The pastel de nata traces back to monks at a monastery in Lisbon, who reportedly used leftover egg yolks after starching their habits with egg whites. That thrifty trick gave the world a custard tart with a shatter-crisp shell and a scorched, freckled top.
I love that a laundry problem turned into a dessert.
New Jersey takes that little tart seriously. Some bakeries here open at 4 in the morning, and one sells its natas by the dozen.
A few pair them with galão, the milky Portuguese coffee served in a tall glass.
The tricky part is ordering just one. The tarts are small and easy to justify, and somebody at home will definitely ask what you brought back.
So I rounded up the bakeries where a single custard cup quietly becomes a whole box. Eleven made the list, and each one has its own reason to stop.
1. Teixeira’s Bakery
Blue tiles, a bright modern room, and a line that moves toward custard. That’s the scene at Teixeira’s Bakery on Ferry Street in Newark.
The star is the pastel de nata, with a crunchy shell and a smooth egg custard center. Its crispy top gives each bite a little crackle before the filling takes over.
You’ll also spot ovos moles, a sweet egg yolk treat with roots in Portugal. It’s the kind of pastry that makes the box bigger without asking permission.
Savory fans aren’t left out either. Shrimp turnovers, soup, and fresh bread round out the counter, so lunch can sneak in beside dessert.
Seating is limited, so plan on taking your haul to go. Cards are accepted, which helps when one tart turns into a dozen.
Hours run from 5 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week. Weekends tend to bring the biggest crowds, so a weekday visit may feel calmer.
The staff come across as friendly, and the pastries rank among the best Portuguese-style treats in the area. Grab coffee, grab a box, and try to make it home before opening the lid.
Address: 186 Ferry St, Newark, NJ 07105
2. North Avenue Bakery
Most alarm clocks haven’t even buzzed when this Elizabeth bakery flips on the lights. North Avenue Bakery opens at 4:30 AM daily, which feels like a personal favor to early commuters.
The family-owned shop has a true mom-and-pop feel. Its Portuguese custard cups are made fresh throughout the day, so the tray keeps refilling.
That matters, because the tarts are the reason people go out of their way here. Small size, big pull, gone in about three bites.
Want the classic pairing? Order a galão, the tall, milky Portuguese coffee, and let the two do their thing together.
Espresso fans get covered too, and the sandwiches make a solid case for staying past breakfast. The pastry case goes well beyond natas, with plenty of other baked goods made in-house.
Free Wi-Fi helps if you linger, though most visits here run quick. Weekday and Saturday mornings tend to be the busiest stretch, while evenings usually stay quieter.
Hours stretch to 9 PM most nights and 8 PM on Sundays. That leaves plenty of time to circle back for a second box.
Address: 1034 North Ave, Elizabeth, NJ 07201
3. Pinho’s Bakery
A deli counter and a nata tray under one roof is a dangerous combination. Pinho’s Bakery in Roselle has both, and it isn’t shy about it.
The family-run shop bakes pastries, breads, and cakes, then hands out sandwiches from the deli side. Lunch and dessert can happen in the same stop.
Its pastéis de nata are the main event for custard lovers. The selection of Portuguese treats runs wide, so the box tends to fill faster than planned.
Need something for a party? Birthday cakes are on the menu, which makes this a handy stop for celebrations big and small.
Prices stay reasonable, and the service has a friendly, considerate reputation. Fresh bread is another reason to grab a bag on the way out.
Plan around the schedule, because Mondays are closed. Tuesday through Saturday runs 5 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday wraps up at 3 PM.
Weekend mornings bring the biggest rush, while weekday evenings stay calmer. A free parking lot makes the quick visit even quicker.
Delivery is available too, in case the craving hits mid-afternoon. Still, picking it up yourself means you choose your own pastries.
Address: 1027 Chestnut St, Roselle, NJ 07203
4. Carvalho’s Bakery
Thirty years of baking experience is a lot of custard. The baker at Carvalho’s Bakery started learning the craft in Portugal and brought that know-how to South River.
The shop calls itself a small but committed family business. You’ll find Portuguese pastries and bread made fresh, along with homemade meals.
That meals part is a nice twist. A quick pastry run can turn into a takeout dinner plan without much arm-twisting.
Curbside pickup is available, which is handy when the kids are buckled in. There’s also a free parking lot, so the stop stays easy.
Hours shift through the week, so check before you go. Monday closes at noon, Tuesday through Friday runs until 7 PM, and weekends wrap up in the early afternoon.
Sunday mornings tend to get busy, along with midweek mornings. Free Wi-Fi and a gender-neutral restroom add a little comfort if you stay to eat.
South River sits in Middlesex County, a bit away from the bigger Portuguese hubs up north. That makes a place like this feel like a lucky find for central New Jersey sweet tooths.
Address: 148 Whitehead Ave, South River, NJ 08882
5. Pão Da Casa
Pão da Casa translates loosely to house bread, and the name fits. This Union bakery stocks a solid assortment of Portuguese breads and desserts.
The pastéis de nata get special attention here. Expect a flaky crust and a custard that leans less sweet, which is great news for anyone planning to eat three.
Empanadas share the spotlight, giving you a savory option to balance the sugar. The shop keeps things affordable, so filling a box won’t sting much.
Coffee is a highlight, and the latte has earned some serious praise. Pair one with a nata and you’ve got a breakfast that feels like a small vacation.
Weekdays open at 5 AM, while weekends start at 7 AM. Doors close at 4 PM daily, so this is a morning or early afternoon mission.
Delivery is available if you can’t break away. Street parking nearby is paid, so keep a few coins or a parking app handy.
Stuyvesant Avenue is a busy stretch of Union, and this bakery makes a sweet reason to slow down. One custard cup is the plan, and the plan rarely survives.
Address: 945 Stuyvesant Ave., Union, NJ 07083
6. Dulce’s Bakery
A chorizo pressed croissant breakfast sandwich deserves a moment of respect. It’s one of the stars at Dulce’s Bakery on Kearny Avenue.
Of course, the custard tarts get their own moment. Pastéis de nata sit at the top of the menu highlights, right where they belong.
Kearny has a strong Portuguese and Brazilian community, and this neighborhood shop fits right in. Freshly baked pastries and Portuguese specialties fill out the lineup.
The bakery has a reputation for clean, fresh food and attentive service. That combination makes a quick stop feel easy, even on a busy morning.
Speaking of busy, Friday through Sunday mornings tend to draw the biggest crowds. Weekday afternoons usually run quieter if you want room to browse.
Hours start at 5 AM on weekdays and close at 5 PM Monday through Thursday. Friday through Sunday stretches to 6 PM.
Free Wi-Fi is on hand, and the shop is known as LGBTQ+ friendly. It’s a welcoming place to grab coffee and plot your box strategy.
Pro tip: get the sandwich for now and the natas for later. Your future self will be very grateful.
Address: 164 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 07032
7. Nova Alianca Bakery
Natas by the dozen is a phrase that should come with a warning label. Nova Alianca Bakery sells its pastéis de nata that way, and nobody’s complaining.
Down Ferry Street in Newark’s Ironbound, this shop doubles as a lunch stop. A hot buffet offers fresh fish, steaks, and salads, which is not what most bakeries are doing.
Breakfast gets its due, too. Ham and cheese butter croissants and hearty sandwiches make strong cases for an early visit.
The pastry case covers a wide variety of Portuguese treats. Custard tarts lead the way, but they have plenty of company.
The staff are known for being friendly, and the room carries an upbeat feel. It’s the kind of spot where a quick coffee can stretch into lunch.
Doors open at 5 AM Monday through Saturday and 6 AM on Sunday. Closing time is 7 PM, so after-dinner dessert runs are possible.
Weekday afternoons tend to get busy. Delivery is an option if you’d rather the box come to you.
Two Ferry Street bakeries on one list? In Newark, that just feels about right.
Address: 121 Ferry St # A, Newark, NJ 07105
8. Neptune Bakery & Deli
Portuguese custard cups and Philippine pastries in the same case? Neptune Bakery & Deli in Jersey City makes that mash-up look easy.
The custard cups are the signature item. Expect a flaky crust and smooth custard, landing a touch sweeter than many Newark versions.
They’ve earned praise as some of the best custard cups outside Portugal. That’s bold talk for a spot on Kennedy Boulevard, and the tarts back it up.
Beyond the tarts, you’ll find turnovers, cakes, and a wide spread of Philippine baked goods. The deli side handles sandwiches, including a classic bacon, egg, and cheese.
Coffee here gets high marks, and service tends to move fast. Prices stay friendly, which makes adding just one more pastry dangerously easy.
Hours run from 5 AM to 8:30 PM, seven days a week. There’s no restroom, so plan accordingly before the drive home.
Free street parking helps, and delivery is available too. The bakery is also known as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.
Jersey City proves the nata trail doesn’t end in the Ironbound. Bring an extra tote.
Address: 1612 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07305
9. Canela Bakery
Four in the morning is when Canela Bakery gets rolling on weekdays. That’s dedication, and it shows in the custard.
The Newark shop specializes in pastéis de nata, with its Original Pastel de Nata leading the menu. The crust bakes up flaky, and the custard stays rich and creamy.
Canela means cinnamon in Portuguese, a nod to the classic dusting many people add to their natas. Sprinkle some on and you’re eating it the way plenty of Lisbon locals do.
A friendly owner runs the show, and that personal touch matters. It’s an easy pick for a daily coffee stop, especially with Portuguese desserts sitting right there.
Wilson Avenue sits in the Ironbound, a short hop from the busier Ferry Street strip. Free street parking makes the stop simple.
Timing matters here. Weekdays wrap up at 2 PM, Saturday runs 5 AM to 2 PM, and Sundays are closed.
The busiest stretches come in the very early hours, before most of the city wakes up. Delivery is available if you can’t make the dawn run.
Small shop, big focus. Consider this your official excuse to order a dozen.
Address: 180 Wilson Ave, Newark, NJ 07105
10. Flavors of Portugal Cafe
Route 22 in Hunterdon County isn’t where most people go hunting for natas. Flavors of Portugal Cafe in White House Station makes a strong case for changing that.
The café serves authentic Portuguese pastries alongside hearty breakfast and lunch sandwiches. Its pastéis de nata come out flaky with a creamy center that isn’t overly sweet.
Coffee here earns real praise, and desserts are a highlight. Baked goods carry a clear Portuguese flair, which makes the box-building process a pleasure.
There’s a back lounge for lingering over a pastry and a cup. The mood stays casual and quiet, and it works well for solo visits or laptop time.
Families get a nod too, since the café is good for kids. Reservations are accepted, which is handy for a small group breakfast.
Parking is easy, with a free lot on site. Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, 8 AM to 4 PM, with Monday and Tuesday closed.
This is the farthest-west stop on the list, out in the rolling stretch of central Jersey. It’s proof that Portuguese baking travels well beyond the Ironbound.
Address: 422 US-22, White House Station, NJ 08889
11. O Pão Quente D’ Avenida
O Pão Quente translates to the hot bread, and the name sets expectations nicely. This Kearny Avenue bakery opens at 4 AM, so that bread has a serious head start.
Fresh loaves are the backbone here, along with sandwiches and desserts. Custard cups hold their own in the case and rank as a favorite.
Breakfast leans proudly Portuguese. Order a tosta mista, the pressed ham and cheese sandwich, with a galão on the side.
Soup shows up too, the comforting kind that suits a chilly morning. Portuguese soft cake pastries offer a gentler option if custard isn’t your thing.
The setup feels like a little luncheonette, simple and focused. Bread and butter to go is a classic move for later in the day.
Plan an early visit, because hours run 4 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Saturday. Sunday closes at 1 PM.
Takeout is the way to go, and there’s no delivery. Weekend mornings and Wednesday mornings tend to be busiest.
Two Kearny stops on one list is a sign this New Jersey town knows its pastry. Finish the tour here, and let the box ride shotgun home.
Address: 244 Kearny Ave, Kearny, NJ 07032
