovia crunch; and the Sweet Toast croissant is filled with dark chocolate, white chocolate ganache topped with passion fruit, vanilla whipped cream and red berries. They are served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 12pm.
Address: Avenida Brasília (Belém)
Choupana Caffe
As well as being delicious, the French puffs at Choupana Caffe are also the most Instagrammable.
We’re talking about the pink ones, of course, which have this hue thanks to an extract of red berries that is added to the dough.
Filled with Nutella, egg jam, apple and cinnamon or almond jam, among other options, they can be tasted at the mother house, near Saldanha, or at the new Choupana space in the Parque das Nações.
Address: Avenida da República 25A (Avenidas Novas)
Maria Croissant
Maria is considered by many to be the queen of French pastries in Portugal. One of the reasons for this, apart from their delicious croissants, is that you can try a new filling every month.
To find out what this month’s flavor is, you can search the social networks of this croissant shop in Lisbon, which always manages to combine the most delicate flavors and aromas.
To mark World Croissant Day, this year’s highlights include Parfait, with a crunchy crust and moist crumb; Apple and Cinnamon, which is very soft and aromatic; Kinder Bueno, which is famous among children; and Simples, the classic that never goes out of style.
At Maria Croissant you’ll always find groups of friends getting together to enjoy one of these delicacies, and even whole families coming here for a little mid-afternoon snack.
Address: several stores in Lisbon (see map below)
Chez Croissant
This place opened in mid-March 2024, proving to be a pleasant and sweet surprise in downtown Lisbon.
The focus is on vegan croissants, which combine the lightness of puff pastry with the softness of brioche, and around 20 different fillings, both sweet and savory.
Among the sweet options, we highlight the Salted Caramel option, the version with Egg Jam, the one with Nutella, or the one with White Chocolate and Hazelnut Cream, with prices ranging from €2.80 to €3.80.
Address: several stores in Lisbon (see map below)
