It’s rare for a restaurant that tops almost every international “must-visit” list to live up to the hype, but every single time we visit Lisbon, we go to Cervejaria Ramiro. Sometimes twice in a single week.
Not only does Ramiro serve some of the freshest, most expertly cooked shellfish in Portugal, but it is a true Lisbon institution. We first visited back in 2012 inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s classic No Reservations episode—and accidentally ended up sitting at the exact same table he did. In the years since, we have returned dozens of times across every season.
Below is our tested review of the Cervejaria Ramiro menu, what dishes are worth the splurge, how the reservation system works, and our favorite tips for dining like a local.
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Quick Facts: Cervejaria Ramiro Lisboa
| Detail | What to Know |
| Address | Av. Almirante Reis 1-H, 1150-007 Lisboa (Intendente / Martim Moniz) |
| Nearest Metro | Intendente (Green Line) – a 2-minute walk |
| Hours | Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM to Midnight (Closed Mondays) |
| Reservations | Recommended via their official website (€25/person deposit credited to the bill) |
| Average Cost | €40 – €60 per person with beer/wine; higher if indulging in large scarlet prawns or crab |
| Signature Orders | Sapateira (crab dip), Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (garlic clams), Gamba Tigre (giant prawn), and Prego (steak sandwich for dessert) |
Table of Contents
Why Cervejaria Ramiro Lisbon?
We often looked to Anthony Bourdain for inspiration on what to eat and where to eat when traveling. That’s how we first learned of Cervejaria Ramiro Lisbon from an old episode of No Reservations. We visited O Ramiro during our first trip to Lisbon back in 2012.
I felt like we ate everything on the menu. Our server even told us we were sitting where Bourdain sat. I figured he says that sort of thing to every diner at O Ramiro Lisbon.
But, after an amazing seafood dinner, we watched the No Reservations episode again, and in fact, we did sit at Bourdain’s table.
We did our best to copy his experience. And with this restaurant Ramiro advice, you can too. But, what is Cervejaria Ramiro anyway?
At its most basic, cervejaria in Portuguese is really a beer bar. They generally serve beer on tap along with various foods.
Ramiro is also known as Marisqueria Ramiro or a seafood restaurant. It’s a no-frills seafood and beer bar. Totally casual and not in the least bit pretentious.
That said, we love Ramiro and often find ourselves eating there more than once during each visit. Without a doubt, it has some of the best food in Lisbon.
Traveling to Portugal? Check out our comprehensive Portuguese Food Guide, with a list of the 28 traditional Portuguese dishes you must try!
How Reservations Work at Cervejaria Ramiro
Cervejaria Ramiro accepts online reservations via their website with a €25-per-person deposit that is credited directly toward your final bill.
For years, Ramiro was walk-in only, meaning you had to arrive early or wait on the sidewalk (often with a €2 draft beer from their coin-operated machine). While you can still walk in and pull a paper queue ticket, booking online is strongly advised.
We were shocked when we learend Ramiro started to take reservations. I think for us, early on, it was quaint waiting with the locals crowding the front stoop. We got to know the manager’s face over the years. A few times he brought us out a small free beer while we waited. It was part of the charm. Alas, I am sure they got too busy to manage it, but it does make it easier for visitors to plan a day around a meal at Ramiro.
When you arrive with a reservation, check in with the host at the entrance. The dining area spans multiple floors, but we always prefer the energy of the bustling ground-floor dining room with its white butcher paper tables and clattering seafood platters.
Cervejaria Ramiro Menu Price
Most of the Cervejaria Ramiro menu is priced per kilogram. That is always a stress for me. First, because I am not as used to kilograms as pounds.
Second, I never know how to order. Most of the servers do speak a little English, so feel free to ask for advice on how much to order.
A meal for two, with beer, will most likely range between €75-100. Yes, it’s a splurge, but Ramiro Restaurant Lisbon offers some of the best quality seafood in Lisbon. And, I trust them and their reputation.
There are other seafood restaurants in Lisbon, particularly ones closer to the water that perhaps are more touristy, where I feel like they are out to gauge tourists.
Although Ramiro’s menu is priced the same, I’ve never felt overcharged or cheated in any way.
I’ve always walked out happy, a little more pleasantly plump, and happy with what we’ve spent. Included below are a rough estimate of how much each dish would cost for two people, but it depends on the market price and how much you order.
What to Order at Cervejaria Ramiro Lisboa
Price: A decent meal for 2 with beers is approximately €75; Pricier items include the giant prawns (order 1 prawn for 2 people, and each person gets one half. Trust me.). A bottle of Portuguese wine costs between €13-15 a bottle.
Eric and I love Cervejaria Ramiro. We love the feel of the place . . . noisy, always busy. I love the white paper over the tablecloths. We love the servers, always rushing around, but willing to take time to joke. I love how the traditional dessert is a steak sandwich.
It’s hard to put together a must-eat list for Ramiro because there is so much on the Ramiro menu that is great.
If you can go with a few friends, it might be better to be able to taste everything. But, to get started, here are some of our favorites.
I tried to add the Portuguese word to help if you visit other seafood restaurants in Lisbon. But, the Ramiro menu is on an iPad that comes in several languages. No need to worry about language at Ramiro.
Sapateira Recheada (Dressed Brown Crab)
Sapateira recheada is a chilled whole brown crab whose shell is packed with a creamy, rich dip made from crab meat, roe, beer, and mustard, served with warm buttered toast.
Pricing: Sold by the kilogram (typically €20 – €30 depending on size).
Cervejaria Ramiro prepares the crab in a way that is probably unique to many Americans. They take all of the good stuff in the “head” of the crab: roe, the green bits, and all, and mix it together to form a dip for the crab.
It is served with bread for the crab dip. The dip was fresh and creamy. And, the crab, in particular, the claws, were fresh and delicious.
I sometimes have a seafood intolerance to crab, but I didn’t care. I ate the Cervejaria Ramiro crab with abandon!
That said, during our last visit I jealously watched others enjoying their crab but I was afraid of my allergy and avoided it this trip.
Gambas al Ajillo (Sizzling Garlic Shrimp)
Gambas al ajillo are plump shrimp served bubbling in a terracotta dish of olive oil, sliced garlic, and mild piri-piri chili pepper.
Pricing: Fixed menu price (around €12 – €14 per plate).
One of the more common dishes at seafood restaurants in all of Portugal, and even in Spain, is garlic shrimp. They generally come to the table sizzling in olive oil, garlic, and a little chili pepper.
Yes, it’s possible to find these everywhere in Lisbon, but the ones at Ramiro are always perfectly prepared.
The Portuguese version includes a little bit of chili pepper and the garlic is always perfectly browned and perfect to slather on some fresh, warm bread.
We order these every visit, in particular, to sop up the garlic oil.
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (Clams in White Wine & Garlic)
Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato is a classic Portuguese dish of sweet clams steamed in olive oil, garlic, dry white wine, and fresh cilantro.
Pricing: Fixed menu price (around €13 – €16 per order).
Another one of my favorites across all of Portugal and Spain. Small clams sauteed in olive oil and probably butter as well, loaded with fresh garlic. Also good with fresh bread to sop up the sauce.
I will note, if budget is a concern, order the garlic shrimp and clams with garlic, which is both good value dishes at a set price. There is no worry about the price per kilogram.
Gambas Tigre (Giant Tiger Prawns)
Giant tiger prawns are split down the center, butterflied, and grilled simply with melted butter and sea salt.
Pricing: Priced by weight / market price (typically €25 – €40 for two to three large prawns).
Giant tiger prawns have to be one of the dishes that Restaurant Ramiro Lisbon is known for. They are grilled simply and drizzled with butter. They are always cooked to perfection and easy to eat.
When ordering the tiger prawn, one prawn might be enough for two people. We ordered two prawns on one visit (as seen above) and because we ordered so much food, it was a bit much. We have also ordered three on gluttonous days!
This is one time when it is okay to ask about how many kilograms is one prawn and decide whether one or two is best for two people.
Carabineiros (Scarlet Prawns)
Carabineiros are deep-red, wild Atlantic prawns celebrated for their tender, sweet tail meat and intensely flavorful, rich head juices.
Pricing: Priced by weight (similar to the giant tiger prawns).
We normally order the giant tiger prawns, but this time we tried the Scarlet Prawns, which are similar to the Palamos prawns we have where we live in the Costa Brava.
Ramiro serves them sprinkled with a little rock salt. They are a little messier to eat, but there is a sink in the dining room if needed (the sign of a good seafood restaurant).
The meat is tender and juicy with a unique flavor that I couldn’t quite place. They are almost a little smoky, while still tasting sweet. The meat of the prawn is slightly pink in color too.
Either suck out all the goodness in the head of the prawn (the tomalley) or dump it out onto the plate and soak it up with some bread. Average cost: It’s about the same as the giant tiger prawns, where two scarlet prawns cost about €25.
What Else to Order at Restaurante O Ramiro Lisbon
For two people, I would recommend the garlic shrimp, garlic prawns, and either the giant tiger prawns or scarlet prawns.
If you can eat (like we can) maybe add the crab, which normally comes as a starter. But, Cervejaria Ramiro Lisboa has a pretty extensive menu of simply prepared fresh seafood and other dishes.
If you want a break from seafood, how about a little presunto to start the meal, a cured ham similar to Jamon?
As for other Portuguese dishes, try the percebes or goose barnacles, something you have to try at least once. They also offer razor clams on the menu, but they didn’t have any during our last visit.
Dessert at Ramiro: The Prego & The Lemon Vodka Granita
The Famous Steak Sandwich (Prego no Pão)
A prego no pão is a thin, garlicky beefsteak sandwich served warm on a soft crusty roll with yellow mustard, famously eaten at Ramiro as the savory “dessert.”
At the end of an elaborate shellfish feast, stuffed to the gills, we always do what the locals do: order a prego. Finishing a seafood meal with a steak sandwich is an iconic Lisbon tradition we first watched on Bourdain, and it is 100% genuine.
The steak is seared fast in garlic butter so it stays juicy and tender, tucked into a warm, soft white roll. We like to order one prego and have the kitchen cut it in half to split.
The Secret Refreshment: Lemon Vodka Granita
The lemon granita with vodka is a tart, icy slush served in a glass that cuts through the rich butter and garlic of the meal.
During one of our visits—probably our dozenth trip to Ramiro on a sweltering July afternoon—we were nursing our post-prego food coma when we spotted a couple at the table next to us sipping on tall, frosty glasses filled with shaved ice.
We immediately asked our server about it and ordered one: a bracing, house-made lemon granita topped with a pour of ice-cold vodka. It was delightfully slushy, tart, and boozy—the ultimate palate cleanser on a hot summer day in Lisbon. If you are dining here during the summer, make sure to ask your server for one alongside (or right after) your prego!
How Has Cervejaria Ramiro Changed Over Time?
When we first visited Ramiro, it was a simple facade with a small overhang.
There were people waiting outside and the host brought us a few beers while waiting (as can be seen in the dark photo above). It was all very casual and chill.
As Ramiro increases in popularity, they’ve made changes over the years. As of 2019, Ramiro had a large enclosed patio area for waiting.
The best part? There was an automatic beer dispenser. We brought a few €2 coins to enjoy the wait a little more.
During the pandemic, they needed to shut down the beer machine (a sad day in the history of Portuguese beverages). They also built the outdoor patio into outdoor seating to offer dining during lockdowns. Things have opened back up again!
Where to Stay in Lisbon for Food Lovers
Whether you are staying for a weekend of petiscos crawls or settling in for a week-long culinary exploration, choosing the right neighborhood is essential. Here are our top accommodation recommendations in Lisbon:
- Apartments & Extended Stays (Best for Longer Trips): When staying a week or more, booking a serviced apartment gives you extra space and a kitchen for market finds. We recommend Lisbon Serviced Apartments – Baixa Castelo for easy access to tascas and bakeries. (Browse all Lisbon Apartments on Booking.com)
- Luxury & Grand Stays: For five-star service and refined dining, the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is an iconic classic overlooking Eduardo VII Park (check out their rooftop running track!). For a quieter luxury base just off the grand boulevard, PortoBay Liberdade offers a superb rooftop and indoor pool, while the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa provides reliable comfort near Saldanha.
- Central Mid-Range Boutique: My Story Hotel Tejo offers stylish, comfortable rooms in the heart of historic Baixa, placing you steps from traditional pastelarias and tram lines.
- Riverside & Food Market Base: Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel sits right by Cais do Sodré, placing you a two-minute walk from Time Out Market and the seafood tascas along the Tagus River.
- Browse All Options: Check current rates and availability for all Lisbon hotels on Booking.com.
Why do we Keep Returning to Cervejaria Ramiro Lisbon?
Why do I keep going back to O Ramiro? In my opinion, Cervejaria Ramiro is the best place for seafood in Lisbon. Plain and simple.
I have worried over the years about it getting too popular. And, I’ve worried about the quality. That said, it’s always one of the best meals we eat in Lisbon.
Reason 1
We’ve eaten at seafood restaurants around Lisbon, particularly in August when Ramiro is closed, and the seafood is never as good.
I’ve eaten garlic shrimp that was awful. It was clear the shrimp had been frozen. They were soft. Yuck. If only Cervejaria Ramiro had been open.
Most of the garlic shrimp I had, not only in Lisbon but in Portugal, were about the same. So disappointing.
But, Cervejaria Ramiro has some of the best garlic shrimp I’ve ever tasted. The shrimp are fresh, the garlic bits crispy, and the resulting sauce perfect to sop up with fresh bread. It’s that simple.
Reason number 1 that Cervejaria Ramiro is the best: Their garlic shrimp.
Reason 2
When eating in Lisbon, I asked some of our foodie experts for alternatives to Cervejaria Ramiro. It’s always packed, there’s always a wait.
And, I often get the feeling that the popularity is growing among tourists because of Anthony Bourdain (or, readers of this food and travel blog of course). We wanted an alternative. I asked two foodie friends who recommend Pinoquio, which translates to Pinnochio.
I was hesitant. Every time we walked by it just seemed overpriced and over-touristed. Our friends could not possibly be wrong, though.
So, we finally, out of desperation on a Sunday when nothing else was open, visited Pinoquio.
First off, Pinoquio is a stone’s throw from the most touristy part of Lisbon, which usually means I would try to avoid it. Strike 1.
Second, I couldn’t understand the menu pricing. Most of the pricing was in kilograms, which always stresses me out because I can never figure out how much we need for two people and how much that will cost (note this is similar at Cervejaria Ramiro, but the servers are always willing to help).
The one dish that was not priced in kilograms was another of our favorites, clams with garlic. I looked at the price. It was three times as expensive as the same dish at Cervejaria Ramiro. Strike 2.
While trying to get a table, a server told us to sit down at a dirty table. It took forever for it to be cleaned.
So, while sitting and reading the menu of overpriced seafood dishes, I stared at the remnants of someone else’s meal, while surrounded by tourists. We got up. We left. I just didn’t want to deal. Strike 3 against Pinoquio.
Reason number 2 why Cervejaria Ramiro is the best: It’s a good value.
Reason 3
People recommended other seafood restaurants in Lisbon when we asked for advice. But, none of them were, in fact, in Lisbon.
There are some nearby fishing villages that are popular for seafood. Without a car, though, they are a pain to get to.
Reason number 3 why Cervejaria Ramiro is the best: It’s centrally located, but not in a touristy part of town. I say all of this because I want to make clear that there is a reason why there is so much hype about Cervejaria Ramiro Lisbon – it deserves it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cervejaria Ramiro Lisbon
How much does dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro cost?
A standard meal for two sharing garlic shrimp, clams, bread, and a couple of draft beers typically costs between €60 and €80. If you add heavier items like a whole brown crab, giant tiger prawns, or carabineiros (which are priced by kilogram), expect the total bill for two to range between €100 and €150.
Do you need a reservation for Cervejaria Ramiro?
While reservations are not strictly required, they are highly recommended. You can reserve online through their website by placing a €25 per person deposit, which is deducted directly from your final bill. Walk-ins are accepted via an automated ticketing system at the door, but wait times often exceed 45 to 90 minutes during peak evening hours.
How do you get to Cervejaria Ramiro on the Lisbon Metro?
The easiest way is to take the Green Line to Intendente station. Take the street exit onto Avenida Almirante Reis, and Ramiro is less than a two-minute walk north along the avenue. You can also walk from Martim Moniz in about 7 minutes.
Why do people order a steak sandwich (prego) for dessert at Ramiro?
Eating a prego no pão to close out a seafood meal is a beloved Lisbon tradition. Shellfish digests quickly, and old-school cervejaria diners would order a garlicky beef sandwich at the end to ensure they left completely satisfied.
Is Cervejaria Ramiro open on Mondays?
No. Like many historic seafood restaurants and fish markets in Portugal, Cervejaria Ramiro is closed all day on Monday to ensure they only serve fresh catches. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 PM (noon) to midnight without closing between lunch and dinner. If you can’t get a reservation, stopping by around 3 or 4 pm is a great option.
You mention that they don’t take reservations. Maybe that’s changed recently because they certainly do now
Yes, that’s totally new Diego, and something I updated recently after we visited the restaurant again.
overcharged watch your credit card charges they smile and overcharged you
That’s surprising to hear, Tim. We’ve been to Ramiro dozens of times over the years and never had this happen.