Ribas Marisqueira

Ribas is the seafood restaurant that both locals and visitors agree on. In a town full of fish restaurants, that consensus means something.

The concept is straightforward: fresh fish and shellfish, sourced from Ericeira's own fishing boats, cooked simply and served without unnecessary fuss. Grilled robalo, dourada on the charcoal, giant prawns, clams in garlic - the classics, done as well as they can be done.

The marisqueira tradition is a Portuguese institution - a restaurant that specializes in shellfish and seafood platters. Ribas does this better than anywhere else in the Ericeira area. The seafood platter for two is the signature order, but honestly, you can't go wrong with anything from the grill.

The restaurant is unpretentious - paper tablecloths, fluorescent lighting, no design awards. And that's exactly the point. The money goes into the fish, not the décor. You're here for what's on the plate.

Pricing is mid-range for a marisqueira - fresh shellfish is never cheap in Portugal, but Ribas offers honest value. A full seafood dinner for two with wine will run €50-80 depending on what's fresh.

The restaurant fills up, especially on weekends and in summer. Book ahead or go early (before 8pm for dinner). Don't skip the arroz de marisco if it's available.