Ginjinha da Ribeira — Restaurant in Lisbon

Ginjinha da Ribeira – Of All the Ginjinha Joints in All the Towns … We Had to Walk Into This One

On our way past Time Out Market, heading toward the metro and trying not to get distracted (famous last words), we spotted the bright signage of Ginjinha da Ribeira. And like that line from Casablanca “Of all the ginjinha joints in all the towns…” we had to stop. For science. For comparison. For cherry-based research.

I ordered a tot of ginjinha for €1.60, served in a dark chocolate shot glass that immediately elevated the experience from street sip to dessert drama. No cherries this time - they wouldn’t fit in the tiny chocolate chalice - but the liqueur was thinner, less herbal, and more of a straight-up alcohol hit. Not bad, just different. A leaner, meaner cousin to the syrupy versions we’d tried before.

We grabbed one of the convenient pavement tables, did a bit of people-watching, and watched the late dinner crowd trickle into Time Out like moths to a flame. The chocolate paired surprisingly well with the ginjinha - bittersweet meets sour cherry, a combo that somehow works even when logic says it shouldn’t.

Verdict: Ginjinha da Ribeira is a quick, quirky stop for those who like their liqueur with a twist - less herbal, more punch, and served in edible glassware. Recommended for curious sippers, chocolate lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good detour on the way...

Really disappointed with the service here and felt pretty unwelcome. I sat down at a table to read the menu and got shouted at, not sure what was said as I don’t speak much Portuguese but understood enough that I needed to order at the bar - which is fine! But as a solo traveller I didn’t feel comfortable leaving my bag at the table and as I went to the bar, the waitress let someone else sit where I had been previously sitting (there were now no tables left). The lady that served me was very blunt to me as well. I didn’t feel welcome at all.

Having said that, the Ginjinha cocktail that I had was very delicious and refreshing. A real shame about the atmosphere...

I am utterly appalled and disappointed by the treatment I received at Ginja de Óbidos Ginjinha da Ribeira. As a foreigner, I was excited to experience the local culture and hospitality. However, the lady behind the counter was incredibly rude. She insultingly referred to me using a derogatory term in Portuguese to her colleague, mistakenly assuming I would not understand. Such behavior is unacceptable and completely ruins the reputation of what should be a welcoming establishment. I cannot recommend this place to anyone, especially tourists, if this is how they choose to treat their guests. A...