Pastelaria Adega

We heard about Pastelaria Adega from friends who raved about their authentic Portuguese pastries, especially the pastéis de nata, so when we were in the San Jose area, we decided to check it out. We just walked in on a whim one afternoon, no reservations or wait needed, and were immediately drawn to the beautiful display case full of fresh-baked goods. It’s a charming spot that brings a slice of Portugal to downtown, and we left with a box of treats to enjoy at home. ATMOSPHERE: This cozy Portuguese bakery has a clean, inviting setup with white tiled walls, a long glass display counter showcasing rows of golden pastries, and an open kitchen where you can see the bakers at work with their oven. It’s compact, fitting maybe 20-30 people if including a few small tables or standing areas, with a casual, bustling vibe during peak hours. The wooden floors and simple decor give it an authentic, unpretentious feel, perfect for a quick grab-and-go or a relaxed coffee break in downtown San Jose. MENU: The focus is on traditional Portuguese baked goods, with stars like pastéis de nata (egg custard tarts) in classic and flavored varieties, croissants (plain, chocolate, almond, ham & cheese), bola de berlim (filled doughnuts), pão de deus (coconut brioche), and savory options like chouriço bread, steak or pork sandwiches, and grilled ham & cheese on sourdough. They also offer gluten-free rice flour muffins and a selection of coffee and tea. Everything is made in limited quantities daily, so flavors and availability can vary. FOOD: Assorted Pastéis de Nata We couldn’t resist grabbing a mix of these iconic egg custard tarts in various flavors: classic plain, blueberry, chocolate, passionfruit, strawberry, and lemon. Each one had a flaky, buttery pastry shell with a creamy, not-too-sweet custard that’s torched to perfection on top for that signature caramelized finish. The flavored ones added a fun twist: the blueberry had a jammy burst, the passionfruit was tangy and tropical, and the strawberry brought a fresh fruitiness without overpowering the base. They were all served fresh and warmish from the display, making them addictive,easily some of the best we’ve had outside Portugal. Highly recommended as a sampler box for sharing. Bola de Berlim These Portuguese doughnuts were pillowy soft, lightly fried, and dusted with sugar, with options for egg cream filling. We got a couple filled ones that were generously stuffed, offering a rich, custardy center that paired perfectly with the fluffy dough. Not overly greasy or heavy, they had just the right amount of sweetness and were a great complement to the tarts. If you’re a doughnut fan, these are a must-try for their authentic texture and flavor. SERVICE: No reservations needed, and we were helped right away on a weekday afternoon. The staff were super friendly and patient, explaining the flavors and recommending the daily specials based on what we liked. Our order came out quickly, well-packaged for takeout. TIPS: Check their hours: they’re only open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and items sell out fast, especially the flavored pastéis de nata. Arrive early for the best selection, and ask about gluten-free options if needed. Parking on Santa Clara Street can be street-only, so plan for that in downtown. The menu at the counter has more details than any outside signage. OVERALL: Was it worth the visit? Absolutely. Pastelaria Adega nails the authentic Portuguese bakery experience with standout pastries that are fresh, flavorful, and transportive. We’ll be back for more tarts and to try the savory side next time.

The most delicious bread I have ever had! Their bread loafs are so yum. It is hearty and delicious. It is quite different than even the best breads you can get in the supermarket. The service is a bit slow, but friendly. Just expect to wait a few mins in line even. I also had a mocha. Honestly, it was mediocre. Would just walk to Voyager to get a coffee instead. One polite request I have is for them to write their allergens on the display. I have an ick against eggs, so I avoid them. Many places can make the almond and chocolate croissants without the egg wash, can y'all please try making these without eggs an see if it is still up to your standards? There are quite a few people who can have dairy and gluten, but not eggs. I would be immensely grateful if you would just give it a try and make some croissants without eggs. The inside might be cramped but was perfectly clean and inviting for a business in that part of DTSJ.