Tabelog ratingNata de Cristiano's (ナタ・デ・クリスチアノ) is a small, unassuming takeaway counter in the quiet Tomigaya district that has earned a city-wide reputation for one thing: Portuguese egg tarts, or Pastel de Nata. Located a short walk from Yoyogi Park, it’s a popular stop for locals and visitors looking for a high-quality sweet treat.
The magic is in the texture. Reviewers consistently praise the defining contrast between the pastry and the filling. The crust is made of countless paper-thin layers of puff pastry, baked at high heat until shatteringly crisp and golden-brown. This holds a generous amount of rich, creamy custard that is sweet but never cloying. While the Pastel de Nata is the main event, the savoury chicken pie (Empada de Frango) and the dense, sweet Sintra cheese tart (Queijada de Sintra) also receive high marks. Many customers buy a few pastries to enjoy on the benches outside or in nearby Yoyogi Park.
The shop's popularity comes with a significant drawback: the wait. Nata de Cristiano's serves only one group at a time, a process that can take several minutes per customer. Even a short-looking line can translate into a wait of 30 to 90 minutes, especially on weekends. A few visitors find the tarts a bit small for the price or feel the experience isn't worth the long queue if you're on a tight schedule.
Despite the potential wait, most consider it excellent value. Reviewers in recent years paid around ¥300 for a Pastel de Nata, ¥270 for a Queijada de Sintra, and ¥310 for an Empada de Frango, with a typical total spend under ¥1,000.
- Booking: Walk-ins are standard, but expect to queue. Reservations are not required for small purchases.
- Getting There: It's a 3-minute walk from Yoyogi Park Station (Chiyoda Line, Exit 2) or a 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line, South Exit).
- Payment: Accepts credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (including Suica), and QR code payments.
- Seating: Primarily a takeaway shop. There are a few small benches on the terrace outside, but no indoor seating.
- Practical Info: Items can sell out by mid-afternoon, so visiting earlier in the day is recommended. The shop is pet- and child-friendly.
- Parking: No dedicated parking, but paid coin parking is available nearby.
