Lisbon's Seafood Showdown: Ramiro vs. Nunes Real

Having lived in Lisbon for a decade and tried countless seafood spots, here’s my take on two iconic restaurants: 📝 Context 1⃣️ Nunes Real: Touted as Lisbon’s "ultimate seafood destination" in recent years. My last visit in 2020 during the pandemic left me unimpressed (their seafood rice was oddly sweet). Gave it another shot this week. 2⃣️ Ramiro: The legendary queue-heavy spot. Skipped it for years due to crowds, but finally revisited yesterday—no wait! 🍽️ Price & Menu Comparison Ramiro (€90.75 total) Nunes Real (€96.32 total) 2x garlic butter toast (€3.9/plate) 1x garlic butter toast (€2.4/plate) Garlic clams (€14.49) Garlic clams (€26) 4x sea urchins (€3.41/each) 2x sea urchins (€10/each) Whole live spider crab (€43.39) Spider crab paste (no legs, €22) White wine (€8.02) Dessert (€9.5) + 2x coffee (€4.2) Sparkling water (€3.31) Sparkling water (€5.5) + service fee (€6.72) Verdict: Ramiro wins on value—Nunes charges 5x more for crab paste than the market price! 🦀 Dish Highlights Ramiro Live Spider Crab: Freshly caught from the tank, sweet and succulent (though the crab roe sauce was slightly fishy). Garlic Bread: Rich, buttery, and addictive. Vibe: Bustling, no-frills, with live seafood tossed straight into the kitchen. Crowd mix: 50% locals, 20% Chinese, 20% Americans, 10% others. Nunes Real Crab Paste: Loaded with mayo but showcases shredded crab meat. Clams: Perfectly sweet and tender. Ambience: Luxe, modern, and serene—ideal for a leisurely dinner. 🌟 Service & Atmosphere Ramiro Nunes Real Fast-paced, humorous staff Michelin-esque hospitality Cramped but lively Spacious, quiet, and polished ✅ Final Take Choose Ramiro if you want fresh seafood, hearty portions, and a lively local vibe. Choose Nunes for a fancy ambiance and don’t mind paying a premium. 💡 Local Secret The same spider crab costs €35/kg at Mercado do Peixe but €195/kg at Nunes! Pro tip: Buy from the market and boil it yourself—it’s foolproof! #EatLikeALocal #PortugalEats #LisbonFoodGuide #SeafoodLovers #TravelHacks #HiddenGems #PortugalLife #FoodieReview