At this time of year, it’s easy to find a Bolo-Rei in town, but is it really that simple to find a really good and tasty Bolo-Rei?
Finding the best Bolo-Rei in Lisbon is an eternal dilemma and, we believe, there isn’t just one right answer. In Lisbon alone, there are 13 places that sell our favorites.
Although these Bolos-Reis have been awarded (by us, of course), there are others that, although not, deserve it! But for now, let’s take a look at this delicious list!
Table Of Contents
Swiss Pastry
If we already loved everything that the Swiss Pastry Shop made on a daily basis, what about this Bolo-Rei?!
It respects the most sacred of traditional recipes, with a careful selection of macerated fava beans and dried fruit, and you can order it for home (€14.95) or try a slice in the store (€2.50).
As for the traditional fava bean, you can expect a surprise from Mr. Vasco, the well-known shoeshine man at one of the sweetest places in Praça de Figueira.
Address: Praça da Figueira 5C (Baixa)
National Confectionery
The Bolo-Rei is one of the greatest specialties of the Confeitaria Nacional, one of the city’s oldest establishments, open since 1870 and with a long waiting list every year to buy this cake.
Some even say that it was the owner of the Confeitaria who brought the recipe to Portugal after discovering it in France.
Sometimes buying it takes patience, but tasting it is always worth it!
Address: Praça da Figueira 18A (Baixa)
Pão da Vila
The Pão da Vila bakery-pastry shop has one of the best alternatives to Bolo-Rei, especially for those who don’t like this Christmas delicacy: it’s called Imperador.
With over 30 years’ experience in making all kinds of festive cakes and more, this bakery is the place to find that special Bolo-Rei you’ve been looking for.
Address: Avenida da República 63B
Pastelaria Aloma
As you may already know, Pastelaria Aloma was the winner of the “Best Pastel de Nata of 2024”.
It just so happens that it was also this year’s winner of the Association of the Bakery, Pastry and Similar Trade and Industry (ACIP) competition, which every year highlights “The Best Bolo-Rei in Portugal”, out of a total of 250 competitors.
Address: see all addresses on the map below
Né’s Bakery
We continue our list of the best Bolo-Rei in Lisbon with the third place “Best Bolo-Rei in Portugal” of 2024, which you can find at Padaria da Né.
This little pastry shop really has a knack for it, as in 2021 it was the winner of “The Best Pastel de Nata.”
This year it won our award for the best Bolos-Reis in Lisbon, which will bring a lot of customers knocking on the door to have one of these cakes on their Christmas table.
Address: Rua Carvalho Araújo 7A (Amadora)
Benard Bakery
In Chiado since 1868, the Benard past ry shop is not just a specialist in its croissants, which are one of our favorites.
At this time of year, you’ll also find a delicious Bolo-Rei in their shop windows , with a light pastry full of candied fruit, as it should be.
Address: Rua Garrett 104 (Chiado)
Rice Me Deli – Cafeteria & Bakery
If you’re looking for a Bolo-Rei that’s healthier and less sweet than usual, the answer is at Rice Me Deli, in São Sebastião, opposite El Corte Inglés.
Here, both the Bolo-Rei and the Bolo-Rainha are made with organic rice and buckwheat flour, gluten-free and lactose-free.
They are also low in sugar and contain no colorings or preservatives. In the case of the Bolo-Rei, even the candied fruit is made on site.
It’s a real treat, even for those who think they don’t like Bolo-Rei! And if you place your order on the website by December 16, you’ll get a 15% discount.
Address: Rua António Augusto Aguiar 124A (São Sebastião/Parque)
Gleba Bakery
Not all king cakes have to be the same, says Gleba, presenting its original and non-traditional Christmas offering.
With a distinctly different appearance from the usual Bolo-Rei, Gleba’s specialty is naturally leavened (more than 36 hours) and, instead of candied fruit, abuses the quantity of nuts (hazelnuts, pine nuts, walnuts and almonds), as well as candied orange peel, figs and raisins macerated in Port Wine and Bourbon vanilla.
Do you want to try this delicacy? We’ll make sure you do on your next visit to one of the Gleba stores.
Address: see the location of the various stores on the map below
Alcôa Bakery
Pastelaria Alcôa was founded in 1957 in Alcobaça and since 2017 has had a space in Chiado.
It’s true that Alcôa is known for being the paradise of conventual sweets, but the Bolo-Rei from this place won the trophy for “The Best Bolo-Rei in Portugal” in 2015, in the competition organized by the Association of Trade and Industry of Bakery, Pastry and Similar (ACIP).
So we’re talking about a Bolo-Rei that deserves all our attention… and taste buds!
Address: Rua Garrett 37 (Chiado)
Pastelaria Careca
There are people who go to Careca for the croissants, but there are other types of people who go to this pastry shop in Restelo for the Bolo-Rei.
The recipe has been around for more than five decades and some say that the secret lies in the greater amount of nuts and less candied fruit.
Address: Rua Duarte Pacheco Pereira 11D (Restelo)
Versailles Bakery
There are many good reasons to visit Pastelaria Versailles, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.
The space is beautiful, the art nouveau decor is admirable, the pastries are all delicious and the Bolo-Rei has been one of the best in the city for almost a century.
Address: Avenida da República 15A (Saldanha)
Pastelaria Garrett Estoril
The Bolo-Rei from this pastry shop in Estoril is famous not only for its appearance, but also for its taste, thanks to a perfect balance between nuts and candied fruit.
Queues to buy it are also almost inevitable, but it’s worth the trip to Estoril.
Address: Avenida de Nice 54 (Estoril)
ChefPanda
The story of how Chef Panda started is incredible! One of these days we’ll tell you.
For now, get to know the six flavors of King Cakes from this house, which only sells through its online platform: Traditional (€14.99), Chocolate (€22.99), Apple (€19.99), Sweet Egg (€22.99), Scalloped (€16.99) and Premium (€19. 99), each one tastier than the last.
Address: online orders only
